A CMS (Content Management System) web developer specializes in building, customizing, and maintaining websites using platforms that allow content to be managed easily without writing code every time. CMS development is ideal for blogs, e-commerce stores, corporate sites, and content-heavy platforms.
š§© What Is a CMS Web Developer?
A CMS web developer works with tools like:
WordPress š„ (most popular CMS)
Shopify (for e-commerce)
Drupal, Joomla (enterprise-level or niche)
Magento / Adobe Commerce (advanced e-commerce)
Headless CMSs like Contentful, Strapi, Sanity (paired with React, Next.js, etc.)
They focus on:
Building and customizing themes/templates
Creating custom plugins or modules
Integrating APIs or third-party services
Optimizing for speed, SEO, and security
Managing content workflows and user permissions
š ļø Key Skills for CMS Web Developers
Area | Tools / Skills |
---|---|
CMS Platforms | WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, Shopify |
Front-End | HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery |
Back-End | PHP (WordPress), Liquid (Shopify), Node.js (headless) |
Databases | MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite |
Dev Tools | Git, WP-CLI, cPanel, hosting services |
SEO & Performance | Schema, caching, image optimization |
API Integration | REST, GraphQL, payment gateways, CRMs |
CMS Security | Hardening CMS, regular updates, role permissions |
š Typical Projects for a CMS Web Developer
Corporate Website (WordPress + custom theme)
E-commerce Store (Shopify or WooCommerce)
Blog or News Portal (Headless CMS + Next.js)
Portfolio Website (WordPress or Webflow)
Membership or LMS Site (WordPress + LearnDash/MemberPress)
Multilingual Website (WPML/Polylang or Drupal i18n)
š§āš¼ Who Hires CMS Web Developers?
Digital agencies and freelancers
News/media companies
Marketing teams (need fast content publishing)
Startups launching MVPs
E-commerce businesses
NGOs and education providers
š How to Become a CMS Web Developer
1. Learn Core Web Technologies
HTML, CSS, JS
PHP (especially for WordPress)
2. Master a CMS
WordPress is the best place to start (most jobs & projects)
Learn to build custom themes and plugins
3. Understand Hosting & Deployment
Shared hosting, cPanel, managed WP hosting (e.g., Kinsta, WP Engine)
Domain setup, SSL, CDN integration
4. Build a Portfolio
Show off CMS-based projects: blogs, stores, admin panels
Include GitHub or live demos
š§ Bonus: CMS vs Headless CMS
CMS Type | Examples | Use When⦠|
---|---|---|
Traditional | WordPress, Drupal | Easy content editing, full websites |
Headless CMS | Contentful, Strapi, Sanity | You want to use React/Next.js and decouple frontend |
E-commerce CMS | Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce | You’re building an online store |