
Buttercms
ButterCMS is an API-first CMS that enables developers to build CMS-powered apps using any programming language. It was founded in 2015 by Jake Lumetta and Adam Yala. ButterCMS is known for its simplicity, flexibility, and focus on developer experience. It is used primarily by startups, agencies, and enterprises who want a headless CMS that integrates seamlessly with their tech stack. Some notable examples of companies using ButterCMS include Foursquare, The Knot, and Acorns.

1. Brief Overview of ButterCMS
ButterCMS is a headless Content Management System (CMS) designed to help businesses, developers, and content creators streamline their content workflows. It enables users to manage, update, and deliver content seamlessly across websites and applications without being tied to a specific front-end framework. By decoupling content from design, ButterCMS eliminates common pain points like rigid systems, slow updates, or developer dependency, making it ideal for creating scalable, dynamic content experiences.
2. Key Features
- Headless Architecture: Separate content from presentation, allowing developers to use any front-end framework or technology.
- Rich Content API: Easy-to-use API for retrieving content across platforms, ensuring flexibility and scalability.
- Customizable Content Models: Build custom fields and structures tailored to your unique content needs.
- Multi-Site and Multi-Language Support: Manage multiple websites or languages from a single dashboard.
- SEO Optimization Tools: Built-in tools to optimize content for search engines without additional plugins.
- Media Library: Store and manage visual assets directly in the CMS.
- Blog Engine: A pre-built blog solution that seamlessly integrates into your website.
- Real-Time Previews: Preview content changes live before publishing.
- Webhooks: Automate processes by triggering third-party services when changes occur.
- Comprehensive Integrations: Works with popular frameworks and tools like React, Angular, Vue, Gatsby, and more.
3. Target User / Who It's For
ButterCMS is ideal for developers, content marketers, and businesses looking to deliver dynamic, scalable, and API-driven content. It's particularly suited for:
- Developers: Those building modern web applications or SPAs (Single Page Applications) with frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.
- Marketers: Teams that need control over content without relying on developers for every update.
- Startups and Enterprises: Companies seeking a scalable CMS for team collaboration and multi-site management. It's beginner-friendly for non-technical users but also powerful enough for seasoned developers focused on customization.
4. Pricing & Plans
ButterCMS offers flexible pricing plans tailored for different needs:
- Startup Plan: $83/month – Ideal for small teams, includes basic features for one website.
- Small Business Plan: $208/month – Adds advanced features like webhooks, multi-language support, and additional API requests.
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing – Designed for large-scale operations, with features like priority support and SLA guarantees.
- Free Trial: A 30-day free trial is available for all plans, allowing users to test the platform risk-free. (Note: Pricing is based on ButterCMS's website at the time of writing and may be subject to change.)
5. Onboarding / Ease of Use
Getting started with ButterCMS is straightforward, with an intuitive dashboard and minimal setup required. Developers can quickly integrate it into their preferred tech stack using clear documentation and SDKs for various programming languages. For non-technical users, the interface is user-friendly, enabling easy content creation and management. ButterCMS also provides resources like:
- Comprehensive Documentation: Guides for setup, API usage, and integrations.
- Tutorials and Blog: Step-by-step articles covering a variety of use cases.
- Customer Support: Access to a responsive support team for troubleshooting or onboarding assistance.
6. Platforms & Integrations
ButterCMS integrates seamlessly with a variety of platforms and development frameworks, including:
- Front-End Frameworks: React, Angular, Vue, Next.js, Gatsby, and more.
- Static Site Generators: Jekyll, Hugo, and others.
- E-Commerce Platforms: Shopify and others via API.
- Analytics and Automation: Integrate with tools like Google Analytics, Zapier, and custom webhooks.
- Custom Tech Stacks: Flexible enough to work in bespoke environments using its powerful API.
7. Final Thoughts on Why Choose ButterCMS
ButterCMS is a powerful and flexible tool for developers and content creators who want to streamline their workflows and deliver modern, dynamic content experiences. Its headless architecture allows for complete customization, making it a perfect fit for businesses of all sizes. For content creators, it removes technical barriers, enabling faster content updates and better collaboration. Developers will appreciate its robust API, integrations, and ease of use with modern frameworks—making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to future-proof their content strategy.