Jekyll CMS: 2 Ways of Managing Content on a Jekyll Website

Managing content on a Jekyll website can be approached in multiple ways, depending on your preferences and workflow needs.

In this post, we’ll explore two primary methods: manual management and using a Content Management System (CMS). Both methods have their unique advantages and disadvantages, so let’s dive into each one.

1. Manually

Managing content manually on a Jekyll website involves directly handling the site’s files and folders.

This means creating, editing, and publishing content using text editors and version control systems like Git.

Content Publishing Workflow

1. Create Content: Write your content in Markdown or HTML.
2. Save Locally: Save the file in the appropriate directory within your Jekyll project (e.g., _posts for blog posts).
3. Preview Locally: Use jekyll serve to preview your changes locally.
4. Commit Changes: Use Git to commit your changes to the repository.
5. Push to Repository: Push your changes to the remote repository (e.g., GitHub).
6. Deploy: Depending on your hosting setup, the site may be deployed automatically via services like GitHub Pages or manually via other hosting providers.

Tools You Will Be Using

• Text Editors: VSCode, Sublime Text, Atom
• Version Control: Git, GitHub
• Command Line: Terminal, Git Bash
• Jekyll: Static site generator

Pros

• Full control over content and site structure.
• No need for external dependencies or services.
• Excellent for developers familiar with Git and command-line tools.

Cons

• Steeper learning curve for beginners.
• More time-consuming for frequent updates.
• Requires knowledge of Markdown, HTML, and possibly Liquid (Jekyll’s templating language).

2. Using CMS

Using a Content Management System (CMS) with Jekyll simplifies content creation and management.

A CMS provides a user-friendly interface for creating and editing content, often without needing to handle the underlying files directly.

Content Publishing Workflow

1. Login to CMS: Access the CMS through your web browser.
2. Create Content: Use the CMS interface to write and format your content.
3. Save and Preview: Save your content and use the CMS preview features to see how it looks.
4. Publish: Click a button to publish the content, which triggers a deployment process to update your Jekyll site.

Tools You Will Be Using

• CloudCannon CMS
• Decap CMS
• Tina CMS
• Static CMS
• SiteLeaf
• Prose

Pros

• Easier for non-developers to use.
• Streamlined content creation and publishing process.
• Reduces the need for direct file manipulation and command-line usage.

Cons

• May require setup and configuration.
• Some CMS platforms might have limitations or require integration with hosting services.
• Less control over the site’s underlying structure and files.

By understanding these two methods, you can choose the one that best fits your workflow and technical comfort level.