The best thing that can happen to a website: Craft CMS

Craft CMS is a modern, flexible, and powerful content management system that is particularly suitable for customized websites. Unlike traditional systems such as WordPress, which are heavily dependent on themes and plugins, Craft CMS offers complete design and functional freedom. Developers can tailor individual solutions precisely to the needs of a company without having to compromise on design or functionality. For editors, Craft offers an intuitive interface with live preview, inline editing, and clearly structured content management. This makes Craft CMS the ideal platform for demanding projects where performance, security, scalability, and editorial friendliness are key.

Craft CMS is the perfect solution for companies and organizations that have reached the limits of standard solutions. It is aimed at medium-sized companies, agencies, brands, publishers, corporations, and public institutions that need more than a simple construction kit. Craft CMS is particularly suitable for projects with individual requirements, whether in the field of e-commerce, multilingual multisites, interactive product configurators, or complex interface connections. Craft CMS also scores highly with its stable and flexible architecture for data-sensitive applications or when high security requirements apply. Thanks to its modular structure, it can be expanded and adapted to new requirements at any time without having to rethink the entire system.

Craft CMS has a fundamentally modular and flexible structure. Every function, every field and every content structure can be defined exactly according to your requirements. This makes it easy to map complex data models, individual workflows or special user roles. Integrations with external systems – whether CRM, ERP or marketing automation – are also possible without restrictions. Instead of deactivating functions or using workarounds, as is necessary with many modular systems, we build exactly what you need in Craft CMS – no more, no less. This flexibility is one of the main reasons why Craft CMS is often used where other systems reach their limits.

Yes, Craft CMS is ideal for complex multisite and multilingual setups. You can run multiple websites within a single installation, manage content centrally, and use individual designs, languages, and domains for each site. This is particularly interesting for international companies that need consistent content with local customisation. Multilingualism is deeply embedded in the system and supports not only the translation of texts, but also the localisation of media, SEO elements and structural content. This ensures that your website functions optimally in every market and satisfies both search engines and users.

Craft CMS is one of the most secure content management systems on the market, as security is a central component of its development. The platform is continuously updated by its developers, Pixel & Tonic, to close security gaps and integrate new protection mechanisms. By default, Craft CMS relies on secure password hashes, CSRF protection, XSS prevention and regular security patches. At Craft Unit, we further reinforce these measures with individual server hardening, targeted monitoring, backups, and the consistent avoidance of unnecessary third-party plugins that could represent potential gateways. In this way, we ensure not only the protection of your website, but also that of your sensitive customer data.

Yes, Craft CMS is ideal for integration with external systems – from CRM and ERP systems to payment gateways and marketing tools. At Craft Unit, we develop customised interfaces (APIs) and plugins that enable smooth data exchange. We place great emphasis on stability, security and lean implementation so as not to compromise website performance. These integrations are particularly important for companies that want to maintain existing processes while benefiting from the advantages of a modern Craft CMS architecture.

The power of Craft CMS is based on a clearly structured, lean core and a database architecture that only loads what is actually needed. Unlike systems with rigid themes or overloaded standard installations, Craft allows us to implement specific functions instead of running unnecessary scripts or plugins. Craft Unit also optimises at the server level, uses targeted caching strategies, automatically optimises images and reduces database queries to a minimum. The result: shorter loading times, a better user experience and a direct SEO advantage, as Google prefers fast pages.

Craft CMS is suitable for almost any industry – from international corporations to specialised medium-sized companies. Companies with complex requirements, such as publishers, e-commerce providers, tourism companies, manufacturing industries, educational institutions and healthcare organisations, benefit particularly. These industries often require flexible content models, multilingualism, individual workflows or integrations into existing IT systems – all of which are strengths of Craft CMS.

Editors love Craft CMS for its clear, uncluttered user interface and intuitive operation. Features such as live preview, inline editing, drag-and-drop for images and the quick creation of new content blocks make daily work much easier. At Craft Unit, we adapt the backend to the editorial team's way of working – so each editor only sees the fields and functions they really need.

