CMS (Content Management System)
The system you use to manage your website content without touching code.
The Tradie Take
A CMS is like having a whiteboard on the wall of your workshop where you can update your service list or change your phone number whenever you want, without calling a signwriter. WordPress is the most common CMS - it powers about 40% of all websites. If your site is on WordPress, you can log in and make changes yourself in about the same time it takes to send an email.
Definition
A CMS (Content Management System) is the software that lets you edit your website without knowing how to code. WordPress, Squarespace, and Webflow are all CMS platforms. Instead of editing HTML files, you log in to a dashboard, click to edit a page, and type your changes - like editing a Word document. For tradies, this means you can update your services, add photos of recent jobs, or change your phone number yourself without calling a web developer.
How It Works
- 1 The CMS stores your site content in a database and generates the web pages visitors see
- 2 You log in to a dashboard where you can edit text, swap images, and add pages
- 3 Changes are published instantly - no need to wait for a developer
- 4 Most CMS platforms also handle SEO settings, mobile responsiveness, and security updates
Tips for Tradies
- WordPress is the most common CMS - most tradie websites run on it
- Make sure your CMS stays updated - outdated versions are a security risk
- Ask your web developer for a quick walkthrough so you can make basic edits yourself