Content Management Systems
Bubble
Skill
CMS Builders are communities of site creators, developers, and administrators who actively use and extend content management systems to...Show more
Content Management Systems
Bubble
Skill
CMS Builders are communities of site creators, developers, and administrators who actively use and extend content management systems to power websites, collaborate, and share workflows. These participants develop, customize, and maintain CMS-driven ecosystems through shared practices and open-source collaboration.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
30M
Popularity
Medium
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
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General Q&A
A CMS builder community unites people passionate about creating, managing, and customizing websites using platforms like WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla, focusing on building digital experiences through themes, plugins, and collaborative tools.
Community Q&A
A CMS builder community unites people passionate about creating, managing, and customizing websites using platforms like WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla, focusing on building digital experiences through themes, plugins, and collaborative tools.
Connection happens through online forums, Slack groups, camps (like WordCamps and DrupalCamps), hackathons, GitHub issues, and real-world meetups focused on collaboration and learning.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Customization Pride
Identity MarkersCMS Builders display deep pride in tailoring sites, with success measured by innovative theme and plugin adaptations rather than mere launch completion.
Contributor Status
Gatekeeping PracticesCommunity standing hinges on contribution to open-source projects, where solving bugs and sharing snippets grant insiders recognition and influence.
Rapid Knowledge Flow
Communication PatternsInformation circulates through real-time forums and meetups, making fast adaptation to security and platform updates integral to group coherence.
No-Code Bridges
Opinion ShiftsDespite technical expertise, there's an emerging embrace of no-code tools that challenges expert dominance and broadens participation without sacrificing community values.
Sub Groups
WordPress Developers
Focused on building, customizing, and supporting WordPress sites and plugins.
Drupal Community
Developers and site builders working with the Drupal CMS ecosystem.
Joomla Users
Community of Joomla site creators, extension developers, and administrators.
Headless CMS Builders
Developers working with API-driven and decoupled CMS architectures.
Site Administrators & Content Managers
Professionals focused on site maintenance, workflow, and content strategy within CMS platforms.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
1 / 3
GitHub
35%GitHub is the primary platform for open-source CMS development, collaboration, and code sharing, making it central to the CMS builder community.
Reddit
15%Reddit hosts active subreddits for CMS discussions, troubleshooting, and community support, fostering peer-to-peer engagement.
Discord
12%Discord servers are popular for real-time collaboration, support, and networking among CMS developers and site builders.
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
Community Development
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Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Greeting Salutations
Example Conversation
Insider
Have you updated your core today?
Outsider
What do you mean by 'core'?
Insider
It refers to the main CMS software — updating it regularly keeps sites secure and running smoothly.
Outsider
Oh, that makes sense! I didn’t know it was called that here.
Insider
Yeah, it’s a common check-in among us builders to ensure everything’s up to date.
Cultural Context
This greeting highlights the importance placed on regular maintenance and security updates within the CMS community.
Inside Jokes
Why did the plugin cross the road? To break someone’s site update!
Jokes about plugins causing issues during core updates are common, highlighting the frequent compatibility challenges developers face.
Keep calm and clear your cache
A humorous nod to the frequent troubleshooting advice to clear browser or site cache when content or features don’t appear to update correctly.
Facts & Sayings
„WP is king“
A phrase used to express the dominant popularity and influence of WordPress within the CMS community.
„Don't forget the child theme!“
A reminder to use child themes when customizing WordPress themes to preserve the ability to update the parent theme without losing changes.
„Core update incoming“
An alert about an upcoming main software update that might break compatibility with existing plugins or themes, signaling the need for preparation.
„Site migration marathon“
Refers to the often challenging process of moving a website from one CMS or server to another, which can be time-consuming and complex.
Unwritten Rules
Always backup before core updates
This prevents data loss if updates cause errors, signaling professionalism and responsibility.
Contribute back to open-source when possible
Sharing fixes or plugins is highly valued and helps the entire community evolve.