Craft CMS is continuously developed by Pixel & Tonic, receives regular security and feature updates, and is modularly expandable. Combined with Craft Unit's clean, update-friendly architecture, the result is a system that can be operated stably and flexibly expanded for many years – without the need for a complete relaunch.

Yes, Craft CMS can be operated in full compliance with the GDPR – provided that the correct technical and organisational measures are implemented. We host exclusively on British servers, rely on secure data connections, minimise tracking scripts and offer cookie consent solutions. In addition, we advise you on data protection-compliant plugin selection and log file management.

The biggest difference lies in the architecture: WordPress is based on themes and plugins, while Craft CMS has a modular structure from the ground up. With Craft, no unnecessary functions are loaded, which leads to better performance, higher security and more flexibility. For companies with individual requirements, Craft CMS is therefore often the more sustainable solution.

The Barrier-Free Accessibility Act (BFSG) requires many websites to be accessible from 2025 onwards. We analyse whether your website is affected and implement measures to meet the legal requirements. These include, for example, screen reader optimisation, contrast enhancement, keyboard operability and accessible forms.

Absolutely. Although Craft CMS is often associated with complex and large projects, it is an excellent choice for small and medium-sized businesses. The apparent disadvantage that it is not a classic modular system is actually its biggest advantage.

1. Tailor-made solution instead of an overloaded modular system: Small businesses usually do not need the thousands of features that a standard CMS offers. With Craft CMS, we start with a lean installation that only includes the features you really need. This ensures fast and cost-effective implementation. There are no unnecessary features that slow down the system or make it difficult to use.

2. Flexibility for future growth: A small business today may be a medium-sized business tomorrow. The strength of Craft CMS lies in its scalability. As your business grows and new requirements arise (e.g. an online shop, a multilingual portal or integration with a CRM system), new functions can easily be added to the existing Craft CMS installation. You don't have to change systems, which saves time and money in the long run.

3. Easy to use for editors: Despite its technical complexity for developers, the Craft CMS backend is extremely intuitive and easy to use for editors. There are no complicated menus or confusing options. Each content type is tailored precisely to the user's needs, allowing editors to focus on what matters most: creating high-quality content. This reduces training requirements and enables even smaller teams to maintain the website efficiently.

4. Focus on performance and SEO: For small businesses, it is crucial to be found online. Since Craft CMS generates a lean code structure, websites created with this CMS are usually very fast. Fast loading times are not only important for the user experience, but also a decisive ranking factor for Google. As a Craft CMS agency, we ensure that your website is designed for performance and optimal SEO results right from the start.

With over 10 years of experience and hundreds of successfully implemented projects, we are the leading Craft CMS agency in the United Kingdom. We offer not only technical expertise, but also a collaborative partnership and tailor-made solutions aimed at your success. In our Work section, you will find a selection of successfully completed projects. These show how we have solved individual challenges with Craft CMS.

Yes, Craft CMS is an open source system with commercial licensing for certain features such as Craft Pro. The basic structure is openly accessible, enabling maximum transparency and flexibility. The licence costs are very low compared to other enterprise CMSs – a one-time fee of approximately £350 for Craft Pro and approximately £85 per year for security and feature updates. These manageable costs also make Craft CMS attractive for medium-sized companies looking for a powerful yet economical solution. Its open source nature has also given rise to a large developer community that constantly contributes new ideas, extensions and optimisations.

Yes – Craft CMS is ideal as a headless CMS. Content is managed in Craft and delivered via APIs to various front ends such as websites, mobile apps or other digital platforms. This allows for maximum flexibility, as the front end can be developed independently of the back end. Craft natively supports GraphQL and REST, which facilitates integration with modern JavaScript frameworks such as Vue.js, React or Next.js. We primarily use headless architectures when customers want to deliver their content across multiple channels – for example, simultaneously on a website, in an app and on smart devices.

