Thorough comparison of CMS! Explanation of the benefits of introduction and points to choose

A CMS ( content management system) is useful when creating a homepage or blog , or rebuilding an existing website . In today’s world where digital marketing is becoming mainstream, various CMS are being created.

Recently, it is not uncommon for it to be incorporated as one of the functions in MA (marketing automation), and this background makes me realize once again the high needs (priority when deciding to introduce) from users . On the other hand, there are many services out there, and to be honest, many people may not know which one to choose .

Therefore, this time, we will introduce the points to keep in mind when selecting a CMS and recommended CMS .

Table of contents

1. What is CMS?
2. Advantages of companies introducing CMS
3. Difference between free and paid
4. Comparison of 10 free CMS
5. Comparison of 10 paid CMS
6. Why is CMS needed? What are the challenges you can solve?
7. Five points to be aware of when comparing and selecting a CMS
8. Visualize digital marketing activities by linking with CRM (Customer Relationship Management System)
9. Streamline your marketing with CMS

What is CMS?

CMS is an abbreviation that stands for ” content management system” and means a tool that can manage and update websites . With CMS , you can create and manage websites without specialized knowledge .
This is because you can operate it visually without programming knowledge such as HTML (language that computers can understand) or CSS (language for shaping the document style of web pages ).

For example, even a completely inexperienced person can create an EC site, create a download page for requesting materials, etc., from construction to operation and updating of the site.

Advantages of companies introducing CMS

If you introduce a CMS to your company’s website creation and management , you can get multiple benefits. Here, we will introduce the main benefits of introducing a CMS to a company.

Easily manage your website design

Websites created with CMS are easy to change the design and layout . You can collectively manage header images, global menus, button layouts, etc. using a function called templates .

Also, by creating and editing content from the CMS editor , it is possible to give a sense of uniformity to the decoration of titles and headings. Reduces the risk of formatting and embellishments falling apart depending on who is working on them.

Leads to SEO measures

Depending on the CMS , it is also an advantage that it is equipped with functions that are useful for SEO measures. Creating pages with an easy-to-understand internal structure using CMS leads to high evaluation from search engines .

You can improve the convenience of your website by using functions such as multi- device compatibility and site map creation . If you build a website that is easy for users to use with a CMS , you can expect better ratings from search engines .

Easier account authority management and division of labor

If you create multiple user accounts and introduce a CMS that can manage authority , it is also an advantage that it becomes easier to divide work.

When requesting work from external web designers or writers, giving editing privileges only to the necessary pages can avoid troubles. Also, in the unlikely event that you make a mistake, you can check the history and restore the backup with CMS .

Difference between free and paid

Although the basic functions of free CMS and paid CMS are the same, there are differences in the presence or absence of support and compatibility with external systems.

The main differences between free and paid services that you should know when introducing a CMS are as follows.

Availability of support

Free CMS’s generally don’t come with vendor support. On the other hand, with paid CMS, there are many cases where you can receive human support such as support at the time of introduction and troubleshooting .

If you want full support, a paid CMS is safer. However, even with a free CMS , some support may be available for a fee.

Connectivity with external systems

Paid CMS is characterized by high compatibility with external systems such as databases and customer management systems ( CRM ). There are many CMSs that come standard with functions for linking with various systems , so you can easily link with them.

With free CMS , it is common for cases where cooperation with external systems is not possible, or cases where technology is required.

Strength against server load

Some paid CMS can automatically increase the capacity so that the server does not go down when access is concentrated. For websites that are expected to receive a large number of accesses , safe operation is possible by introducing a paid CMS that is strong against server loads .

Comparison of 10 free CMS

1. WordPress
2. Ameba Ownd
3. Jimdo
4. SOY CMS
5. Baser CMS
6. EC-CUBE
7 concrete5
8. Geeklog
9. Drupal
10. OpenPNE

1.WordPress

The world’s most popular free CMS

 

●Characteristics of WordPress

• Open source CMS used by many people
• Customizable if you know PHP
• Plug-ins can be used to extract data and link with tools

WordPress is a free and open source CMS used by many people around the world . Since it is made in PHP, it is easy to customize if you know HTML and PHP, and it is very popular as a CMS .