Respect different CMS preferences
Insiders avoid dismissing alternate CMS platforms, fostering a cooperative rather than competitive atmosphere.
Use staging environments for testing
Directly updating live sites is discouraged to prevent downtime and user disruption.
Fictional Portraits
1 / 3
Anita, 34
Web DeveloperfemaleAnita is a front-end developer at a digital agency who specializes in customizing open-source CMS platforms for diverse client projects.
Community collaborationCode qualityContinuous learning
Motivations
- To build flexible, user-friendly websites.
- To stay updated with latest CMS plugins and themes.
- To contribute to open-source CMS projects for community benefit.
Challenges
- Balancing client demands with CMS limitations.
- Keeping up with frequent CMS updates and security patches.
- Coordinating integration of multiple workflows in complex projects.
Platforms
CMS-centric Slack channelsGitHub issue trackersLocal developer meetups
hookspluginsthemesAPI endpointsheadless CMS
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
Technologies
WordPress
The leading open-source PHP CMS powering over 40% of the web; known for its plugin ecosystem and theme flexibility.↗
Market LeaderPlugin-FirstPHP Legacy
Drupal
A highly flexible, developer-centric PHP CMS favored for complex, scalable sites and custom workflows.↗
Enterprise ReadyAPI-FirstCommunity-Driven
Joomla
An extensible PHP CMS that balances ease of use with advanced access controls and multilingual support.
Mid-MarketMultilingualExtension Ecosystem
TYPO3
Enterprise-grade, open-source PHP CMS popular in Europe, lauded for scalability and granular permissions.
Enterprise FocusGerman-RootsTypoScript
Ghost
A modern Node.js CMS optimized for publishing and subscription-based content, with a minimalist interface.
Node.jsHeadless CapableSubscription Economy
Strapi
Open-source, headless CMS built on Node.js that offers customizable APIs and rich plugin architecture.
Headless FirstAPI-DrivenJavaScript
Craft CMS
A PHP CMS aimed at developers and designers, known for its flexible templating and strong UX.
Twig TemplatesDeveloper-FriendlyArtisanal
Jekyll
A Ruby-based static site generator often used with GitHub Pages for content-driven sites without a database.
Static SiteMarkdown-NativeGit-Centered
Hugo
A Go-based static site generator known for its speed and built-in multilingual support.
Static SiteGo-PoweredBlazing Fast
Contentful
A commercial headless CMS offering cloud APIs, structured content modeling, and enterprise SLAs.
SaaSAPI-FirstEnterprise
1 / 3
1 / 3
Technologies
WordPress
The leading open-source PHP CMS powering over 40% of the web; known for its plugin ecosystem and theme flexibility.↗
Market LeaderPlugin-FirstPHP Legacy
Drupal
A highly flexible, developer-centric PHP CMS favored for complex, scalable sites and custom workflows.↗
Enterprise ReadyAPI-FirstCommunity-Driven
Joomla
An extensible PHP CMS that balances ease of use with advanced access controls and multilingual support.
Mid-MarketMultilingualExtension Ecosystem
TYPO3
Enterprise-grade, open-source PHP CMS popular in Europe, lauded for scalability and granular permissions.
Enterprise FocusGerman-RootsTypoScript
Ghost
A modern Node.js CMS optimized for publishing and subscription-based content, with a minimalist interface.
Node.jsHeadless CapableSubscription Economy
Strapi
Open-source, headless CMS built on Node.js that offers customizable APIs and rich plugin architecture.
Headless FirstAPI-DrivenJavaScript
Craft CMS
A PHP CMS aimed at developers and designers, known for its flexible templating and strong UX.
Twig TemplatesDeveloper-FriendlyArtisanal
Jekyll
A Ruby-based static site generator often used with GitHub Pages for content-driven sites without a database.
