10 Ways to Convert A Simple HTML/CSS Website Into A Content Management System

Have you ever wondered how to convert simple HTML Websites into a content management system (CMS) for easy management and editing? Then, this article will show you 10 easy ways to do that so much so that you will be spoilt for choice. Perhaps, one of the most common problem associated with building a cheap Website is the lack of CMS functionality which means that you have to log in to the backend or cpanel all the time just so as to make some of the most basic changes to text content or images. However, this problem can be solved by the use of simple snippets or lines of code. Better still, you can have someone or a simple Web service do all the hard work for you so that all you have to do is login to your Website and edit your Web content directly (sometimes even from the frontend). So then, the following are some of the best examples of light cms tools that will make your life  much easier.

1. Pulse CMS

Pulse is a simple CMS designed for small websites that enables you to add content management to any site in five minutes. Users can define “blocks” on the website they wish to be editable while Pulse provides an easy to use backend so Webmasters and their clients can make edits right from their browser.

2. Stiqr

Stiqr is a revolutionary SaaS-based service that delivers on-demand site editing tools and applications to your site without any coding on your part. It allows Web designers to create websites just as you will do with Photoshop. Although  Stiqr is more of a tool for design elements, it is still a  “content management system”  or as some might prefer to call it, a  “design management system.”

3. Cushy CMS

With Cushy CMS, Web designers can safely edit content without installing any software in a few minutes. All you have to do is define exactly which parts of a Web page can be change without the need for programming. Cushy CMS produces standards compliant, search engine friendly content that is very easy to use.

4. PageLime

Page Lime provides a simple CMS tool for content editors. Users can edit, create and publish Web pages directly from a Web browser or an Apple iPhone. Furthermore, by adding a simple “cms-editable” CSS class to any element on your site, you can brand it as your own and resell.

5. Surreal CMS

 Surreal CMS is a simple hosted content management system that was built for web designers. Web developers can manage all their websites from the one convenient location and give clients access to safely edit their own content. Best of all, there’s absolutely nothing to download or install.

6. Orbis CMS

Orbis CMS is a stylish, open source content management system centered around simplicity and ease-of-use for non-technical users. Orbis CMS is perfect for Web designers looking for a simple CMS for non-technical clients so that clients can only edit what you define.

PLEASE NOTE: Orbis CMS is no longer being developed; however, the site is kept for archival purposes. Version 1.0.2 is also still available for download. Although users are advised to use at own risk!

7. Grabaperch

Perch is described as a really little content management system for when developers or their clients need to edit content without the hassle of setting up a big CMS. Perch costs £35 (+ VAT where applicable) as a one-off unrestricted license cost per website. Perch runs on your own server and there are no ongoing monthly costs. Furthermore, free add-ons make adding things like a blog, forms, gallery or events calendar a breeze.

8. Snappy Snippets

SnappySnippets is a free hosted CMS that enables your clients to edit their content with ease. You do not need to install or download anything; you simple add the class “snippet”to any HTML element and the CMS makes it editable.  You can then configure your site within SnappySnippets’ control panel to point to your web page, start editing text, images, links and publish when you are done.

9. Nuggetz

Nuggetz facilitates simple content management for Websites that either don’t have database resources or, a full CMS system is overkill for the level of content management required. Sections of Webpages can be made editable using Nuggetz, it integrates easilly with any website design, and is very straightforward to use. Nuggetz is written in PHP and stores it’s data in files rather than a database. Furthermore, embedding an editable nugget in your webpage, is as simple as writing a single line of PHP code.

10. Texty

This is my favorite because of its simplicity. Texty is a simple content management and comments system for any Webpage. It was born from the concept that simple text elements on any website should be very easy to edit for anyone. Like this text element for example, it can be changed through this site – without ever opening a FTP connection, editing a block of HTML, or testing for code issues. Consequently, you will never have to open a HTML page again for a minor text change! All you will have to do is use Texty’s quick way to adjust content on any webpage by inputing the text on their Webpage, then copy and paste the Texty script into your HTML source code and edit your Texty content anytime on their site.