Craft CMS is inherently very API-friendly and supports both REST and GraphQL interfaces. This allows content and functions to be easily connected to other systems such as CRM, ERP, marketing automation tools, payment providers or external databases. At Craft Unit, we develop customised interface plugins when standard solutions are not sufficient, paying particular attention to security, performance and maintainability. Typical use cases include the automatic synchronisation of product data between Craft Commerce and an inventory management system, real-time data exchange with booking or ticketing platforms, or connecting Craft to personalised marketing systems. These integrations enable us to create central content hubs that accelerate work processes and avoid data redundancy.

Yes – Craft CMS is ideal as a backend for web apps that run in the browser independently of the operating system. The advantage: lower development costs compared to native apps and easier maintenance, as only one central code needs to be maintained. We often use Craft to provide web apps with dynamic content, personalised user areas or real-time data. External systems can be connected via API connections, while content management remains intuitive for editors in the Craft backend.

Blitzcache is a caching plugin for Craft CMS that stores content as static HTML files, thereby speeding up delivery. Used correctly, it can significantly improve loading times. Blitzcache becomes problematic when content is dynamic and frequently updated without the cache being cleared correctly – users then see outdated information. Before using Blitzcache, craft unit checks whether it is suitable for the project and in many cases prefers Craft's robust, integrated cache mechanisms.

Our product configurators are based on Craft CMS and are designed to be intuitive and quick to use, even for complex products. We integrate clear user guidance, real-time price calculation and individual options so that customers can find the product they want without any detours. In doing so, we pay attention to performance, security and a design that optimally reflects your brand.

Every additional plugin increases the complexity and potentially also the security risks of your system. Many plugins are not maintained permanently or can lead to compatibility issues after updates. At craft unit, we therefore rely on native functions or self-developed programming that can be maintained in the long term.

Craft CMS is characterised by its unparalleled flexibility in content structure, which goes far beyond rigid, predefined schemas. At the core of the system is the principle that every piece of content can be modelled individually. Instead of sticking to fixed ‘posts’ or ‘pages’, Craft CMS allows you to create your own content types (called sections), fields and entry types.

This freedom means that the structure of your website directly follows the requirements of your project, and not the other way around. For example, you can create a section for ‘products’ with specific fields for product description, price, SKU and image galleries. At the same time, there can be a section for ‘team members’ with fields such as name, position and a short CV. Each piece of content is tailored precisely to its purpose, which greatly simplifies maintenance and administration for editors.

Plugins extend the CMS with functionalities that can be useful for multiple projects (e.g. an SEO plugin). Modules are specific, project-related extensions that are integrated directly into the core code and meet individual requirements.

The flexibility of Craft CMS is the key advantage when it comes to performing A/B testing. Instead of being tied to the rigid structures of a modular system, Craft CMS gives you complete control over your content and its presentation. This enables seamless integration of A/B testing tools and easy creation of different test variants.

• Integrated flexibility for different variants
• Seamless integration of A/B testing tools
• Testing complex components

In summary, Craft CMS not only enables content testing, but its flexibility and clean architecture make it an ideal foundation for a data-driven optimisation strategy. It gives you full control to continuously improve the performance of your website.

Yes – in every respect. Craft CMS was designed from the ground up so that search engine optimisation (SEO) is not only possible, but deeply embedded in the system. Developers can generate semantically correct HTML code that is easily read by search engines. Editors can individually define meta tags, titles, descriptions and URL structures. In addition, Craft CMS offers support for Schema.org markup, XML sitemaps and the integration of SEO plugins such as SEOMatic, which automates many manual SEO tasks. Technical performance – such as loading times and mobile display – is also crucial for Google rankings. With its lean code base and intelligent caching (e.g. via Craft's own cache function), Craft CMS provides the best conditions for top rankings in search results.

