Exploring the Best Nodejs CMS Platforms for Web Development

Nodejs CMS Platforms
20 min read

Introduction to Nodejs CMS platforms, which leverage the Node.js runtime environment for building Content Management Systems (CMS). Mention the flexibility, scalability, and performance advantages offered by Node.js in CMS development. A brief explanation of how Node.js CMS platforms enable developers to create dynamic and interactive websites and applications.

Top 10 Nodejs CMS Platform in 2024

Welcome to the blog post on Artoon Solutions, Let’s explore the top 10 Nodejs CMS platforms in 2024.

1. Strapi

Strapi

Strapi is a modern and flexible headless CMS (Content Management System) that empowers developers and content creators alike.

What is Strapi?

  • Strapi is an open-source CMS designed to provide a flexible and customizable platform for managing digital content.
  • It follows the headless architecture, which means it separates the content management system from the presentation layer (frontend), making it an ideal Nodejs CMS solution. This decoupling allows developers to use their favorite tools and frameworks while enabling editors to easily manage content.
  • Strapi handles content and exposes it via APIs, making it accessible for developers to utilize in websites, mobile apps, and other digital experiences.

Key Features of Strapi

  • Customizable Admin Panel: Strapi offers an intuitive and customizable admin interface where content editors can create, edit, and organize content. The admin panel can be tailored to match specific project requirements.
  • API Flexibility: Strapi provides both RESTful and GraphQL APIs out of the box. Developers can choose the API type that best suits their project needs.
  • Extensibility: Strapi’s architecture allows for easy extension through community-developed plugins. Developers can enhance functionality by adding custom plugins or using existing ones.
  • Content Types: Strapi supports various content types, such as articles, products, events, and more. You can define your own content structures and relationships.
  • User Roles and Permissions: Strapi allows fine-grained control over user roles and permissions. You can define who can access and modify content.
  • Media Management: Strapi handles media files (images, videos, etc.) seamlessly, making it convenient for content creators.
  • Localization: Strapi supports multilingual content, enabling you to create and manage content in different languages.
  • Webhooks and Events: Strapi can trigger webhooks and events based on content changes, allowing integrations with external services.

Use Cases of Strapi – Nodejs CMS

  • Websites: Strapi is ideal for building websites where content needs to be managed independently from the front end.
  • Mobile Apps: Developers can use Strapi to power the backend of mobile applications, providing a consistent content source.
  • E-commerce Stores: Strapi’s flexibility makes it suitable for managing product catalogs, blog posts, and other content on e-commerce platforms.
  • API-Driven Projects: If your project relies heavily on APIs, Strapi simplifies content management and delivery.

Installation of Strapi

To get started with Strapi, you can use the following command:

npx create-strapi-app my-project –quickstart
  • This will set up a new Strapi project with the necessary files and configurations.

Strapi empowers developers to build content-rich experiences while allowing editors to manage content efficiently. Its open-source nature and extensibility make it a powerful choice for various projects.

Read More: How to Install Node and NPM

2. Ghost

Ghost

Ghost, originally conceived as a publishing platform, has evolved into a powerful headless CMS (Content Management System). It’s built on Node.js and offers a robust JSON API for managing content. Let’s delve into the details:

Features

  • Headless Architecture: Ghost operates in a headless mode, which means it separates the content management functionality from the presentation layer. Developers can use the API to retrieve content and display it in any front-end framework or static site generator.
  • Beautiful Admin Interface: Ghost boasts an elegant and user-friendly admin client app. It simplifies content creation, organization, and publishing.
  • Used by Prominent Companies:

    Duolingo: The popular language-learning platform relies on Ghost for its content management needs.

    Unsplash: The renowned stock photo platform also utilizes Ghost.

    OpenAI: Even OpenAI, a leader in artificial intelligence research, trusts Ghost for managing its content.
  • Ghost Pro Services:

    Hosting: Ghost Pro offers managed hosting services, ensuring your Ghost instance runs smoothly without worrying about server maintenance.

    Support: Ghost Pro subscribers receive priority support, helping them troubleshoot issues and optimize their installations.

Installation

Local Development:

Install the Ghost CLI globally using npm:

npm install ghost-cli -g

Set up a local Ghost instance:

ghost install local

Production Environment:
For production deployments, follow installation guides tailored to your platform, such as Ubuntu, cPanel, or Docker.

Ghost’s flexibility, developer-friendly features, and active community make it an excellent choice for managing content across various projects. Whether you’re building a blog, an API-driven website, or an app, Ghost provides the tools you need to create and organize content effectively.

