There are a lot of CMS solutions available that seem to do everything except your laundry. While these more complex CMS solutions are exactly what some webmasters need, they can just easily be way to much. Fortunately, there are also a lot of really simply CMS solutions as well. These solutions are perfect for people that don't want to deal with the learning curve that is necessary with some types of software. They are simple and straightforward. Here is a look at 7 simple CMS solutions that anyone can learn how to use in a matter of minutes.
1.CMS Made Simple
CMS Made Simple was first released in 2004 and is designed for “smallish” websites ranging from a few to several hundred pages. CMS Made Simple was designed to keep the code and content separately so that administrators can manage the content without needing to know anything about coding. It has a variety of essential features and modules including: SEO friendly URL's, auto-generated menu, full template support, unlimited content hierarchy, audit log, polls, blog, form, and more. But it has been created to appeal to programmers as well. It includes GPL's source code, full API documentation, rich module API, and the ability to program PHP from inside the admin area.
2.SimpleCMS
SimpleCMS is the first content management system of its kind to allow you to add your website, click to define your desired editable areas and then go right ahead and start editing - without the need to even look at any HTML. Perfect for those designers who are particularly 'right-brained'. It's also fully brandable (in about a minute!) and they supply you with your own sub-domain of their generic and whois-protected Updating.net, as well as a custom CNAME option if you prefer. If you're after a really simple CMS, then you won't find much simpler than SimpleCMS.
3.Zimplit
Zimplit is known by some as the web creation tool for dummies. There is no admin area at all. You simply edit every page on-site, plus all of the data is within the HTML, so there is no need for a database. This open source CMS is definitely created for non-techies who need to create a quick website. You simply log in and choose your template. Then you will redirected to your home page and the Zimplit toolbar will be waiting for you. The toolbar has 12 buttons, much like some WYSIWYG editors. From here you can modify text settings, insert images, add links, and more. You can even go directly into the source code and make alterations as well.
4.CushyCMS
CushyCMS is a free CMS that was created to allow people to quickly create versatile and fast websites with little or no programming knowledge. It has proven to be particularly useful for programmers who have clients that want to be able to edit certain aspects of the website on their own. The programmer can simply define what is and is not editable. That way, clients can make changes without running the risk of “breaking” the website. While its simplicity is it's defining characteristic, it may not be the best choice for websites with hundreds of pages, because each page must be created manually. However, with so many advantages, it has continued to become more popular. There is also a Pro Plan that allows programmers to rebrand the CMS and add their own logo, color scheme, custom styles, and more.
5.Surreal CMS
Surreal CMS is a hosted content management system that was created specifically for website designers. All websites can be managed from one location. Additionally, your clients can access and edit their own content. You have the ability to make certain things editable and uneditable, which means that you can ensure that your clients aren't messing with important coding. All you do is add class=“editable” to any HTML element that you want to allow your clients to be able to edit. Surreal CMS can be white-labeled if you sign up for Pro plan ($25 monthly). Some of it's highlighted features include: easy page integration, customizable rich text editor, page cloning, and much more.
6.LightCMS
LightCMS was created specifically for designers. As a designer, you have complete design flexibility, automatic upgrades, and easy reseller account if you charge the suggested retail price, you will earn a 35% commission on a monthly basis, however you have the freedom to choose any price. You can even replace the LightCMS logo with your own logo and colors to allow for maximum branding. There are also a number of features that will make your clients happy such as a simple add page features, drag and drop content, and simple WYSIWYG editor.
7.Pixie
Pixie is an open source CMS that was designed to make creating and editing a website easy. It has a number of important features including: clean URLs, CSS themes, file manager with tag support, microformats, plug-ins/modules, and easy development. If you want to develop a new module or plug-in, Pixie will look at the database tables for your new module and automatically create the admin interface for it. Additionally, when zipped, it is less than 1 megabyte in size. It also used CKEditor for text areas. In true Pixie form, instead of calling themselves a CMS, they prefer “small, simple, website maker”.
As you can see, there are a lot of different CMS options available, especially for programmers and designers who are searching for a simple way to allow their clients to make changes to their website, while still restricting the clients access to critical files. While none of these CMS solutions are currently in a position to compete with some of the more complex alternatives, they are not being designed to do so. They have been created to fill a niche that has been left vacant for some time. If you are looking for a simple CMS solution for you and/or your clients, then any of these 7 might be what you are looking for.
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