In the default state, it is not possible to extract data or link with tools, but by introducing an extended function ” plugin “, it becomes possible. When implementing security measures, it is also necessary to install plug-ins .

● Support

FAQ page , dedicated form

2.Ameba Owned

● Free CMS that can create e-commerce sites in addition to blogs

●Features of Ameba Owned

• wide range of designs
• EC sites and portfolio sites can also be created with templates
• Enhanced access analysis and security functions

Ameba Ownd is a CMS tool provided by CyberAgent and can be used free of charge. Unlike the Ameba blog , it has a wide range of designs and features that can meet many needs.

Not only corporate blogs , but also e-commerce sites, portfolio sites, etc. can be created simply by using templates.
In addition to having its own access analysis function, it can also be linked with Google Analytics, enabling more advanced analysis. In terms of security, since it always supports SSL, it is possible to prevent falsification and leakage of communication data.

● Support

FAQ page , email inquiry

3. Jimdo

● A free CMS that is easy to use and easy to use

 

Features of Jimdo

• You can build a website immediately after registering as a member.
• There are many fashionable designs and the management screen is also visual
• You can also use your own domain

It is a free CMS tool that can be used in Japanese, and you will be able to build a website immediately by registering as a member using your email address .

In the free version, KDDI’s advertising space is included in the footer part, but there are many stylish designs and the management screen is also very visual, so it can be said that it is a CMS tool suitable for individuals who want to start casually . You can also use your

own domain , and if you have a paid plan, you can download messages and affiliate information in CSV format .

Inquiries can be made from the Jimdo management screen or by email, but please be aware that the response time will vary depending on the plan you are subscribed to.

● Support

FAQ site, e-mail, inquiries from the management screen
Support response time: 10: 00-18: 00 (excluding weekends and holidays) Response time varies depending on plan

4. SOY CMS

● Efficient free CMS with only necessary functions

Features of SOY CMS

• provided under an open source license
• Expandable and customizable
• Paid support available

SOY CMS is a CMS provided under an open source license . It is characterized by ease of use, flexibility, and scalability that can be used for any purpose for free.

The main unit is compact, but powerful functions can be easily expanded with the SOY Shop/App, so it is possible to make up for any lacking parts. Another attractive point is that it can be customized independently from the main unit and that version upgrades are easy.

By adding only the necessary functions and removing unnecessary functions, you can meet detailed needs and save time and effort in operation.

Although it is open source, you can receive support from the community, user companies, and developers.

● Support

FAQ site, dedicated form (charged), design and construction assistance, customization estimate (free)

5. Baser CMS

●CakePHP-based free CMS for creators

Features of Baser CMS

• Open source CMS based on CakePHP
• Highly customizable and maintainable
• Settings such as SSL and CSV download of form received contents can be set

Baser CMS is an open source CMS platform based on “CakePHP” . It has the minimum functions such as mail form , blog , and management screen necessary for the homepage .

Since it is provided for creators, it is excellent in customizability and maintainability. Also, if you have experience using “CakePHP”, you can use your skills.

For those who are completely inexperienced, it is difficult to use without learning to some extent, but with the help of creators, updating is easy.

By making the settings yourself, you can encrypt the communication (SSL) and download CSV of the contents received from the installed mail form . Regarding support, inquiries other than technical questions can be made using a dedicated form .

● Support

FAQ page , user manual, dedicated form (no technical questions allowed)

6.EC-CUBE

●Domestic share NO.1! Free CMS specialized for EC sites

●Features of EC-CUBE

• CMS specialized for EC sites
• You can choose between download version and cloud version.
• Additional functionality can be added with plugins

EC-CUBE is a CMS that can build EC sites . Open source software with the No. 1 market share in Japan . It is a CMS
that specializes in the operation and management of EC sites , and you can choose either the download version or the cloud version.

From small to large shops, you can customize the ideal atmosphere and style, and you can smoothly introduce it without detailed knowledge of EC site construction.

There are basic functions that can be opened immediately, and if it is not enough, you can add more than 800 types of plug-ins from the store, and you can add various functions such as support for regular purchases, point functions, and SNS linkage functions.