3. Keystone

Keystone

KeystoneJS stands out as a supercharged Nodejs headless CMS, offering unparalleled capabilities for content management and application development. Here’s an overview:

What is Keystone?

  • Keystone facilitates rapid development by providing a schema-driven approach. Developers describe their schema, and Keystone generates a powerful GraphQL API alongside a sleek administration interface.

Key Features

  • Automated CRUD: Keystone automates CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations, streamlining backend development.
  • Extensible GraphQL API: With Keystone, developers can enjoy a robust GraphQL API out-of-the-box, which can be extended as per project needs.
  • Next-gen WYSIWYG: Offers a next-gen What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) editor for effortless content creation and editing.
  • Session Management: Provides session management capabilities, enhancing security and user authentication.
  • 100% TypeScript: Keystone is built entirely in TypeScript, ensuring type safety and improved developer productivity.
  • Custom Roles & Access: Enables fine-grained control over user roles and access permissions, ensuring data security.
  • Flexible Relationships: Supports flexible relationships between data models, allowing for complex data structures.
  • Powerful Filtering: Offers powerful filtering capabilities to retrieve specific data subsets efficiently.

Installation

Installing Keystone is straightforward. Begin by installing the Keystone CLI globally using npm:

npm install -g @keystone-next/cli
  • Follow the CLI prompts to scaffold a new Keystone project, configure it according to your requirements, and start developing.

In essence, Keystone empowers developers with a feature-rich CMS solution backed by Node.js, ideal for building scalable and high-performing applications.

Read More: How to Install Nodejs Debian? 

4. ApostropheCMS

ApostropheCMS

ApostropheCMS is a modern, open-source content management system (CMS) designed to empower both developers and content creators. Let’s dive into the details:

Technology Stack

  • Frontend: ApostropheCMS is JavaScript from front to back. It features a Vue.js user interface for content management.
  • Backend: The server-side runs on Node.js, making it versatile nodejs cms.

Key Features

  • Headless API: ApostropheCMS provides a built-in headless API, allowing you to create content and retrieve it via REST APIs. This flexibility is essential for supporting omnichannel experiences.
  • Field Schema API: You can create custom content types using Apostrophe’s field schema API. Whether it’s articles, products, or events, you can define the structure and fields you need.
  • Developer-Friendly: Apostrophe’s modular architecture allows developers to customize everything. You can override default behavior, add custom functionality, and tailor the platform to your project’s requirements.
  • Extensible: ApostropheCMS offers a library of open-source extensions. These extensions enhance the core functionality, making it suitable for various use cases.
  • First-Class Headless Support: Configure Apostrophe as a headless CMS Node js to build frontend applications in any framework you prefer. The new Astro integration ensures a fully contextual editing experience.
  • Flexible Deployment: ApostropheCMS can be deployed on its managed hosting platform (built on AWS and MongoDB Atlas) or your own cloud infrastructure.

Use Cases

  • Digital Agencies: Create bespoke experiences for clients using Apostrophe Assembly, a fleet of sites and apps managed from a single dashboard.
  • Software Companies: Integrate Apostrophe into existing SaaS products for handling settings, content, design, and users.
  • Hospitality: Keep properties up to date with custom integrations and workflows.
  • Enterprise: Scale Apostrophe across brands and departments, integrating it with your unique digital experience ecosystem.

Open Source Ecosystem

  • ApostropheCMS embraces open source. It taps into a massive ecosystem of code and resources, allowing collaboration with like-minded technologies.
  • The platform’s extensible architecture lets you tailor it precisely to your project’s needs.

ApostropheCMS combines powerful features, developer happiness, and a low learning curve for content creators. Whether you’re building microsites, digital factories, or enterprise solutions, ApostropheCMS has the right tools for the job.

5. Sanity

Sanity

Let’s delve into the details of Sanity, the headless CMS that combines flexibility, real-time collaboration, and a powerful content studio.

What is Sanity?

