Blog

The Pros and Cons of CMS APP Builders

So you’ve decided you want to build your mobile application with a cross-platform solution. Now what? There is yet another decision to be made: Should you build your app with a CMS?

Let’s first go over a quick definition of CMS, or content management system. What makes a CMS a CMS? First, there is usually more of a drag-and-drop feel than actual coding. An example may be dragging and dropping a text box component rather than coding ‘<input type=”text”></input>’. Next, there will be some type of dashboard. And usually you will be able to create different permissions for various users of the dashboard. For example, you may want to allow someone to be able to sign on and change some text, but you may not want them to be able to edit the styling of the application so you would edit their permissions accordingly.

Now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of CMS app builders to help us answer the question we originally asked: Should you build your app with a CMS?

Pros
Code faster – CMS app builders allow you to build apps at lightning speed. I can build a complete app (ready to be submitted to the app stores) with a CMS builder within hours. The ease of drag-and-drop can save huge amounts of time and effort.

Client customization – This pro comes along with the dashboard aspect of CMS builders. This comes in handy when you are offering customizable apps for clients. With a dashboard, you can create a login for the client and let them sign on to their application’s backend for simple text updates or adding a blog to a blog section, for example.

Automatic updates – Getting an app through the App Store can be a frustrating process because of the length of time it takes to be approved. That’s not so bad for the initial submission, but waiting days for each update can be an issue if you have a client that is constantly wanting changes. Usually with CMS builders, you can automatically push 99% of updates (excluding splash screen or icon changes).

Cons
Costs money – One major con to using a CMS builder is that it is not free. Usually for a single app, it will cost about $50/month and will only stay live while you are paying the subscription. For reference, check out the pricing sheet for one of the top CMS builders here. You can easily see how this could get very expensive very fast with multiple apps. One thing to keep in mind is that if you know you will be creating multiple apps, most CMS solutions offer some type of affiliate program. This means you will be able to pay a higher monthly fee, but you will be able to create as many apps as you like.

Less control – Sometimes with CMS builders, you lose 100% control of what you can do with your app. For example, they may only offer a set amount of templates you can use for a page. Most will offer a blank HTML template you can code yourself to help with this, but if you are trying to avoid hours spent coding then that doesn’t really solve your problem.

So, what’s the answer? Of course, it depends. If money isn’t an issue and you want to be able to quickly create customizable apps, a CMS builder is most likely the way to go.

Related Blogs
See All Blogs
Blog
Mar 18, 2024

Unlocking Gen AI’s Full Potential: The Crucial Role of Quality Data

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) promises to revolutionize industries and redefine competitive landscapes, generative AI stands out for its ability to create new content, from text to images, videos and beyond. This article explores the pivotal role of high-quality data in generative AI efficacy, examines the preparedness of companies for adopting these technologies and outlines essential steps for building a robust data foundation.

Read More
Blog
Mar 13, 2024

Navigating Readiness & Expense for Section 1071 Compliance

After 14 years, Section 1071 of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) moved from the back burner in bank lending under the Dodd-Frank Act. The question about 1071 remains: will it come onto the front burner considering the legal challenges and injunctions that have delayed its implementation for years? We believe that there are many areas to consider as a bank assesses their compliance readiness, which should be driving discussions across these executive responsibilities. Read on for key readiness focus areas and questions for discussion.

Read More
Blog
Feb 12, 2024

From Legacy to Leading Edge: Advancing Healthcare Through Legacy App Modernization

The modernization of legacy applications in the healthcare industry represents a particularly acute concern, more so than in any other sector. This article explores why legacy application modernization is a significantly bigger issue in healthcare compared to other industries and outlines strategic steps healthcare organizations can take to address this pressing challenge.

Read More
Blog
Feb 12, 2024

How Can Banks Improve Products for Small Businesses?

Banks are recognizing the growing needs of small businesses are intimately tied to both technological advancements and shifts in consumer behavior. In doing so, they're beginning to tailor their business banking solutions to meet these emerging requirements. In this article, Delivery Executive Kevin Ashworth shares six tools that banks can use to improve their products for small businesses.

Read More
See All Blogs
noun-arrow-2025160 copy 2
noun-arrow-2025160 copy 2
See All Blogs