● Support

FAQ page , question board, e-mail inquiries (no technical questions)

7.concrete5 (concrete five)

● Free CMS with highly customizable design and pages

Features of concrete5

• Web pages can be easily managed and updated on the server
• Highly customizable design and pages
• Paid support service available

concrete5 is CMS made overseas . It is characterized by the ability to easily manage and update web pages on the web server, making it suitable for the operation of highly up – to – date content .

In addition, there is a high degree of freedom in design and page customization, and pages with irregular behavior such as limited-time pages can be easily created.

Basically, technical support is not available, but by using services such as ” application

● Support

・Paid support for application
・Technical support (monthly fee or ticket system)
・Seminar -type training for individual support (200,000 yen)

8.Geeklog

● Free CMS that can implement special functions that run on PHP / MySQL

 

Features of Geeklog

• CMS that runs on PHP/MySQL
• It can be used to create pages with unique designs and special functions.
• Plenty of plugins and security features

Geeklog is a CMS made overseas . It is a CMS that runs on PHP and MySQL and is characterized by its high versatility that can be used for blog creation, portal site , and groupware development. There are many users in Japan, and it is a CMS that is easy to obtain information on how to install and customize.

Although it is more difficult to introduce than CMS , which is characterized by simplicity , it can be used to create pages with unique designs and special functions .

By installing plug-ins , you can add functions such as a data export function in CSV /XML format and a function to display Google Maps in the page .

In addition, security functions are also substantial, and in addition to constant SSL and anti-spam measures, measures such as password encryption and access restrictions are taken.

● Support

FAQ site, question board

9.Drupal

● Free CMS with more than 40,000 function expansion modules

● Features of Drupal

• Open source CMS based on PHP
• Suitable for large-scale site development
• Highly customizable and supports a wide range of tool linkages

Drupal is a CMS based on PHP . It requires a little advanced knowledge for development, but it is suitable for large-scale site development. Because it is open source, you can use it for free.

It features more than 40,000 modules for expanding functions and is highly customizable. It also supports a wide range of tool linkages, and can be linked with various tools such as Sugar CRM , Shopify, Salesforce, Mailchimp, and HubSpot.

10. OpenPNE

● NHK is also available! Free CMS specialized for SNS functions

 

● Features of Open PNE

• It is strong in SNS functions and is used by NHK and educational institutions.
• Can be linked with the ID linkage tool “OpenID”
• Get paid support

OpenPNE has strengths in SNS functions. It is also characterized by being used by NHK and educational institutions. You can use it for free because it is open source.

It has abundant functions and can create not only open SNS but also closed SNS. It is possible to link with “OpenID”, a tool that makes it easy to link IDs with external applications.

In addition, although it is a paid service, the support content is substantial, and you can receive support such as troubleshooting, customization consultation, face-to-face and telephone support.

● Support

・FAQ site, manual
・Plan 24 (264,000 yen/year) Consultation on specifications and problems
・Plan 60 (660,000/year): Consultation on building multiple servers
・Plan 120 (1,320,000/year): Additional functions and customization available
・ Plan VIP (inquiry required): In addition to plan 120 support, face-to-face / telephone consultation is also possible

Comparison of 10 paid CMS

Paid CMS has advantages such as high functionality , compatibility with external systems , and extensive support . Here, we will introduce the features of the main paid CMS .

1. ferret One
2. RCMS
3. SITE PUBLIS 4.
a-blog cms
5. Movable Type
6. BiNDup
7. NOREN (Noren)
8. Sitecore Experience Platform
9. CREAM
10. dino

*Information such as pricing for each CMS was surveyed as of August 17, 2022. Please note that this may change in the future.

1. ferret one

● Paid CMS full of useful functions for marketers

 

Features of ferret One

• Intuitive and easy to set up CTAs and forms
• Abundant features for marketing
• You can use “Tanso Support” to support the execution of marketing measures

This is a CMS provided by Basic Co., Ltd., which operates this media “ferret” .

It is attractive that it can be operated intuitively without coding knowledge, and even if you are using CMS for the first time , you can easily change, add, and publish web pages . Since it is easy to set up CTAs and forms , it can also be used for LP creation.

In addition to content creation , it is also equipped with a wealth of functions that can be used for marketing , such as email distribution, inquiry management, document downloads, and access analysis.