Sanity is a headless content management system (CMS) that takes a unique approach to managing content. Here’s what sets it apart:

  1. Decoupling Content and Presentation:
    • A headless CMS separates where content is stored (the “body”) from where it is presented (the “head”).
    • This architecture enables content reuse and remixing across various platforms—web, mobile, and digital media.
    • You can even reuse your content in print materials.
  2. Format-Agnostic Content:
    • Sanity allows you to create content without being tied to a specific format.
    • Authors benefit from a fully customizable editor with structured data models.
    • Developers get a focused API for efficient querying and filtering.
    • Users receive content tailored to their needs.
  3. An Analogy: Recording Studio vs. Basement:
    • Imagine recording a song. In a simple basement recording, all elements (lyrics, melodies, instruments) are mixed together.
    • However, a professional recording studio records each part (individual tracks) separately.
    • Sound engineers then remix and level these tracks to create the perfect song.
    • Similarly, Sanity provides the advantages of a professional studio:
      • Content creators enjoy an organized editing experience.
      • Developers, marketers, and designers can remix and iterate concepts freely.
      • Users receive precisely what they need.
  4. The Rise of Headless CMSes:
    • Headless CMSes emerged due to changing content consumption patterns.
    • With screens on wrists, cars, tractors, fridges, and glasses, content delivery diversified.
    • Sanity and other next-gen headless CMS platforms, including Node js cms, decouple content from code.
    • Content becomes reusable and adaptable wherever it’s needed.

Key Features of Sanity

  1. Sanity Studio
    • A React-based editor (Sanity Studio) that’s easy to configure and customize.
    • Empowers content teams with tailored editorial UI features:
      • Visual editing
      • Real-time collaboration
      • Advanced publishing workflows for editors.
  2. Flexible Data Model
    • Sanity provides a flexible schema for structuring content.
    • Define custom data types, fields, and relationships.
  3. Integration with Frontend Frameworks
    • Sanity Studio pairs seamlessly with modern frontend frameworks like Next.js, SvelteKit, and Gatsby.
    • Build a custom React CMS backend that your entire team will love using.

Installation

  1. Sign Up at Sanity.io
    • To get started, sign up at Sanity.io.
    • Explore the powerful features of the Sanity Composable Content Cloud and experience the benefits firsthand.

Sanity isn’t just a headless CMS—it’s a content management solution that empowers creators, developers, and users alike!

Read More: Node js Framework

6. Directus

Directus

Directus is a powerful open-source headless CMS (Content Management System) that provides a flexible and composable data platform for creating, managing, serving, visualizing, and automating data-rich applications. Let’s delve into the specifics:

What is Directus?

  • Directus bridges your website or apps to a SQL database using its REST API or GraphQL. Think of it as a blank canvas with essential tools to build your own CMS tailored to your users’ needs.
  • The CMS interface allows you to create your database structure through a streamlined user interface built on Vue.js.

Key Features

  • Customizable Interface: Directus offers a customizable interface, allowing you to tailor the CMS to your specific project requirements.
  • RESTful API: It instantly turns your SQL database into APIs, enabling seamless communication between your frontend and backend.
  • Fine-Grained Control: Ideal for projects that demand precise control over data management.
  • Composable Data Platform: Directus empowers you to build CMS Node js headless CMS solutions, backend-as-a-service (BaaS) applications, and more.
  • No-Code App for Data Management: Directus provides a no-code app for managing your data, making it accessible even to non-technical users.

Installation

To get started, install Directus globally using npm:

npm install -g directus
  • Once installed, you can configure and deploy Directus to suit your project’s needs.

Directus is a versatile tool that unlocks limitless scalability and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for managing content, delivering seamless digital experiences, and connecting to any frontend seamlessly.

7. ButterCMS

ButterCMS

ButterCMS is a headless content management system (CMS) that is one of node CMS which offers a seamless solution for managing content across websites and applications. Let’s delve into the details:

What Is ButterCMS?

  • ButterCMS is an API-first, cloud-based, headless CMS platform that caters to both marketers and developers. It provides a robust content backend, allowing you to integrate it with various frameworks and programming languages.
  • Developers can build powerful, customizable components for content creators, freeing up their time and streamlining content management.

Features

  • Composable Content: ButterCMS enables you to create and organize content at any scale. Whether you’re managing a single site or multiple channels, it offers flexibility and ease of use.
  • Multi-channel & Multi-site: Brands, agencies, and enterprises can manage their portfolio of sites and apps within a single CMS.
  • Marketing Site: Create a marketing website for your SaaS, e-commerce, or marketplace. ButterCMS seamlessly integrates with any tech stack.
  • Blog Engine: Say goodbye to WordPress! With ButterCMS, you can have a branded blog with built-in SEO that plugs into your existing website.
  • Dev-Friendly: Developers love ButterCMS because it saves time, empowers marketers to build pages and content, and requires zero maintenance. The platform handles scaling, security, and maintenance.
  • Marketer-Friendly: Marketers can move faster, launch content more quickly, and build and edit pages without relying on development resources. The intuitive interface and WYSIWYG instant previews enhance ease of use.
  • Executives’ Choice: ButterCMS aligns marketing and development teams, resulting in increased productivity. It offers real ROI, competitive pricing, and the highest user adoption ratings.