Is Craft CMS also optimised for mobile devices?
Yes, Craft CMS is inherently suited to a ‘mobile first’ strategy and offers full flexibility in responsive design. This means that your website will be optimally displayed not only on desktops, but also on smartphones and tablets. At Craft Unit, we also specifically optimise loading times, image sizes and UX design. Given that over 50% of internet usage is now mobile, this is crucial for SEO rankings and conversion rates. We test all projects on different devices and screen sizes to ensure that the mobile display is flawless regardless of the end device.

We integrate SEO into project planning right from the start, rather than just at the end. Our measures include a search engine-friendly URL structure, optimised meta data, the use of structured data (Schema.org), image optimisation, mobile-first design and the implementation of powerful SEO plugins such as SEOMatic. We also analyse existing rankings, define SEO goals and optimise content specifically for them. This ensures that a Craft CMS website not only functions flawlessly from a technical standpoint, but is also visible on Google & Co. – and remains so.

Our loading time optimisation encompasses several levels: lean, clean code; targeted caching strategies (server-side and in the browser); Cloudfare deployment, image and video compression; optimisation of database queries; use of a content delivery network (CDN) if required; and minimisation of external scripts. The aim is to minimise loading times as much as possible – a clear advantage for both SEO and the user.

Absolutely – with Craft Commerce, the CMS offers a fully integrated e-commerce solution that can be seamlessly linked to the website's content. Unlike systems such as Shopify or WooCommerce, where content and shop run separately, Craft works from a single system. This means a uniform design structure, consistent user experience and centralised management of content and products. Craft Commerce is ideal for sophisticated online shops with individual requirements – such as product variants in colour and features, customer-specific pricing logic, complex checkout processes, individual shipping rules and international VAT rules. The flexibility of the system allows us to develop tailor-made solutions that are precisely adapted to the required business logic and sales processes. At the same time, the system remains easy to edit, so that even non-technicians can use it without any problems.

Craft Commerce differs fundamentally from classic shop systems such as Magento, Shopware or Shopify because it is not an isolated e-commerce tool, but is seamlessly integrated into Craft CMS. This means that content and shop logic can be controlled from a single system – without media breaks or separate logins. This allows editorial content, product data, landing pages, blog posts and marketing campaigns to be perfectly interlinked. Craft Commerce is extremely flexible and enables complex pricing rules, individual discount logic, user-defined checkout processes, multilingual product presentation and individual product variants. At Craft Unit, we develop Craft Commerce shops so that they not only function technically flawlessly, but are also optimised for SEO, performance and conversion. Downstream marketing or sales processes are already integrated or can be integrated. As a result, Craft Commerce e-commerce platforms are efficient and scalable for both customers and shop operators.

Craft Commerce is always a good choice when content and shop need to be seamlessly connected. Unlike with Shopify or Shopware, customers do not need separate systems for content management and e-commerce. This saves time and money and ensures consistent brand communication. Craft Commerce has a clear advantage, especially when it comes to complex products or individual pricing logic.

Yes, Craft CMS is extremely editor-friendly and designed so that even people without technical knowledge can easily maintain content, e.g. even in larger editorial offices. The user interface is clearly structured, offers drag-and-drop functions, inline editing and a live preview so that changes are immediately visible. In many cases, a few minutes of training is all it takes to perform basic tasks. Craft Unit offers short training courses on request, in which we show editors how to exploit the full potential of the system – from simple text editing to managing complex content structures.

Inline editing allows editors to edit content directly on the website without having to switch to the backend. Changes are visible immediately, and editing feels almost like working in a word processor for the editor. Craft Unit integrates inline editing so that it fits seamlessly into existing workflows while respecting editorial approval processes.

craft unit specializes in taking over and restructuring problematic or failed Craft CMS projects. These projects have often been poorly implemented from a technical standpoint, contain security vulnerabilities, suffer from poor performance, or have confusing code. Our process begins with a thorough analysis of the existing installation, including code review, server configuration, database structure, and plugins used. We identify the critical issues, develop a remediation strategy, and implement it step by step—with the goal of restoring stability, performance, and security. In doing so, we avoid short-term “quick fixes” and focus on internal system solutions that enable future security and further development.