We also support the design and scheduling of marketing measures tailored to each company, as well as the execution of specific measures, through “Tanso Support,” which supports the execution of marketing measures . This CMS is especially recommended for companies that want to produce results in marketing .

It also features compatibility with various tools such as Salesforce, Pardot, Sansan, and Chatwork. Security measures are substantial, and customer information can be managed with peace of mind because it supports constant server monitoring and data backup, as well as constant SSL and IP access restrictions.

●Usage fee

Free plan: × (free demo available)

● Support

・Initial strategy design support, action plan planning
・Function setup, technical support, online operation lecture
・Design production ・Implementation support
・Content creation support
・Regular medical examination support
・Online seminar

There is a demo screen that you can actually operate, so please try it first.

2. RCMS

● Paid CMS that systemizes 90% of the world’s websites

 

●Characteristics of RCMS

• Equipped with more than 250 functions as standard functions
• There are many types such as SaaS version, virtual dedicated server version, server installation version etc.
• Paid options are required for tool linkage

R CMS is a CMS based on the concept that “90% of the websites in the world can be systemized” . Equipped with more than 250 functions as standard functions, it has almost all the functions necessary for a CMS . In addition to corporate sites, we can also build membership sites, bulletin board sites, portal sites , and EC sites.

SaaS version, virtual private server version, server installation version, etc., can be freely selected. It is possible to link with various external tools, but please note that it is necessary to use paid options to link with tools such as Salesforce, kintone, and Synergy!

●Usage fee

*Other options available

● Free plan: ×

● Support

・FAQ site, manual
, email, telephone (11:00-18:30, excluding weekends and holidays) –
・Individual lectures, regular seminars

 

3. (Site Publis)

● Paid CMS that allows you to freely create layouts for each block

 

●Features of SITE PUBLIS

• Web content can be managed by combining blocks
• Ability to consolidate company-wide marketing data
• Additional functionality can be added with plugins

SITE PUBLIS has the advantage of being able to manage web content by combining blocks. Since the page layout can be done freely for each block , there is no need to use original tags and templates, and editing productivity can be improved.

By providing a platform that integrates and manages multiple websites , it is possible to aggregate company-wide marketing data and improve efficiency. By adding various plug-ins , it is possible to add various functions such as CSV export of data and linkage with external tools.

●Usage fee

● Free plan: × (with trial version)

● Support

・FAQ site, manual, support page
・Dedicated form
・Operation explanation video

4. a-blog cms

● Paid CMS that supports multiple devices and can be easily updated

 

Features of a-blog cms

• You can easily update it as if you were writing a blog
• Easy to edit entries as placement can be set for each unit
• Inquiries about operation and customization are possible for a fee

A-blog cms is recommended for those who have created a website but find it difficult to update it . Even if you are not used to updating your website , you can easily update it as if you were writing a blog .

By adopting a unit layout , it is easy to edit entries because the placement can be set for each unit. In addition, you can immediately edit the part you want to edit with the direct editing function.

Because it supports multiple devices , it automatically optimizes the display according to the terminal.

Although it is paid, you can make inquiries about operation and customization through email, face-to-face, video call, etc. However, if it is an inquiry about the introduction, it can be done free of charge.

●Usage fee

● Free plan: 〇

● Support

・Installation support (free)
・Paid email support (22,000 yen / 1 incident)
・Face-to-face support (3,300 yen / 1 hour)
・Online video call support (advance reservation: 5,500 yen / 1 hour, same-day reservation: 8,800 yen / 1 hour) )
・Annual technical support (corporation: 110,000 yen/year, individual: 55,000 yen/year)
・Technical training program (from 33,000 yen)

5.Movable Type

● Paid CMS for easy content creation and updating

●Features of Movable Type

• Often used for blogging
• For business use, there is a fee and a license must be purchased.
• Various data can be linked to other platforms with the “Data API” function

Movable Type is a CMS that is often used in blogging . The appeal is that you can easily create and update content without having to learn difficult operation methods. You can customize it to your liking because it is easy to use and you can extend its functions by using plug-ins . It can be used free of charge for personal use such as a hobby blog , but for business use it is charged and a license must be purchased.

