Hey everyone! I'm helping a friend set up a website that's essentially a catalog with a lot of metadata. The data itself is pretty simple, and we're looking to move this website away from its outdated 90s design by implementing a CMS that allows for easier management of the content.
I'm unsure whether I should go with an existing CMS like WordPress or Drupal or create a custom solution using Laravel and PHP. I have a solid coding background, so that's not an issue. My main concerns are about security and user-friendliness, particularly since the end-users (who are not very tech-savvy, think grandparents) need something straightforward to use. Existing CMS options often feel bloated with features that won't be necessary for our use case, which involves just adding, editing, and deleting articles in different categories.
Any advice on whether to stick with an established CMS or try building something simple myself?
5 Answers
Honestly, if you can help it, don't reinvent the wheel. Something like Webflow could be perfect for your needs without the hassle of a custom build. Plus, it's pretty intuitive for those who aren't tech-savvy.
I recommend going with one of the big three: WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal. They all come with robust ecosystems and REST API support. Try experimenting with each and see which one clicks with you. If you both are comfortable coding, Statamic or similar Laravel-based options might be better for your needs.
I've found both WordPress and Drupal can get pretty complicated and aren't the greatest for usability in the long run. If it's a one-off site, a custom CMS might be overkill. Since you've got PHP and Laravel skills, have you checked out Statamic CMS? It’s built on Laravel and is user-friendly with a nice community around it.
You might want to look into the open-source Filament package for Laravel. I haven't used it, but I've heard good things!
Avoid building your own CMS if you can help it. You might find that the free plans for various CMSs could work for you—definitely look into Payload as it's worth considering for your project.
I've always been happy using WordPress. It has tons of plugins, and I like crafting my own functions too. As for security, Wordfence has worked well for me, and it seems to fit your use case perfectly for managing articles. There are fast themes like Astra and OceanWP to help get you started easily.
But WordPress can feel overly bloated and slow for non-techy users. You might want to reconsider.
Statamic looks cool, but the pricing for the pro version is a bit high for me. I was hoping for a cheaper option; any suggestions for alternatives?