Imagine this: You apply for a developer job, and during the interview, the hiring manager asks, "Have you ever worked with a CMS?" You hesitate. Maybe you've focused on building applications from scratch, writing custom APIs, or mastering JavaScript frameworks like Next.js or React. But the truth is, CMS experience is becoming more valuable than ever.

In today’s tech landscape, no-code and low-code platforms are rising in popularity. Businesses are moving fast, and instead of reinventing the wheel, many startups and enterprises rely on CMS solutions to handle content, eCommerce, and even complex workflows. As a developer, this means two things:

  1. You’ll likely need to work alongside no-code tools.
  2. Sooner or later, you might be the one migrating a project from a no-code platform to a custom-built solution.

Why Payload CMS Stands Out

While platforms like WordPress and Shopify dominate the CMS world, modern developers need more flexible and developer-friendly alternatives. This is where Payload CMS shines.

Payload is a headless CMS built on Node.js that gives you full control over your backend while maintaining a powerful admin panel for non-technical users. Unlike traditional CMSs, it’s designed for developers who want to customize everything without being limited by rigid structures. With Payload, you can:

  • Define custom collections and relationships using JavaScript/TypeScript.
  • Store content in a database of your choice (PostgreSQL, MongoDB, etc.).
  • Integrate with modern frontends like Next.js easily.
  • Extend functionalities with custom plugins.

A Practical Example: ShopNex - A Fully Customizable eCommerce CMS

If you're looking to showcase your CMS expertise, eCommerce is one of the most in-demand areas. ShopNex (https://github.com/shopnex-ai/shopnex) is an open-source template built with Payload CMS that enables developers to create fully customizable online stores.

With ShopNex, you get:

  • A modern eCommerce backend powered by Payload CMS.
  • Complete control over product management, orders, and customer data.
  • The ability to extend and modify the platform as needed.

By understanding how Payload works and leveraging solutions like ShopNex, you not only improve your CMS skills but also position yourself as a developer who can bridge the gap between low-code and fully custom solutions—something hiring managers are actively looking for.

Final Thoughts

The rise of no-code and CMS solutions isn’t a threat to developers—it’s an opportunity. Companies still need skilled engineers who can work with these tools, migrate projects when necessary, and customize them to fit business needs. If you’re looking to stand out in the job market, adding CMS expertise—especially with modern solutions like Payload—can give you a competitive edge.

What are your thoughts on working with CMSs? Have you explored Payload or other developer-friendly CMS options? Let’s discuss in the comments!