In addition, by using a function called “Data API”, various data such as contents and user information managed by the system can be easily linked to other platforms.

●Usage fee

*Other licenses and discounts available

Free plan: 〇 (personal use only)

● Support

・Dedicated form (weekdays: 10:00 to 17:00)
・FAQ site
・Installation support
・Technical support

6. BiNDup

● Paid CMS that can be used for marketing and access analysis

 

●Features of BiNDup

• A variety of well-designed templates are available
• You can quickly create a smartphone-friendly website
• Support for web fonts , slideshows, and functions for creating image parts such as buttons

It is a tool that allows you to create the website you want using templates with excellent design even if you do not have technical knowledge such as HTML .
Templates of various genres are available, so it can be used regardless of the industry.

There are also templates that support responsive design, so you can quickly create a website that is compatible with smartphones.

In addition, since it is fully equipped with functions such as Web font support and the creation of image parts such as slide shows and buttons, it is possible to create expressive and impactful content .

If you use the “smart mode”, you can create a homepage immediately just by entering text and photos on the posting form type screen.

It can be used not only for Google Analytics but also for Google Search Console , so it can be used for marketing and access analysis.

●Usage fee

Free plan: 〇 (Free for the first year only)

● Support

・FAQ site, manual
・Exclusive form

7. NOREN

● Paid CMS that allows continuous follow-up even after launch

 

●Features of NOREN

• Static-based CMS with rich basic functions
• Maintains a high annual maintenance continuation rate of 96% or more
• Continuous follow-up even after launch

NOREN is a static based CMS .

In addition to the well-developed basic functions, it has three features: “trust and achievement building partner”, “high learning efficiency”, and “highly satisfying support and training”.

In addition, the annual maintenance continuation rate maintains a high figure of 96% or more, indicating that it is easy to use for a long time. Since we will continue to follow up even after the launch, it is possible to immediately discover operational issues and lead to improvements.

There is a permanent support center where you can set up the tool and make technical inquiries, and we also provide training to teach you how to use it.

●Usage fee

Low budget, small start with a small number of people Project total budget 10 million yen ~

● Free plan: × (demo version available)

● Support

・Support center (email/telephone)
・Educational seminars

8.Sitecore Experience Platform

● Paid CMS with 24-hour monitoring and excellent security

Features of Sitecore Experience Platform

• Broadcast to multiple channels on one platform
• Multi-site & multi-language content management to connect with customers around the world
• Confidently understand your audience with centralized data

Sitecore Experience Platform is a digital marketing platform that enables you to conduct digital marketing by connecting various channels centering on your website .

By analyzing the user’s browsing history of the website , it is possible to distribute the optimal content for each user. In addition, since multiple channels such as mobile sites and e-commerce sites can be centrally managed, data collection and management become smoother.

There are many success stories such as “The number of members has increased 6 to 7 times compared to before” and “We were able to reduce outsourcing costs by about 50%”, and it is a tool that many companies have introduced regardless of industry. It also features 24-hour security monitoring and ISO 27001 certification.

Usage fee: Inquiry required

Free plan: Inquiry required

● Support

・FAQ site, manual
・Question bulletin board
・Standard support (response time: 1 to 3 business days)
・Premium support (response time: about 1 hour)

9.CREAM

Paid CMS that realizes site management and operation without waste

Features of CREAM

• Specializing in creating media sites
• You can create pages suitable for information terminals such as PCs and smartphones.
• Equipped with many functions that can reduce the work man-hours of web staff

This is an owned media construction CMS package with over 100 installation results.
CREAM specializes in creating media sites and can display pages suitable for each information terminal such as PCs and smartphones.

In addition, it is equipped with many functions that can reduce the work man-hours of web staff, such as “easy article creation function” and ” advertising widget function”.
Minimize the time and effort that was previously required for site construction, and achieve waste-free site management and operation.

This tool is recommended for those who want to create a website easily even if they have no experience,
or want to reduce the number of man-hours but do not want to lower the quality . There is also a support blog
that contains articles explaining how to use CREAM and its functions .

