DXP VS. CMS – Which Is the Best Bet for Your Business?

CMS (content management system) was in vogue from the late 1990s to the 2010s. In those days, companies wanted an online digital presence while creating and managing static web pages. Times changed, and companies began focusing on customer experiences, data-driven marketing, and embracing new technologies. This is the juncture where digital experience platform solutions

The transition to DXP platforms didn’t happen overnight. Companies continued to use CMS platforms and implemented DXPs for specific projects and departments. Over time, it was hard to overlook the limitations of CMS platforms, such as limited personalization and customization capabilities, lack of omnichannel integration, plus scalability challenges.

The global DXP market is expected to reach $3.47 billion by 2030. Also, almost 50% of companies make composable DXPs mandatory by 2026. We don’t need more evidence to explain why DXP is better for businesses. However, don’t take our word for it. This blog will discuss the features, pros, and cons of CMS and DXPs. Without further ado, let’s get started.

What is a CMS?

In simple language, a CMS (content management system) allows companies to create, manage, alter, and publish website content. Users didn’t require extensive coding or technical expertise to use CMS platforms

Top 9 Features of a CMS Platform

The top 9 features of a CMS platform are as follows:

• User-friendly interface with an intuitive dashboard, WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor, and drag-and-drop functionality.
• Content management system tools allow users to create, edit, and publish content.
• Choose from pre-designed templates, customize them, and ensure responsive design.
• Fine-tune your SEO efforts with in-built SEO tools while controlling your URL structure and integrating analytics for informed decision-making.
• Extensive media library, including asset management and media optimization tools.
• Robust security features, including access control, password protection, and regular security updates.
• Integrations include API, E-Commerce, and marketing automation.
• Collaboration features ensure version control, multiple-user access, and workflow management.
• Scalability for performance optimization and cloud-based hosting.

6 Pros of CMS

The following are the pros of CMS platforms.

1. CMS platforms are intuitive and easy to use, even for non-technical users.
2. Reduces development time and cost with pre-built templates, plugins, and themes.
3. Highly customizable and flexible to meet dynamic business needs.
4. In-built SEO features to boost website search engine rankings.
5. Centralized platform for users to manage and collaborate on website content.
6. Robust security features to deter hacking and unauthorized access.

6 Pros of CMS

The following are the pros of CMS platforms.

1. CMS platforms are intuitive and easy to use, even for non-technical users.
2. Reduces development time and cost with pre-built templates, plugins, and themes.
3. Highly customizable and flexible to meet dynamic business needs.
4. In-built SEO features to boost website search engine rankings.
5. Centralized platform for users to manage and collaborate on website content.
6. Robust security features to deter hacking and unauthorized access.

6 Cons of CMS

1. Requires frequent updates and constant maintenance to ensure site safety.
2. Steep learning curve for new users on how to use CMS functionality and features.
3. Unsuitable for large projects or products with multiple processes, stakeholders, and complex workflows.
4. Plugins and widgets available on CMS platforms are expensive.
5. Excessive dependency on third-party plugins and themes increases security and other complexities.
6. Enterprise-level CMS platforms can be costly, with additional costs for hosting, maintenance, and premium plugins.

Who Benefits the Most from CMS Systems?

The following businesses can benefit the most from CMS platforms.

E-Commerce

CMS systems can benefit e-commerce companies with complex product catalog management, inventory tracking, shopping cart integration, and SEO optimization needs.

Media and Publishing Houses

• CMS systems provide a central hub for content creation and management.
• It is ideal for news channels leveraging CMS platforms to post blogs, videos, and podcasts.
• Digital magazines and newspapers can use CMS platforms to create interactive content with multimedia elements
• CMS platforms can publish/broadcast content on multiple websites and social media platforms.

Media and Publishing Houses

• CMS systems provide a central hub for content creation and management.
• It is ideal for news channels leveraging CMS platforms to post blogs, videos, and podcasts.
• Digital magazines and newspapers can use CMS platforms to create interactive content with multimedia elements
• CMS platforms can publish/broadcast content on multiple websites and social media platforms.

Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

• Perfect for SMBs to create and maintain websites with minimal need for technical expertise.
• Boosts marketing efforts through personalized marketing campaigns, social media management, and creating brand awareness.
• It may include customer support features like live chat and contact forums.

Non-Profit Organizations

• Facilitates the creation of donation pages and fundraising campaign management.
• Helps with event management, including registration, ticketing, and communication with attendees.
• Some CMS platforms can have features to manage volunteers and track their activities.

Educational Institutions

• Create and manage online courses, including course materials, assignments, and quizzes.
• Develop portals allowing students to access course materials, grades, announcements, and more.
• Enables teaching staff to create and maintain their websites.

Government Agencies

• Publish public information such as announcements, policies, and regulations.
• Facilitates senior citizen engagement through online feedback and commenting features.
• Allows government bodies to provide online services like applying for permits or licenses.

What is a DXP?

A digital experience platform solution is enterprise software designed to meet the ever-changing needs of companies in diverse industries. These companies include those wanting to kickstart their digital transformation with the ultimate goal of enhancing customer experiences.
Most digital experience platforms are stand-alone products or suites of products that help companies achieve multiple business goals.

