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Learn about web content management systems with online courses

Are you interested in learning how to use web content management systems? Discover how you can use these tools to streamline processes for web developers, content managers, and more.
Web Content Management Systems | Introduction Image Description

What is a web content management system?

A web content management system (WCMS) allows you to create, edit, publish, and delete text, image, video, and audio content for a website without the need to write any code.Footnote 1 They come with site-building features to facilitate content creation and display content on the website for visitors.Footnote 2

Benefits of WCMS include:

  • Simplified development: You don't need to write any code and can instead run the content management application from a graphical user interface. This allows anyone without technical knowledge to create and manage an entire website.

  • Improved collaboration: You can grant access to users at different levels with clearly defined roles like content editors and writers on the same back-end.

  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Technical SEO factors into the design of WCMSs, with features like breadcrumb navigation, URL structures, page and meta titles, and meta descriptions.

  • Security: WCMSs provide features like access control and firewalls that address common internal and external security threats. You may also have a dedicated support team.

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Web content management system course curriculum

A web content management system course may introduce learners to key terms and concepts such as the front- and back-end development, while also providing instruction on how to install the WCMS onto your website and begin to effectively use it.Footnote 3 You may cover the different editing features that allow for customization on pages including themes for the front-end, plugins, and widgets. You may also touch on user access and roles, alongside workflow management. Advanced course may introduce non-traditional types of web content management systems like headless, decoupled, and hybrid.Footnote 4

If you are interested in learning how to create a better website more efficiently, explore the many different learning opportunities offered through edX. Accelerated boot camps teach specialized skills like UX/UI design, which can come in handy when using different tools like a WCMS. You can also choose to build an even more comprehensive set of skills by pursuing a bachelor’s degree or (for more advanced learners) a master’s degree, which can be required for certain career paths. Executive education programs are another option tailored specifically for busy professionals. Find the educational format that works best for you and start your learning journey today with edX. 

Explore jobs that use web content management systems

Knowledge of how to use web content management systems can be beneficial for a variety of roles including:

  • Digital content writer: Creates blog posts and articles on various topics.Footnote 5

  • Web content manager or specialist: Oversees content production and lead editorial decision-making.Footnote 6

  • Content editor: Reviews written content before it's published.Footnote 7

  • SEO specialist: Develops strategy for the creation of content specifically designed to rank on search engines.Footnote 8

  • Marketing coordinator: Organizes marketing efforts between teams, platforms, and stakeholders.Footnote 9

  • Web developer: Builds front-end and back-end for websites.Footnote 10

Each of these roles will have different education and skills requirements. For example, if you are interested in the development side of website building, you may be able to practice relevant skills in a coding boot camp. For content and marketing roles, a digital marketing boot camp will focus more on content strategy and optimization. Additionally, some employers may seek candidates with higher level degrees. Before deciding on a specific learning path, research the positions you hope to pursue and align your coursework with your career goals.

How to use web content management systems in your career

A website is an essential tool for nearly every business. With skilled use of WCMS, you can build a complex and professional website without programming experience. Features like sitemaps and additional plugins for SEO help you make your content more discoverable so that you can reach the audiences that you need, and convert viewers into customers.Footnote 11

As a developer, you can use a WCMS to speed up development projects and only write code when you need custom functionality. Highly skilled professionals can even develop their own themes, plugins, or proprietary WCMSs for businesses. Ultimately, WCMS can make the process of website development and content dissemination easier and more efficient. Learn how to make the most of these powerful tools with edX.

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Frequently asked questions

As a developer, you can use a WCMS to simplify your work. If you integrate it into your website, you don't need to write all of the code yourself. You can make system-wide changes in just a few clicks. Web content management systems that support themes can also be used to build the front-end of your site, while plugins can be used on the back-end.

To find the best web content management system for your organization, you need to consider the skillset of the employees primarily using the system. A simple WCMS may be better for staff who aren't familiar with coding and development. You also need to consider your content management needs. For example, a WCMS with account control and scheduling features might work well for an online news outlet.Footnote 12 Meanwhile, security features would be important for organizations that handle sensitive content.

WordPress is the most popular web content management system, used for everything from blogs to online stores.Footnote 13 It has a large library of no-cost and premium themes, and plugins for different types of digital assets, including 360° and virtual reality (VR) content.Footnote 14 You can use these to build complex platforms quickly. It’s also open source, meaning developers can fully customize websites to their specifications.

A traditional or coupled WCMS is easier to use, but distribution options are limited because it ties content to the system. Decoupled and headless WCMSs allow you to publish content across various channels that you connect via an API. A hybrid WCMS combines the features of the other types with templates that connect to the database and API functionality.

The difference between a CMS and WCMS is that the former manages content on various platform types, while the latter is used primarily for websites.Footnote 15 WCMSs usually have a create-to-publish cycle that drives the entire process, where creators make the content for public consumption.