The best CMS for charities in 2024

Step into the world of content, creativity, and organisation. Content management systems (CMS) are digital platforms that manage workflows, editing, and publication.

 

In this article, we explore why CMSs are a strategic investment and look at how they work and the benefits of using one. Let’s start with a more general definition.

 

 

What is a CMS system?

 

A CMS is a platform that manages online content. The NCVO offers a simple definition: “A CMS is software that helps you create, manage and change website content. By using a CMS, you don’t need to write code to keep your website updated.”

 

HubSpot explores what they can do: “With a CMS, you can create, manage, modify, and publish content in a user-friendly interface. You can customise the design and functionality of your site by downloading or purchasing templates and extensions, rather than coding.”

 

For all charities, a CMS is an essential digital tool.

 

 

Top CMS Systems

 

Taking stock of the CMS systems, we gauge what’s user friendly and cost effective. Below we look at some of the best options on the marking, exploring what we like and the overall costs.

 

 

WordPress

 

WordPress is one of the most popular platforms. They suggest that around 43% of all sites use its interface.

 

What we like: Sheer volume of template options and general usability make this platform a well-rounded winner. There are also tons of plug-ins for different functions.

 

Charities can take bookings, accept subscription fees, and tap into e-commerce opportunities. The key here is that the plug-ins are open source – any developer can create a widget for a WordPress site, so there’s huge potential for customisation.

 

What does it cost? There’s a freeware version for charities. Prices increase based on additional functionality and storage capacity.

 

 

Wix

 

Wix is considered slightly less complex when compared to WordPress.

 

What we like: Wix offers a great deal of options similar to WordPress, but is more focused around website building. The other differentiator is that Wix focusses on online growth. There’s email marketing, social media content creation and lead generation tools.

 

What does it cost? Plans start at £4 per month, but most charities should opt for at least the Business Basic plan for £15 per month. And, importantly, charities can get discounted prices for Wix on the Charity Digital Exchange. 

 

 

GoDaddy

 

GoDaddy gets right to the heart of content management, but might not work for charities that want to interact with their audiences.

 

What we like: GoDaddy operates one of the simplest web builders. Developers can start by purchasing the domain and move ahead with selecting basic webpage templates.

 

GoDaddy acknowledges that not everyone likes its simplistic approach. They do perform webhosting for WordPress sites, so charities don’t have to sacrifice the bells and whistles on offer.

 

What does it cost? Services start from £0.01 for the first year and ratchet up based on add-ons.

 

 

SquareSpace

 

This CMS is designed for SEO optimisation and selling.

 

What we like: SquareSpace makes sense for teams that have a directive to sell online. There are dedicated e-commerce options for payments, merchandising, pricing, and logistics. For charities with retail outlets, it’s much easier to manage this CMS over traditional auction sites.

 

What does it cost? Business subscription plans start at £17 per month. Make sure to use the free trial.

 

 

Shopify

 

While not strictly defined as a CMS, Shopify does deliver on content and high-tech selling features.

 

What we like: Shopify is top of the line for retailers and those selling something. The content management suite is drag-and-drop, so those with no experience can add value. The best feature about Shopify is its connections with over 6,000 apps – tailor your unique selling points.

 

What does it cost? There’s a free three-day trial. Afterwards, charities can select basic plans from £25 per month.

 

 

HubSpot

 

Another drag-and-drop builder, HubSpot offers both web content creation and management facilities.

 

What we like: Of no surprise, the free CRM system that comes with the CMS makes sense for charities on a small budget. The CRM plus CMS addition includes opportunity tracking, pipeline management and reporting. While the CRM system isn’t as sophisticated as dedicated platforms out there, the freebie is nice to have.

 

What does it cost? The CMS Hub Professional plan starts at £315 per month. Plans then increase to £1,050 for the Enterprise edition.

 

 

Joomla

 

The open-source software works for those looking to create basic sites and then doing the heavy lifting with coding. However, beware – developers need to be on hand for sophisticated functions like booking systems, payments and other third-party apps.

 

What we like: Great for charities – the service is free. The platform offers all the basic CMS functionality: website design, content creation, editing and publishing. The good news here is that the platform works well for intranet sites. Upgrade the old SharePoint site for free.

 

What does it cost? It’s free.