Top 10 Features of a DXP Platform

The most common features of a DXP platform include the following:

• Content management system to create, edit, and publish content across multiple digital channels.
• Digital asset management helps users store and manage digital assets like images, videos, and documents.
• Personalize content and experiences based on individual user preferences and behavior.
• Analytics tools to provide insights related to user behavior, website, and campaign performance.
• Robust integration capabilities to help connect DXP with other systems.
• Seamless omnichannel experience
• Marketing automation to automate repetitive tasks like email marketing.
• Consolidates data from multiple sources for a comprehensive business view.
• Predictive analytics and tailored recommendations through AI and ML
• Headless architecture for greater flexibility and scalability.

5 Pros of DXP

There are several types of DXP platforms. However, the general pros of DXP platforms are as follows:

1. Ease of use for users, regardless of their technical expertise and knowledge.
2. Simplified access control to prevent cyber attacks and unauthorized access while facilitating employee onboarding and adjusting security protocols.
3. Offers a choice of different analytics and data collection methods to optimize marketing campaigns and streamline content creation.
4. Leverage the built-in tools to manage different business processes and create engaging and tailored customer experiences, reducing overall costs.
5. Automates tasks, streamlines workflows, and reduces time to market.

6 Cons of DXP

There are several types of DXP platforms. However, the general cons of DXP platforms are as follows:

1. Implementing several functionalities and features may be time-consuming and require specialized skills and training.
2. Integrating DXP with other systems and third-party apps can be complex, requiring significant resources and technical expertise.
3. The purchase, implementation, and maintenance of DXPs can be costly. Other costs include licensing, hardware requirements, and ongoing support.
4. Customization can be challenging, especially for complex projects and super-specialized business requirements.
5. Scaling a DXP platform can be challenging, requiring additional resources and infrastructure.
6. Even with robust security measures, DXP platforms are vulnerable to threats.

Who Benefits the Most from DXP Platforms?

As mentioned above, it is full of DXP platforms. Each is unique and suited for companies in diverse sectors. However, DXPs in general can benefit the following organizations.

E-Commerce Businesses

• Enables businesses to tailor product recommendations and content based on customer preferences and behavior.
• Seamless and uniform experiences across online and offline channels.
• Facilitates streamlined order processing, shipping, and returns.

Financial Institutions

• Enables advisors to provide bespoke financial advice and recommendations.
• Robust security features to protect customer data.
• Fosters effective customer service through chatbots and self-service portals.

Healthcare Organizations

• Enhanced patient care through personalized information and appointment scheduling.
• Facilitates effective communication between patients and healthcare providers.
• Streamlines clinical processes and enhances operational efficiency.

Retail

• Personalized customer experiences through tailored content and targeted recommendations.
• Omnichannel consistency through uniform experiences across various channels and unified customer data.
• Enhanced customer engagement through interactive experiences and loyalty programs.
• Automated email and social media campaigns plus content creation.
• Improved customer service through self-service options and faster response times in general.

Manufacturing

• DXP suggests products and services based on customer browsing history.
• Automatically issues process orders, reducing errors and boosting efficiency.
• Facilitates real-time inventory level monitoring to ensure product availability.
• Targeted marketing efforts that caters to specific customer segments.

DXP Platforms VS. CMS Software – Which is Better?

Below are the key differences between DXP platforms and a CMS software.

When Should you Choose a DXP Platform?

A DXP is ideal for businesses under the following circumstances.

• Deliver personalized experiences to customers based on their preferences and behavior.
• Ensure consistent experiences across multiple channels.
• Manage complex integration needs.
• When the priority is data-driven, informed decision-making.

When Should you Choose a CMS Software?

A CMS platform is ideal under the following circumstances.

• When the focus is primarily on creating, updating, and publishing content.
• Smaller businesses with simple websites (cost-effective).
• Single channel focus or organizations with zero need for personalization.

Wrapping Up…

DXP platforms may be the successor to CMS software, but that doesn’t mean there is no market for the latter. At the end of the day, it depends on the business requirements. Digital experience platform solutions are perfect for companies with complex business needs, such as delivering personalized experiences and omnichannel integration, or specific needs, like AI-powered customization, real-time analytics, or marketing automation integration.

On the other hand, CMS software is best suited for companies that require a simple way to create and manage content without complex requirements like personalization or omnichannel experiences. Companies with simple websites with straightforward layouts and content organization can also benefit immensely from CMS platforms.

Implementing a DXP platform can be challenging for most companies. With the large variety of DXP platforms available in the market, it becomes difficult for companies to choose the right one for their business needs.

Tridhya Tech is a reputed IT company with a decade of experience. With 500+ satisfied customers, thousands of completed projects, and a 600+ fleet of experienced developers, we have the expertise and resources to complete projects within agreed-upon deadlines.

Our vast suite of services includes DXP consulting and implementation services. We can analyze your business goals and requirements and help you choose the right DXP. Even after implementation, we can handle ongoing support and maintenance activities (depending on the service level agreement).

Call us at +1 386 597 1231 or email us at  [email protected].