Among the mandatory CMS features are URL settings, taxonomy, customizable page elements, internal linking, blogging tools, SSL certificates, and responsive themes. Your CMS of choice should make it possible to customize the metadata and image alt text of pages and posts.
The word limit for titles is 60 characters and 160 for meta descriptions. The best CMSs count these characters.
Your website address (URL) structure should be brief yet descriptive. Search engines don’t like reading complicated and lengthy structures. The URL should be made up of target keywords.
Different CMSs are suitable for different types of websites. That said, here are a few solid choices across the board.
1. WordPress
WordPress enables users to add meta titles, meta descriptions, headings, image alt-text, and custom URLs in posts and pages. There is a wide variety of responsive themes not only in the official directory but also through third parties.
Those looking for control over how their site looks on different devices will find the free Elementor Page Builder a solid option because it offers mobile editing.
You can use WordPress to adjust permalinks, add a complex blog to a website, use tags and categories in the dashboard, and create and manage navigation menus.
2. Squarespace
Squarespace was created about a decade ago. This platform launched as a website hosting service, but it is now one of the most widely used website builders. It is intuitive, still has solid hosting, and offers great tools for bloggers and visually appealing templates.
Its key features include headings, meta tags, alt text, clean URLs and permalinks, redirects, Google AMP, and integrations with Search Console and Analytics. Squarespace is a good solution if your website is for a small business or without much competition.
If your sector is more competitive or your expenses are higher, on the other hand, you’re better off with WordPress. It gives you plugins to optimize and customize your site and more power. For more details about the two platforms, check out this Squarespace vs. WordPress guide.
3. Magento
Magento is worth considering if you want to create and optimize an online store for search. You can choose a responsive theme, optimize product image alt text, and add metadata with this open-source ecommerce platform. You can also remove duplicate content, create an XML sitemap, set pages to nofollow and add navigation menus.
Suppose you don’t have the time or knowledge to carry out these tasks manually. In that case, you can download extensions like Magento SEO Suite Pro extension, SEO Content Optimization by ReloadSEO, or Advanced SEO Suite by Mirasvit.
4. Wix
Wix is a good choice for freelancers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs who want to launch a website quickly. It is simple to use with drag-and-drop functionality. With Wix, you won’t get bogged down in SEO details – it only covers the essentials.
The knowledge base Wix SEO Wiz explains how to create a site that will rank well in search engine results. You can use it to assess your site’s SEO and for helpful tips.