Static SiteMarkdown-NativeGit-Centered
Hugo
A Go-based static site generator known for its speed and built-in multilingual support.
Static SiteGo-PoweredBlazing Fast
Contentful
A commercial headless CMS offering cloud APIs, structured content modeling, and enterprise SLAs.
SaaSAPI-FirstEnterprise
First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 2-3 weeks
1
Explore Popular CMS Platforms
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Research and compare leading CMS options to understand their features, strengths, and communities.
Details: Begin by researching the most widely used content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and others. Visit their official websites, read introductory articles, and watch overview videos to get a sense of each platform’s philosophy, use cases, and community size. Pay attention to the types of sites commonly built with each CMS, the technical requirements, and the level of community support available. This step helps you identify which CMS aligns with your interests and goals. Beginners often get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options or focus only on popularity; instead, look for platforms with active forums, documentation, and a welcoming community. Evaluate your progress by being able to articulate the main differences between at least two CMS platforms and knowing which one you’d like to try first.
2
Install a CMS Locally
2-4 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Set up your chosen CMS on your computer using local server tools to safely experiment and learn.
Details: Download and install a local server environment (such as XAMPP, MAMP, or similar) to run a CMS on your own computer. Follow step-by-step guides to install your chosen CMS (e.g., WordPress or Drupal) locally. This allows you to experiment freely without risking a live website or incurring hosting costs. Common beginner challenges include configuring the local server, understanding file structures, and connecting databases. Take your time with installation guides and don’t hesitate to consult community forums if you encounter errors. This hands-on setup is crucial for building foundational skills and confidence. You’ll know you’ve succeeded when you can access your CMS dashboard locally and perform basic site configuration tasks.
3
Join CMS Community Spaces
1-2 hoursBasic
Summary: Register for official forums, chat groups, or local meetups to connect with experienced CMS users and ask questions.
Details: Engage with the CMS community by joining official forums, chat rooms (like Slack or Discord), and attending local or virtual meetups. Introduce yourself, read through beginner threads, and observe how questions are asked and answered. Don’t be afraid to post your own questions or share your learning progress. Many CMS communities have dedicated spaces for newcomers and offer mentorship or onboarding resources. A common mistake is lurking without participating—active engagement accelerates learning and builds valuable connections. This step is vital for staying updated, troubleshooting issues, and understanding real-world workflows. Evaluate your progress by having at least one meaningful interaction (asking a question, joining a discussion, or attending a meetup).
1
Explore Popular CMS Platforms
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Research and compare leading CMS options to understand their features, strengths, and communities.
Details: Begin by researching the most widely used content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and others. Visit their official websites, read introductory articles, and watch overview videos to get a sense of each platform’s philosophy, use cases, and community size. Pay attention to the types of sites commonly built with each CMS, the technical requirements, and the level of community support available. This step helps you identify which CMS aligns with your interests and goals. Beginners often get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options or focus only on popularity; instead, look for platforms with active forums, documentation, and a welcoming community. Evaluate your progress by being able to articulate the main differences between at least two CMS platforms and knowing which one you’d like to try first.
2
Install a CMS Locally
2-4 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Set up your chosen CMS on your computer using local server tools to safely experiment and learn.
Details: Download and install a local server environment (such as XAMPP, MAMP, or similar) to run a CMS on your own computer. Follow step-by-step guides to install your chosen CMS (e.g., WordPress or Drupal) locally. This allows you to experiment freely without risking a live website or incurring hosting costs. Common beginner challenges include configuring the local server, understanding file structures, and connecting databases. Take your time with installation guides and don’t hesitate to consult community forums if you encounter errors. This hands-on setup is crucial for building foundational skills and confidence. You’ll know you’ve succeeded when you can access your CMS dashboard locally and perform basic site configuration tasks.
3
Join CMS Community Spaces
1-2 hoursBasic
Summary: Register for official forums, chat groups, or local meetups to connect with experienced CMS users and ask questions.