Why Choose ButterCMS?

For Developers:

  • Empower marketers to build pages and content.
  • Zero maintenance – ButterCMS handles scaling, security, and maintenance.
  • Compatible with any tech stack.

Marketers:

  • Launch content faster.
  • Build and edit pages without developer resources.
  • Intuitive content workflows with instant previews.

For Executives:

  • Increased productivity for the entire team.
  • Real ROI and competitive pricing.
  • Manage multiple sites and apps seamlessly.

Whether you’re a developer, marketer, or executive, ButterCMS provides a powerful and user-friendly solution for content management. To get started, sign up at ButterCMS and experience the benefits firsthand!

8. Netlify CMS

Netlify CMS

Netlify CMS is an open-source content management system (CMS) that stands out for its simplicity, flexibility, and integration with Git. Let’s delve into the details:

Overview

  • Netlify CMS is different from traditional server-based CMS solutions. It’s a node js CMS single-page app built using React and operates on top of Git repositories.
  • The key advantage is that you can use a GitHub repository as your content database, making it easy to manage content without the need for a dedicated server.

Features

Git-Based Content Management:

  • Netlify CMS leverages Git for content storage. Each piece of content (such as blog posts, articles, or pages) corresponds to a file in your Git repository.
  • Changes made through the CMS result in Git commits, allowing version control and collaboration.

Markdown and Other Formats:

  • Netlify CMS supports Markdown out of the box, making it ideal for static site generators like Hugo, Jekyll, or Middleman.
  • You can create and edit content using Markdown syntax, which simplifies content creation and ensures consistency.

Customizable Collections:

  • Define content types (collections) in a config.yml file. Each collection specifies fields, labels, and other settings.
  • For example, you can create a “Blog Post” collection with fields like “Title,” “Body,” and “Author.”

User Authentication:

  • Netlify CMS provides authentication services during local development and production.
  • When running locally, it prompts you to enter your email address for personalization or allows you to log in directly.

Media Management:

  • Specify a media folder where images and other assets are stored.
  • Images can be uploaded and linked within your content.

Extensibility:

  • Developers can create custom widgets, plugins, and extensions to enhance the CMS.
  • Integrations with other services (such as image optimization or SEO tools) are possible.

Installation

  • To set up Netlify CMS locally, follow these steps:
    1. Create a new local directory (it doesn’t need to be a Git repo).
    2. Add an index.html file with the following content:
       
<head>
  <link href=“<https://unpkg.com/netlify-cms/dist/cms.css>” rel=“stylesheet”/>
</head>
<body>
  <script src=”<https://unpkg.com/netlify-cms/dist/cms.js>“></script>
</body>

 

  1. Create a config.yml file with your desired collections and fields.
  2. Serve the HTML file using a local server (e.g., http-server).
  3. Access the CMS via localhost in your browser.
  4. You can create, save, and edit posts locally, but they’re stored in your browser’s memory.
  5. To use GitHub as a content database, create a public GitHub repo and follow the setup instructions.

Netlify CMS is lightweight, developer-friendly, and seamlessly integrates with static site generators. It’s a powerful choice for managing content without the complexity of a traditional server-based CMS.

Read More: How to Check Node Version Quickly

9. Cosmic

Cosmic

Cosmic is a powerful headless CMS that empowers developers and content editors to create, edit, and manage content across limitless websites and applications. Let’s dive into the details:

Flexible Content Modeling

  • Cosmic provides developers with an expertly powerful, yet simple, content development experience. You can model your content in a way that suits your specific needs.
  • The SDK is straightforward, making it easy to integrate Cosmic into your JavaScript application with just one line of code. Say goodbye to the hassle of CMS node infrastructure maintenance.

Robust APIs

  • Cosmic’s APIs allow you to interact with your content programmatically. Whether you’re fetching data for a website, application, or platform, Cosmic has you covered.
  • The flexibility of these APIs ensures seamless integration with any frontend framework.

Easy Content Delivery

  • Content editors benefit from the Cosmic dashboard, which offers an intuitive and feature-rich experience for creating and publishing content.
  • Features like scheduled publishing, bulk updates, and easy organization of media enhance the content editing process.

Collaboration and Security

  • Cosmic ensures granular roles and permissions, allowing teams to collaborate efficiently while maintaining security.
  • Branded workspaces, localization, usage reports, automatic backups, and revision history contribute to a seamless workflow.