Refactoring refers to the revision and optimization of existing programming without changing the basic functionality. In Craft CMS projects, this often means that we restructure outdated or inefficient code, close security gaps, improve loading speed, and remove unnecessary dependencies. The advantage: the code base becomes more maintainable, secure, and future-proof. At Craft Unit, we use refactoring specifically when projects are taken over from other service providers or when new features are planned that would be built on an unstable basis. A typical scenario: We take over a Craft project that uses too many third-party plugins and replace them with lean, native solutions. This reduces the risk of incompatibilities during updates and significantly improves overall performance.

Outdated plugins are a common cause of security vulnerabilities, performance issues, or display errors after a Craft update. Our approach: First, we analyze whether the plugin functionality is actually needed or whether it can be replicated with the built-in features of Craft CMS. If a plugin needs to be replaced, we either develop a custom solution or migrate to a modern, actively maintained plugin. The goal is to minimize dependencies on third-party providers and ensure stable, update-friendly setups in the long term. We are particularly critical of plugins that interfere deeply with the system or are responsible for core functions—here, we rely on in-house developments to maintain maximum control and security.

A code review is a systematic examination of the entire programming – similar to a technical inspection for your website. We analyze the source code for security, performance, scalability, maintainability, and clean programming standards. Among other things, we check: database queries, caching strategies, error handling, use of plugins, code structure, and compatibility with current Craft versions. At the end, the customer receives a detailed report with all identified problems, prioritized by urgency, and clear recommendations for action. Often, even minor optimizations after a code review can result in noticeable improvements in loading time, stability, and SEO ranking.

Yes – Craft CMS is designed to support the creation of accessible websites in accordance with WCAG 2.1. The system allows for semantically clean code, structured HTML, and the integration of accessible navigation elements. craft unit complements this foundation with UX design that optimizes usability for users with disabilities—e.g., through screen reader testing, sufficient color contrast, clearly visible focus states, and understandable form fields. We also take into account legal requirements such as the Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG), which has been mandatory for many websites since June 2025, and develop solutions that are both legally compliant and user-friendly.

Frequent “internal server errors” are usually a sign of faulty server configurations, incompatible plugins, or faulty code. At craft unit, we start with a comprehensive system analysis: We check server logs, Craft configuration, database settings, and the programming code. Our goal is to identify the cause and fix it permanently, rather than just applying a short-term “patch.”

A complete restart makes sense if the existing code base is highly error-prone, outdated, or no longer expandable. Serious security vulnerabilities or an inflexible architecture may also necessitate a new project. We provide transparent advice on whether refactoring is sufficient or whether a complete relaunch is the better and more economical solution in the long term.

As a “project rescuer” and Craft CMS firefighter, we specialize in analyzing existing Craft projects, fixing bugs, and getting development back on track. We take care of code audits, refactoring, and performance optimization. In addition, we can support the existing agency in rescuing Craft projects.

craft unit has established itself as a trusted and competent “extended workbench” for digital agencies that want to expand their internal capacities or utilize specific Craft CMS expertise. Our partnership models are flexible and adapt to the individual needs of each agency to ensure smooth project execution.

• Capacity expansion during peak order periods
• Specific Craft CMS expertise
• Project backup and crisis management
• Consulting and conception

In short: craft unit is more than just a service provider—we are a reliable partner who helps you successfully implement your projects, strengthen your reputation, and build long-term customer relationships.

