Understanding Interaction to Next Paint: A Deep Dive into Nine Content Management Systems

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a digital limbo while waiting for a website to load? It’s like watching paint dry, but, you know, less exciting. The truth is, in our attention-deficit world, every millisecond counts. That’s where the Interaction to Next Paint (INP) metric swoops in like a superhero, aiming to give websites the performance they desperately need. 💨

In my quest for the ultimate content management systems (CMS) and eCommerce platforms, I’ve taken a good hard look at their INP scores. These scores are essential for understanding how quickly a platform can respond to user interactions, like clicking buttons or scrolling through a page. Today, I’m ranking nine of the contenders, showcasing who deserves the crown and who belongs in the digital basement.

1. WordPress: The Titan of Customization

I’ve been using WordPress for years, and for good reason; it’s the Swiss Army knife of CMS platforms. With countless plugins at your disposal, it’s a customization paradise. On the INP scale, WordPress shines. Its robust architecture and community support mean that you can whip your site into shape quickly, ensuring your audience isn’t left watching the proverbial paint dry.

2. Shopify: The ECommerce Wonder

Shopify often clogs up the conversation when discussing eCommerce platforms, and let me tell you, rightfully so. This platform boasts a blistering INP score, empowering businesses to transform casual clicks into actual conversions with minimal delay. It feels like running a short sprint rather than a marathon; quick, smooth, and efficient.

3. Squarespace: Elegance Meets Efficiency

Now, if you’re looking for aesthetically pleasing templates that won’t weigh your site down, Squarespace has you covered. Its INP score is solid, pushing it into contention for the best in the beauty and functionality department. I think it’s a great choice for creatives who want that “wow” factor while maintaining performance.

4. Wix: The User-Friendliness Factor

Truth be told, I find Wix to be the friendliest of the pack. It’s very user-friendly, especially for those who might be a bit intimidated by the technical side of things. However, its INP score can lag behind the top competitors. It’s like that lovable but unambitious friend who thrives more on personality than productivity.

5. Joomla!: The Customization Camp

Joomla! has a special place in my heart, even if it hasn’t aged as gracefully as others. With a reasonably decent INP score, it allows for a lot of customization, albeit with a steeper learning curve than some others in this list. But if you’re willing to put in the time, Joomla! can deliver a performance that satisfies true enthusiasts.

6. BigCommerce: The Heavy-Hitter

This platform doesn’t mess around. BigCommerce has an incredible INP score, making it an excellent choice for larger eCommerce sites. However, I know from experience that with great power comes great responsibility; the platform can be a little daunting for newbies. Still, if speed is your game, this is a top-tier choice.

7. Weebly: Simplicity at a Cost

Weebly has its charms, being straightforward and simple to navigate. However, its INP score is less than stellar. It’s like having a reliable friend who shows up late every time you need them—there’s a limit to how much simplicity can save you when your performance lags behind the competition.

8. Adobe Experience Manager: The Corporate Goliath

Adobe Experience Manager holds its own in the INP stakes but—let’s be honest—it’s more suited for enterprise environments. It can be slow and cumbersome, like trying to navigate an over-complicated operating system. If you have an army of developers at your disposal, it might serve you, but most users will find it unwieldy.

9. Ghost: The Minimalist

Lastly, we arrive at Ghost. While it emphasizes speed and a streamlined experience, its INP score can also fluctuate wildly depending on your setup. It’s like driving a sports car without checking the road condition—sure, you can go fast, but only as far as the surface will allow.

Final Thoughts: The Race Towards Speed

Navigating the digital landscape today is akin to competing in a race with ever-evolving obstacles—if your website isn’t performing well, it’s going to get left behind in the dust. Based on my exploration, the top three platforms—WordPress, Shopify, and Squarespace—stand out not just for their speed but for their usability and flexibility. Choosing the right CMS based not only on functionality but also on INTERACTION and performance can be the difference between building a website that wows your audience or one that drives them away.

In the end, it’s not just about flashy designs and appealing layouts; refined speed and interaction must take center stage. After all, none of us want to sit and stare at a loading screen pretending it’s a modern masterpiece—it’s best to ensure landing pages are not like watching **paint dry**. 🎨