Deployment and Hosting

  • Cosmic’s open-source code enables your team to learn and extend the system.
  • Deploy your Cosmic-powered application to one of their hosting service partners in minutes.

Cosmic is a headless CMS that simplifies content management, accelerates development, and provides a convenient interface for creating and delivering content across various platforms. Whether you’re building with React or Astro, Cosmic has the features you need to streamline your workflow.

10. TaracotJS

TaracotJS

TaracotJS is a lightweight and minimalist Content Management System (CMS) built on Node.js. It offers simplicity, performance, and flexibility for managing website content. Let’s delve into the details:

Features

  • MongoDB as the database storage: TaracotJS leverages MongoDB for efficient data management.
  • Redis for session storage: Redis enhances performance by providing fast in-memory caching for session data.
  • Independent Module Structure: TaracotJS allows you to organize your project into modular components, making it easier to maintain and extend.
  • Multilanguage Support: Out of the box, TaracotJS supports multiple languages, enabling you to create content for diverse audiences.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: It works seamlessly wherever Node.js is supported.
  • File Browser: TaracotJS includes a multifunctional file browser with drag-and-drop functionality and support for zipping and unzipping files.
  • Website Statistics: Built-in statistics help you track user engagement and other relevant metrics.
  • WYSIWYG Page Editor: The CMS features a WYSIWYG-based page editor powered by CKEditor.
  • Blogging Platform: TaracotJS provides a blogging platform with features like comments and different modes (private, moderation, and public).
  • Social Network Framework: Basic social networking functionality, including friend requests and real-time messaging using Socket.IO.
  • OAuth Integration: Easily integrate social service authorization using the OAuth protocol.
  • Configurable Navigation Menu: Customize your site’s navigation menu to suit your needs.

Installation

  • Node.js: First, download and install Node.js for your operating system from here.
  • MongoDB and Redis: Ensure you have MongoDB and Redis installed. For Windows (x64), you can download pre-compiled versions here. Unzip the files and run start.cmd.
  • For Linux, UNIX, and MacOS, install MongoDB and Redis manually or compile from sources.
  • Detailed installation instructions are available in the TaracotJS installation guide.

Demo and Documentation

  • Explore the official website for more information.
  • Check out the demo website (use admin/admin as login/password). Note that the demo instance is automatically re-installed every hour.
  • The GitHub repository contains the source code and documentation.

License

  • TaracotJS is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL-3.0).
  • It’s free software, distributed with the hope that it will be useful, but without any warranty.

Give TaracotJS a try for your small to medium-sized projects, and enjoy its simplicity and performance!

Connect with Artoon Solutions

Artoon Solutions stands out as a leading Nodejs development company, renowned for its top-notch services tailored to meet diverse business needs. With extensive expertise in Node.js development, Artoon Solutions delivers innovative solutions that go beyond mere lines of code. Whether you’re looking to build mobile apps, web apps, or websites, Artoon Solutions offers comprehensive Nodejs development services. Backed by a team of experienced Node.js experts, Artoon ensures efficient and seamless backend development to power your applications. Partnering with Artoon Solutions guarantees access to cutting-edge technology and personalized solutions that elevate your digital presence and enhance user experiences.

Conclusion

Exploring the top 10 Nodejs CMS platforms in 2024 sheds light on the cutting-edge tools available for website development. These platforms offer a range of features tailored to diverse needs, from content creation to customization. As businesses strive for digital excellence, Node.js CMS solutions play a pivotal role in shaping the future of web development, empowering users to create dynamic and scalable online experiences. If you want to build app with node js, book a free call with our expert team and hire nodejs developers.

FAQs

1. What is Nodejs CMS?

A Node.js CMS is a Content Management System built using the Node.js runtime environment, enabling developers to create dynamic and interactive websites and applications.

2. Can you build a CMS with Node.js?

Yes, Node.js provides the necessary tools and libraries to build a Nodejs CMS from scratch or leverage existing frameworks like Keystone, Strapi, or Ghost.

3. What are nodes in CMS?

In a CMS context, “nodes” typically refer to individual content items, such as articles, pages, or media files, which are managed within the CMS platform.

4. Does JavaScript have a CMS?

Yes, JavaScript-based CMS platforms like Strapi, Keystone, and Ghost provide robust solutions for managing content and building dynamic websites and applications.

5. Is Strapi a CMS?

Yes, Strapi is an open-source headless CMS (Content Management System) built on top of Node.js, offering a flexible and customizable solution for content management and API-driven development.

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