Details: Engage with the CMS community by joining official forums, chat rooms (like Slack or Discord), and attending local or virtual meetups. Introduce yourself, read through beginner threads, and observe how questions are asked and answered. Don’t be afraid to post your own questions or share your learning progress. Many CMS communities have dedicated spaces for newcomers and offer mentorship or onboarding resources. A common mistake is lurking without participating—active engagement accelerates learning and builds valuable connections. This step is vital for staying updated, troubleshooting issues, and understanding real-world workflows. Evaluate your progress by having at least one meaningful interaction (asking a question, joining a discussion, or attending a meetup).
4
Build a Simple Demo Site
4-6 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Create a basic website using your CMS, experimenting with themes, plugins, and content creation tools.
Details: Use your local CMS installation to build a simple website—such as a personal blog or portfolio. Explore the process of installing themes/templates, adding plugins or modules, and creating pages and posts. Focus on understanding the CMS’s content structure (posts, pages, categories, tags) and basic customization options. Beginners often try to do too much at once; start small and iterate. Document your steps and note any challenges for future reference. This hands-on project solidifies your understanding of the CMS workflow and exposes you to common tasks like media uploads, menu creation, and basic site settings. You’ll know you’re progressing when you can navigate the admin interface confidently and publish a multi-page demo site.
5
Contribute to Community Knowledge
2-4 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Share your experiences, answer beginner questions, or improve documentation to support others in the CMS community.
Details: Once you’ve built some confidence, give back by contributing to the community. This could mean writing a short tutorial about your installation experience, answering beginner questions in forums, or suggesting improvements to official documentation. Many CMS projects welcome feedback from newcomers, as fresh perspectives help identify unclear instructions or common pain points. Beginners sometimes feel unqualified to contribute, but your recent learning journey is valuable to others just starting out. This step deepens your understanding, builds your reputation, and embeds you in the collaborative culture of CMS communities. Track your progress by making at least one public contribution, such as a forum post, documentation edit, or tutorial.
Welcoming Practices
„‘Welcome to the camp!’“
New members are invited to community ‘camps’ — informal meetups or conferences focused on CMS platforms — to foster learning and connection.
„Plugin showcase shout-outs“
When newcomers share their first plugins or themes, the community publicly acknowledges them, encouraging collaboration and confidence.
Beginner Mistakes
Directly modifying parent themes
Always use child themes to preserve updates and avoid breaking site functionality.
Skipping backups before updates
Develop the habit of creating full backups before applying any updates to protect against issues.
Pathway to Credibility
Tap a pathway step to view details
Contribute code or documentation
Writing code, plugins, themes, or improving docs builds visible value in open-source projects.
Participate in community forums and meetups
Active engagement in knowledge sharing and networking helps build reputation and trust.
Launch and maintain quality sites
Demonstrating reliable, professional site launches signals capability and earns respect.
Facts
Regional Differences
North America
North American CMS communities often focus more on WordPress, reflecting market dominance, with many local meetups and conferences.
Europe
European CMS groups emphasize privacy and GDPR compliance features more heavily in discussions and development priorities.
Asia
Asian CMS builders often integrate CMS platforms with popular local e-commerce and social media tools, adapting global solutions to regional needs.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
Only highly technical experts can use or build with CMS platforms.
Reality
Many CMS builders emphasize user-friendly, no-code interfaces, and the community offers extensive support for non-technical users.
Misconception #2
Themes and plugins are easy to swap without consequences.
Reality
Changing themes or plugins can significantly affect site appearance and functionality, requiring careful testing and backup.
Misconception #3
CMS sites lack uniqueness because they use templates.
Reality
Customization options with child themes, plugins, and custom code allow highly unique and tailored websites.
Clothing & Styles
Conference T-shirts with platform logos
Wearing branded T-shirts from WordCamp (WordPress) or DrupalCon gatherings signals active participation and pride within that CMS community.
