Why use Umbraco? Ten reasons to choose it

As a digital agency based in Cheltenham, 16i has worked on hundreds of Umbraco projects for clients such as international law firms, Dynamic Lives, Grant UK, Oxford Ski and Roald Dahl.

With several content management systems available, this blog outlines the key benefits of using Umbraco. If you are weighing it against the most common alternative, our guide on how Umbraco compares to WordPress looks at where each platform fits.

1. Supports the latest designs and user experience (UX) trends

Umbraco provides the ability to create high-end, modern websites according to the latest designs and UX trends. Flexible and with no set templates for front-end developers, the system can be used to implement a range of designs and user journeys.

2. Intuitive and responsive editing experience

Designed with users in mind, Umbraco is quick and easy to use. 

The responsive user interface means changes can be made from desktop, tablet or mobile. The media library allows content managers to easily upload images and files, and link to these via the respective website pages; whilst the powerful preview feature provides the ability to view and edit content across multiple devices and screen sizes before pushing live.

3. Variable access

A range of editing permissions means access can be restricted on both a per-person, and per-page basis, allowing multiple team members to collaboratively edit content. 

4. Tools for SEO and Marketing

Both technical and on-page SEO (such as title tags, metadata, canonical tags, sitemaps, and robots) can be optimized using the Umbraco system, helping to improve search engine rankings. Once published, tracking scripts can also be added, allowing data-driven marketing to be managed via a range of analytical tools; whilst fields for social media, OG tags and cards make sharing easy and efficient. 

5. Multi-site and multi-lingual

Umbraco can be tailored as both a multi-site and multi-lingual solution, allowing users to manage numerous websites (including those in different languages) from a single system. In addition, the side-by-side mode means users can edit two pieces of content (such as translations) at the same time without having to switch between tabs. 

6. App compatibility

Umbraco can be used as a CMS for websites and apps, allowing users to edit data and content (whether paired or autonomous) from one central location.  

7. Fully customisable

Umbraco is continually reviewed and updated, ensuring that the system can grow with your business. Most recently, the codebase has been completely overhauled, and a new approach to caching implemented to increase security, performance, and stability. In addition, the system has several add-on features, allowing forms, eCommerce and/or membership databases to be added as and when required.

8. 3rd party integrations

With an array of additional packages available, Umbraco can cope with several complex, 3rd party integrations including CRMs (such as Pipeline, Salesforce and Zoho), payment gateways (including Stripe, PayPal and SagePay), marketing automation solutions, and data repositories, providing you with a complete business solution.

9. Secure and reliable

Umbraco is one of the most secure content management systems available. The codebase is subject to routine penetration testing and third-party auditing, with updates being applied to multiple versions should a problem be discovered. 

Built-in health checks also mean that developers are alerted to potential problems in the site’s configuration; allowing the 16i team to address security issues before they occur. 

10. Cloud hosting

Umbraco’s supporting product ‘Umbraco Cloud’ provides customers with the option (if required) for cloud-based hosting, adding an additional layer of security and features.  

Interested in hearing more? Get in touch!