Hello!
Could you advise me on the most suitable CMS for building custom websites as a freelancer? I have some knowledge of PHP, Yii2, and a basic understanding of different CMS platforms. However, I'm interested in delving deep into one of them to efficiently create customized websites.



Additionally, I'd like to know your opinion on the best CMS for online stores versus business cards and company websites. Alternatively, do you think it's better not to use a CMS at all? Although this approach might result in longer and more expensive development time, it would eliminate the need to rewrite the admin panel repeatedly.

I would like to suggest October CMS, a Laravel-based platform that stands out as the best choice today. However, it's essential to note that development on October is unique and offers several advantages:

- Experience excellent developer experience (DX) by giving it a try.
- Benefit from the CLI for automated problem-solving.
- Utilize the popular PHP template engine Twig.
- Access comprehensive documentation.
- Enjoy the convenience of combined use with Laravel, as demonstrated by complex projects like 2doc.by (October CMS), api.2doc.by (Lumen), and medcrm.by (Laravel).
- Get a minimalistic approach out of the box, following the Unix philosophy, catering to different project types without unnecessary functionalities.
- Leverage an excellent scaffolder for developing custom functionality.
- Explore a continuously growing plugin base, ranging from 130 to 515.
- Experience an increasing interest in the October CMS community, demonstrated by the growing number of stars on GitHub, from 3000 to 6950.

This list can be extended further based on your specific needs and desires. It's worth mentioning some disadvantages, such as a relatively small number of ready-made templates and fewer add-ons compared to more established CMS platforms. However, it's important to consider that programming with October CMS provides both an entry threshold for inexperienced developers and additional opportunities for skilled ones.

Regarding E-commerce, there are various ready-made add-ons available, each varying in quality and functionality. For this purpose, I would highly recommend Shopaholic, a project with which I am closely involved, ensuring its quality. Despite being relatively young, with less than six months since its release, Shopaholic has received positive feedback from the community. You can find a relevant article about Shopaholic in our blog.

Over the past few years, I have managed to work with a bunch of different cms, mostly at the request of customers. None of the little-known ones did not like it.
Of the popular ones, it turned out to work well only with drupal and modx revo, everything else turns into hell after a month of support (even if you know the system well and build it yourself according to your own rules that you laid down at the beginning (if there is no "off.").

External extensions stupidly do not follow any standards, and if the client decided to save money and attracted someone else for a lower fee, then absolutely trouble happens with the project))),
 but a couple of years ago he tried October and the choice finally fell on it), the idea is that to implement almost any functionality under October you just need to competently build the architecture of the database, taking into account the features of the system and simply implement the layout, all the rest of the functionality will need to be built on the basis of already existing "details" according to already existing "patterns".

The result is a minimum of code, a minimum of development time, a minimum of places for bugs, maximum purity of the project for support (there are standards for writing code and architectural patterns in the off-dock). Who hasn't tried it yet - try it, you will save yourself a huge amount of nerves and time.

When it comes to selecting a CMS, WordPress is undoubtedly the top choice. It boasts an extensive collection of plugins, articles, and a vibrant community. The familiarity of many clients with WordPress also means there is a significant demand for website support and development on this platform. Additionally, if you have a background in PHP, making customizations to WordPress is relatively straightforward compared to other CMS options.

However, it's crucial to evaluate each case individually when choosing a CMS. Consider which functionalities you require out of the box and which ones you may need to customize. If you are developing an informational website, using a CMS will likely be more efficient. On the other hand, for specialized sites like car buying/selling platforms, it might be more challenging to tailor a CMS to fit your specific needs compared to building from scratch using a framework.

Ultimately, the decision between CMS and custom development depends on the unique requirements of your project. Analyze the available CMS options, weigh their features against your needs, and consider the complexity and scalability of your website. This way, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your goals and ensures a successful outcome.

Drupal:

Drupal is an incredibly robust CMS capable of handling high loads. Reviews and feedback about Drupal reveal the following advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

- The system allows for the creation of websites of various topics and resource intensities, from simple to complex.
- Professional support with thorough testing and documentation for every module or add-on.
- High performance even on highly trafficked sites.

