When it comes to content management systems (CMS), WordPress has long been a dominant force. However, in recent years, there has been a rise in alternative CMS platforms offering fresh, modern solutions that address some of the limitations experienced with WordPress. One of the best alternatives, and one that we have been using for a number of years, is Statamic.
Whether you’re a developer, a business owner, or a not-for-profit organisation, Statamic offers a range of benefits that make it a strong contender against WordPress.
A CMS that makes sense
While WordPress is often seen as user-friendly, it can quickly become overwhelming for non-technical users, particularly with the sheer volume of plugins, updates, and customisation options. Statamic, on the other hand, provides an intuitive and streamlined experience.
Customisable control panel: Statamic’s admin interface is clean, modern, and highly customisable. You can tailor the dashboard to suit your content editors’ needs, giving them access to just the tools and features they require. This means less clutter (and we all know how overwhelming the WordPress admin panel can be), fewer distractions, and a more streamlined workflow for users.
No bloated plugins: WordPress relies heavily on third-party plugins to extend functionality, which can lead to bloat and even security vulnerabilities. Statamic, by contrast, is designed with modularity in mind, meaning much of the functionality you need is built in, and additional features can be added via first-class integrations.
Flexibility: Built for Developers and Custom Solutions
WordPress offers a wide range of themes and plugins, but customisation can quickly become difficult to manage, especially for businesses with complex requirements. Statamic provides a much more flexible foundation for building highly tailored solutions without the restrictions of traditional CMS platforms.
Built on Laravel: Statamic is built on the Laravel PHP framework, which is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and elegant frameworks available today. For developers, this means access to a wealth of tools, packages, and libraries that make building custom features or integrating third-party services easier than ever. The flexibility of Laravel allows you to create fully bespoke websites that can scale with your business.
Content modelling made easy: Statamic makes it easy to define custom content types and relationships, providing greater flexibility in how you manage and structure content (out of the box). Instead of relying on clunky post types and plugins like WordPress, Statamic allows you to design your content architecture in a way that perfectly suits your needs.
It's more than just a CMS
Choosing a CMS is not just about selecting a tool for managing content; it’s about ensuring that your digital infrastructure aligns with your long-term business goals. Statamic offers several distinct advantages in this area:
Performance and speed: With no database to query and less reliance on external plugins, Statamic websites tend to be faster and more performant than WordPress sites. This is crucial for improving user experience, reducing bounce rates, and ranking higher in search engine results.
Security: WordPress, due to its widespread use and reliance on third-party plugins, is a common target for security vulnerabilities. Statamic’s flat-file nature and minimal use of plugins greatly reduce the risk of security breaches, providing greater peace of mind for businesses handling sensitive information.
Scalability: As businesses grow, their digital needs often evolve, requiring more robust and custom solutions. Statamic’s developer-first approach and its Laravel foundation mean that it can scale seamlessly to accommodate increased traffic, additional features, or complex integrations with other systems.
Cost efficiency: While WordPress is free to use, the ongoing cost of premium themes, plugins, ongoing maintenance, and security fixes can add up quickly. Statamic, though a paid CMS, often ends up being more cost-effective over time, as it requires fewer third-party services and less ongoing maintenance.
While WordPress is an OK option for many, businesses that are looking for a more flexible, user-friendly, and performant alternative should seriously consider Statamic. With its focus on usability, security, and scalability, Statamic empowers businesses to build digital experiences that align with their unique goals, without the overhead and complexity that often come with WordPress.
The team at Mity are here to show you how Statamic is the modern CMS solution you’ve been looking for.
Michael Scruse
Michael brings his technical, web and sales expertise to every project, backed by almost 30 years’ experience in the IT industry.
Michael is also a qualified chef, although cooking is now in a domestic kitchen. Michael is a bit of a history buff and is currently researching his own family history.