●Usage fee

● Free plan: ×

● Support

・Support blog
・Dedicated form , email

10. dino

● Paid CMS that can be automatically increased according to server load

Features of dino

• Total support from media construction to data utilization
• Providing specialized content by professional writers
• Capacity can be automatically increased according to server load conditions

“dino” is a publishing platform . We provide specialized content
written by professional writers to increase the number of content views and encourage media referrals.

In addition, since the capacity can be automatically increased according to the server load situation, there is no need to worry even when access is concentrated. It has been introduced as a platform
for various media such as digitization of magazines and owned media of general companies .

Usage fee: Inquiry required

Free plan: Inquiry required

● Support

・Owned media launch, support for attracting customers
・General web trouble support
・Design production/implementation support

▼ Which one should I choose? Click here for CMS comparison materials

Why is CMS needed? What are the challenges you can solve?

There are many tools other than CMS for creating web pages , but why do we need a CMS ? Where are the benefits?

One possible reason is that the introduction of a CMS eliminates waste in marketing activities and leads to improved content value .

Without CMS , even if you can create a web page , you have to manage it manually. Manual management requires specialized skills, is time consuming and often wastes time.

Five points to be aware of when comparing and selecting a CMS

In order not to regret after introduction, let’s pay attention to the following 5 points when comparing and selecting CMS .

1. Ease of use

When choosing a CMS , be sure to check if it is easy to use. After the website is created, it will be operated by in-house staff. At that time, if it is difficult to use, it will take time to update, mistakes will occur, and operational efficiency will decrease.

For ease of use, check whether the operation is intuitive and whether the management screen is too complicated .

There are CMSs that offer free plans and free trials , so it is recommended that you try them out before introducing them to see if they are easy to use.

2. Is it suitable for the site to be produced?

There are CMSs made for different uses. There are CMSs that are optimized for creating EC sites, media sites, and corporate sites.

With such a CMS , each site has the necessary functions, there is no need for customization, and the results can be maximized.

For example, e-commerce sites require payment functions and product registration functions, while media sites require recommendation functions and linkage with SNS. With a CMS that has these features , you can easily create the website you want .

That’s why it’s important to choose a CMS that’s right for your website .

3. Is it easy to rotate the PDCA cycle?

In the operation of the website , we have to make improvements by turning the PDCA cycle. That is why, when selecting a CMS , we should check whether it is easy to run the PDCA cycle and whether it has functions for that purpose.

For example, it would be a good idea to check if there is a user data analysis function , if you can manage prospects , if you can customize forms , etc.

In this way, let’s check whether it is easy to perform PDCA .

4. What about connectivity?

Whether it is easy to communicate with the sales department or integrate with other applications is also important.

In addition to Google Analytics and SNS, some CMS can be linked with MA tools and SFA. By linking with these tools, lead management, prospective customer management and analysis, and project management can be performed more effectively.

By managing customer data with these tools, you can optimize your marketing measures, so when choosing a CMS , check what tools it can work with .

5. What about support and security?

In addition to the high functionality, let’s also pay attention to the support system, security level, multi- device compatibility, etc.

When staff use a CMS, they tend to have questions, and it would be convenient if they could immediately check if something went wrong .

Security is also an important point. Check the security response of the CMS itself and the security system of the CMS operating company .

There are other articles that explain the advantages and disadvantages of CMS , as well as points to note, so please refer to them.

Visualize digital marketing activities by linking with CRM (Customer Relationship Management System)

CRM is a system that can manage and analyze customer information and behavior history . By linking CMS and CRM , you can visualize your digital marketing activities and improve the accuracy of your measures.

For example, when a lead is obtained from a website created with a CMS , user information can be automatically saved in the CRM . Also, based on user information, it is possible to realize measures such as different content distribution on the website .

Another advantage of linking CMS and CRM is that you can save time and effort in managing data, creating reports, and sharing information .

Streamline your marketing with CMS

With a CMS , your marketing activities will be more efficient than they are now. However, if you want to use it anyway, you want to choose the one that is suitable for your company’s web content .

There are various types of CMS , and the suitable CMS varies depending on the site you want to create. If you are thinking about introducing a CMS in the future , why not refer to the points to note and the CMS introduced this time and choose the perfect CMS in light of the issues you want to solve for your company ?