Cons:

- Complex administration procedures that require frequent reference to the user manual, even for simple tasks.
- Development with Drupal tends to be more time-consuming compared to other systems.
- Hosting requirements are demanding, requiring powerful equipment.
- Lack of built-in modules for SEO promotion can be a drawback.
- Operation without good technical support can be challenging.

Bitrix:

Bitrix offers feature-rich websites and modules, including analytical capabilities. It has eight versions that define the CMS's functionality. The system excels in differentiating managerial rights and control areas, making it suitable for large companies with substantial needs.

Pros:

- User-friendly interface and easy configuration.
- Convenient template structure and flexibility to meet specific requirements.
- Easy integration of any design and availability of individual SEO modules.
- Performance module for identifying system performance issues.
- Abundance of modules and ability to create custom ones.
- Seamless integration with 1C "Accounting" and "Enterprise."
- Strong security measures and tools to check system health.

Cons:

- Higher development costs compared to other CMS options.
- Overkill for simple sites; better suited for resource-intensive projects.
- High hosting requirements.
- Additional paid features may add up for ordinary users.

OpenCart:

OpenCart is a specialized CMS designed explicitly for online stores. It follows the MVC principle (Model-View-Controller) and offers a professional yet straightforward organization, making it accessible even for beginners.

Pros:

- Open-source platform.
- Multimedia functionality and extensive graphic design options.
- Wide selection of modules.
- Multiple payment options for goods.
- Availability of SEO modules.

Cons:

- Limited user interaction capabilities without additional modules.
- Best suited for online catalogs and stores.

As a freelancer looking to build custom websites efficiently, there are several CMS options to consider. Based on your familiarity with PHP and Yii2, one recommendation is to explore the Yii2 framework as it provides a great foundation for building custom websites. Yii2 has a flexible architecture that enables you to create scalable and customized solutions tailored to specific client needs.

When it comes to CMS platforms, WordPress is a popular choice due to its flexibility, large user base, and extensive plugin ecosystem. It provides a wide range of themes and plugins, making it suitable for various types of websites, including online stores, business cards, and company websites. For online stores, you can utilize the WooCommerce plugin to add e-commerce functionality to your WordPress site. WordPress also offers ample customization options that allow you to create unique designs and layouts.

Another CMS option worth considering is Drupal. It is known for its robustness, scalability, and security features, making it suitable for complex websites and enterprise-level deployments. Drupal's powerful content modeling capabilities make it an excellent choice for building custom websites with intricate data structures.

Regarding the question of whether it's better not to use a CMS at all, it depends on the specific requirements of each project. Building websites from scratch without a CMS can provide complete control and flexibility, but it often leads to more development time and higher costs. If you choose this approach, you'll need to carefully plan and architect the admin panel to ensure it can handle the intended functionalities efficiently.

Ultimately, the choice of CMS depends on factors such as the complexity of the project, client requirements, budget, and your own expertise. It's beneficial to experiment with different CMS platforms, including Yii2, WordPress, and Drupal, to understand their strengths and weaknesses and find the one that suits your specific needs best.

Here are a few more CMS options that you may consider exploring:

1. Joomla: Joomla is known for its user-friendly interface and powerful functionality. It offers a wide range of extensions and templates, making it suitable for various types of websites. While Joomla may have a steeper learning curve compared to WordPress, it can handle complex content structures efficiently.

2. Magento: If you're primarily focused on building online stores, Magento is a popular choice. It's specifically designed for e-commerce and offers robust features like inventory management, order tracking, and secure payment integration. Keep in mind that Magento might require more advanced technical knowledge compared to other CMS platforms.

3. ExpressionEngine: For more advanced and customizable websites, ExpressionEngine is worth considering. It offers great flexibility when it comes to content management and allows you to build highly customized and tailored solutions. However, note that ExpressionEngine can be more complex and requires a higher level of technical proficiency.