Choosing the Right CMS: Traditional, Low-Code, or No-Code?

At Shift Lab, one of the most common challenges we help clients navigate is selecting the right CMS for their website. It’s not just about picking a platform—it’s about choosing the right system to support your unique needs, both now and in the future. Many of our clients come to us after struggling with a CMS that’s either too limiting or too complex for their team to manage effectively.

We’ve created this post to walk you through the three primary approaches to CMS builds—Traditional, Low-Code, and No-Code—so you can better understand the pros and cons of each. We frequently guide potential clients through this decision-making process, and we hope this helps you find the right solution for your website.

Traditional CMS (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)

A traditional CMS is built on a server-based system that requires a code base, database management, and regular updates. These platforms have been around for years and are well-established in the industry.

Pros:

• Complete control over customization and functionality.

• Access to a vast ecosystem of plugins and third-party integrations.

• Ideal for highly customized or feature-rich websites.

Cons:

• High maintenance: Frequent updates and security patches are necessary.

• Performance can suffer, especially as the site grows in size.

• Developer dependency: Making changes or updates often requires technical expertise, which can drive up costs over time.

Many of our clients initially come to us with traditional CMS setups and find themselves frustrated by the constant need for developer involvement. While this approach offers extensive flexibility, it can also be difficult to manage without a dedicated technical team.

Low-Code CMS (e.g., Contentful, Sanity)

Low-code CMS solutions, like Contentful or Sanity, sit between traditional and no-code platforms. These are headless CMS platforms, meaning they separate the content management system from the website’s front end, offering flexibility while reducing the need for constant updates.

Pros:

• Flexible content management: Build pages using modular components for easier updates.

• Improved performance: Many low-code CMS platforms use static site generation, speeding up load times.

• Lower long-term maintenance costs compared to traditional systems.

Cons:

• Some technical involvement: You’ll still need a developer for setup and adding custom features.

• Higher upfront costs: Customizing and setting up a low-code CMS may be more expensive at the start.

• Content migration can be time-consuming, especially for large sites.

Most of the time, we recommend low-code CMS platforms to our clients because they offer the best balance of flexibility and ease of use. Clients appreciate the modularity, which allows them to maintain and update their website without always relying on developers.

No-Code CMS (e.g., Webflow, Squarespace)

No-code CMS platforms are the most user-friendly, designed for individuals or teams without any technical experience. These platforms allow for drag-and-drop functionality and typically come with pre-built templates.

Pros:

• Quick setup with minimal technical skills required.

• Low upfront costs and easy-to-use interfaces.

• Ideal for small websites or simpler content needs.

Cons:

• Limited scalability: These platforms may not be able to handle complex websites or large amounts of content.

• Restricted customization and integration capabilities.

• Migration challenges: As your site grows, you may eventually need to move to a more robust system.

For small businesses or those looking for a quick launch, no-code platforms can be a great fit. However, as your site grows, the limitations become apparent. This is why many of our clients eventually outgrow these platforms and seek a more flexible solution.

Helping You Make the Right Choice

At Shift Lab, we regularly walk potential clients through the process of choosing the right CMS. We know it’s not always a clear-cut decision, and every business has unique needs. This blog post is meant to guide you in understanding the strengths and challenges of each CMS type, helping you weigh the options before making a choice.

If you’re uncertain about which direction to take, our team is here to help. Whether you need something flexible, scalable, or just easy to manage, we’ll work with you to find the best solution for your business’s long-term success.