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Page-oriented vs. content-oriented CMS

Siw Grinaker on

See the essential differences between a CMS focused on pages as opposed to a CMS focused on content.

A CMS is not just a CMS. Managing content on the web and other digital channels is no straightforward process, with terms like traditional, headless, and hybrid CMS. Adding to the confusion is the dichotomy of "page-oriented" vs. "content-oriented" CMS, something you might have heard mentioned.

What does "page vs. content" mean in the realm of content management systems, and what are the differences? Let's have a look.

What is a page-oriented CMS?

A CMS focused on pages is perhaps the type you are most familiar with. Digital experiences that come in the form of classical websites only are likely crafted with page-oriented content management systems. In such a CMS you can decide the layout, columns, and placement of elements like boxes in a visual editor.

In a page-based CMS the content is embedded directly into the pages, or presentation layer, and the pages are often based on templates and themes—controlling the general layout and visuals. Also, the pages and the page structure dictate the URLs.

In a page-oriented CMS you build the desktop version of a website, which then can be previewed in different screen sizes and be customised thereafter. A landing page is a typical example of this approach.

A disadvantage with a page-oriented CMS is reusing the elements, as it is not as easy as with pure content. Imagine the troubles with reusing the pages of a giant topic page that is not responsive in a mobile application. As a result, the separation of content and presentation is blurry in such CMSs.

See also: Hybrid or headless – where to go?

What is a content-oriented CMS?

A content-oriented CMS differs from a page-oriented CMS mainly in how the content is defined and structured. In this type of CMS, everything is content, and every piece of content has a dedicated content type. Content types can be blog posts, products, landing pages, images, documents, person profiles, folders, page templates, and even the site itself.

The content dictates the URL and the actual presentation or view is based on the page templates configuration, which can differ for different types of content.

A content-oriented CMS enables a high degree of reusable content and easy maintenance. If you want to reuse the contents of a blog post or a person profile to widely different channels—be it a website, a mobile app, or a digital signage—it can be done. The content is separated from any page theme or presentation, and is "its own master," ready to be used in a pure form wherever you want.

Content-oriented content management systems are closely aligned with the headless approach, where the content is strictly separated from the presentation. Headless CMS has gained traction lately because we don't consume content on only our laptop or smartphone anymore. There's a plethora of different devices and form factors out there, and the need to cross-use content seamlessly is more pressing than ever.

Don't miss: Lift your customer journey with rich web front-ends »

Bottom line

A page-oriented CMS may be quicker to get going, as it typically offers themes and predictability. A content-oriented CMS, on the other hand, is more flexible in terms of content reuse and search. What type fits you best depends solely on your needs and preferences, but it is clear that the content-oriented approach is steadily becoming more popular.

Download infographic top 10 trends in digital experiences

Frequently asked questions

What is content management?

A group of processes and technologies supporting the collection, management, and publishing of information in any medium.

Why is content management important?

Keeping information organised is a fundamental part of the nature of the human mind, and continuing this practice in the realm of digital is a rational extension.

What are the best practices of content management?

Have a plan, know what you want, acquire the right CMS, establish routines for review and maintenance, keep an omnichannel presence, get the right tools.

Examples of content management systems

WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, Wix, Adobe Experience Manager, Kentico, Enonic XP, Episerver, Weebly, Sitecore, eZ Publishing.

content management
search function
digital experiences