If you Google Kentico, one of the most commonly asked questions you’ll find is how it stacks up against other popular CMS platforms, most notably, WordPress. So, the web development services team at Newpath Web thought we’d take time out of our busy schedules to settle once and for all, Kentico vs. WordPress: which is better?

What is a CMS?

Let’s start with a quick definition. A CMS is also known as a content management system and it’s a type of software that is designed to make web development simple. How does it do this? Well, by providing a well-designed framework that reduces the need to start the development process from scratch. While any good developer will still know how to code a website from the ground up, the invention of the CMS means that there’s no real need to engage in this type of work anymore.

Kentico vs. WordPress: what’s the difference?

There are actually fairly significant differences between Kentico and WordPress, despite both being content management systems. These differences are substantial enough that you want to make sure you’ve done your research and picked the right system for your needs.

To start with, while Kentico and WordPress are both software programs, WordPress is known as “open-source” and Kentico is “closed-source.” What does that mean? Well, WordPress is free to download and use by anyone with access to the internet. It’s maintained by a community of developers throughout the world, of which anyone can join. Other examples of open-source CMS platforms include Drupal and Joomla.

Closed-source content management systems, on the other hand, are proprietary. This means the software is owned by a development company and can’t be altered by anyone else. Closed CMS platforms therefore often have a very specific and tailored customer base. Kentico, for example, is designed largely for e-commerce website owners. While you do have to pay for the software, many people prefer the perceived added security that a closed system offers.

Kentico is often referred to as an “integrated marketing solution.” That means that in addition to the regular features of a CMS, it comes equipped with a number of marketing tools that you can use to track user behaviour and increase conversion rates. Again, this is particularly useful for e-commerce sites that need this type of user data to run marketing campaigns and boost sales.

Both Kentico and WordPress can be used to build large-scale websites, so you don’t have to worry about overloading your site with too many plugins and high-definition videos and images — within reason, of course.

They’re also both reasonably user-friendly. This is important. While you’ll be relying on a WordPress or Kentico development agency to actually build the site, there will come a point where it is your responsibility to remove, edit, and update content. Without a user-friendly interface, non-tech savvy members of your team will struggle to get their head around what to do.

There is some debate about the security in open vs. closed CMS systems. Generally speaking, provided you are careful when using an open system, there should be no great cause for concern. Most security breaches come through the irresponsible use of dodgy third-system plugins. Just check that your web development services team are only using trustworthy resources, particularly since these plugins may have access to private customer data.

You generally don’t have to worry about security using a closed CMS platform as the number of developers working on the system is minimal and they are all employed by the CMS provider.

Which should I use?

So, after weighing all of this up, are you better off using Kentico or WordPress to build your new website?

The advantage of working with an experienced web development services company like Newpath Web is that you can trust that we will make the right decision for you. When we first meet with new clients, we conduct a detailed analysis of your business and what your digital goals are. Using this information, we can advise on the CMS platform to best meet your needs.

It’s impossible to say whether Kentico is “better” than WordPress or vice-versa. What will work for some websites simply won’t work for others. The real question you should be asking is which CMS platform is right for me?

You’re in luck, because Newpath Web can certainly provide the answer. Contact our friendly team today to find out more.