A specialized Craft CMS agency like craft unit not only brings experience from over 300 projects to the table, but also a deep technical understanding of the system's possibilities and limitations. While many agencies use Craft CMS as just “another CMS,” we are 100% focused on it. That means no half-baked solutions, no unnecessary plugins, but rather customized, maintainable, and future-proof implementations. We know Craft's internal processes, are in direct contact with its creators (Pixel & Tonic), and develop our own extensions as needed to solve complex requirements efficiently and securely. When you choose craft unit, you get not just an agency, but a technical competence center for everything related to Craft CMS.

craft unit is not a traditional web agency that “also does Craft CMS,” but rather a specialized Craft agency with in-depth expertise, strategic understanding, and a clear focus on customized solutions. Our USP lies in the combination of technical excellence, strategic consulting, and close collaboration with our clients. We take on projects when others are at a loss—for example, in cases of performance problems, poorly programmed setups, or security gaps. In addition, we have been a Craft partner from the very beginning and maintain a close network within the Craft community. Our clients benefit not only from functional solutions, but also from clean code, predictable further development, and genuine partnership on an equal footing.

The cost of a Craft CMS website varies depending on the scope of functionality, design requirements, integrations, and desired customization. Since we develop modularly, you only pay for the features you actually need. Smaller websites can be realized within a manageable 4-digit budget, while complex multisite or e-commerce projects require more resources. We work transparently, with clear quotes and no hidden costs. In addition, we provide you with a realistic assessment right from the start of which functions should be implemented in which development phase in order to stay within both your budget and schedule. This allows us to avoid technical overload and ensure opportunities for further development if the project is to be expanded or additional functions such as a shop, product configurators, database connections, or interfaces are to be added at a later stage.

A relaunch is much more than just a visual update. It affects the entire technical basis, SEO strategy, performance optimization, and content structure. craft unit not only brings experience from over 300 projects to the table, but also the ability to efficiently migrate existing content while making the technical platform future-proof. We analyze existing weaknesses, develop a concept that contributes to your business goals, and implement it using state-of-the-art Craft CMS techniques. In doing so, we ensure that loading times, SEO structure, and user guidance are optimally coordinated so that your relaunch not only looks good but also delivers measurably better results.

Our project process is transparent, structured, and designed to implement your project efficiently. After a non-binding initial consultation, we analyze your requirements, define the goals, and create a customized concept. 
This is followed by the design phase, technical implementation, testing, and finally the launch. Throughout the entire process, we rely on close coordination with you, regular feedback loops, and clear milestones. Even after the launch, we continue to support you with maintenance, optimization, and strategic development to ensure the long-term success of your project.

Yes—Craft Unit has implemented numerous complex projects, including:

• Die Länderbahn (platform for 8 private railways) with a complex multisite setup.
• MGM-Cosmetics (international e-commerce shop) with customized product logic.
• WEKA Industriemedien (Austria's largest B2B publisher) with optimized editorial workflows.
• Weingut Wittmann (Winemaker of the Year) with Craft Commerce integration and content marketing. 
  These projects demonstrate how Craft CMS can be individually optimized for a wide range of requirements, from content platforms to international shops.
• Organzabeutel24 (Craft Commerce Shop) with interface programming, automatic invoicing, and shipping handling.
• Heigel workplace health promotion – brand marketing
• Kayserbetten, nursing beds for children with product configurator

The duration of Craft CMS projects depends largely on the complexity, the range of functions, and the desired level of customization. A smaller company website with a clearly defined design and standard functions can be completed within 4–6 weeks. For complex projects—such as multisite installations, international e-commerce solutions with Craft Commerce, individual product configurators, or API connections to external systems—you can expect 3–6 months or, in some cases, even longer. Factors that influence the schedule include the number of templates to be developed, the degree of design customization, the scope of content to be migrated, integrations with third-party software, testing and coordination loops, and SEO optimizations. At craft unit, we work with a clear project plan, agile methods, and defined milestones so that customers always know what phase their project is in and what steps will follow next.

We develop multisite setups so that content can be maintained centrally and flexibly displayed for different countries, brands, or target groups. In doing so, we ensure a clear distribution of rights and roles for editors, optimized database and server structures, and international SEO aspects such as hreflang tags and language-specific meta data. Through targeted caching and high-performance server configuration, we ensure that even very large multisite platforms run quickly and stably.

Yes, existing designs can be recreated or modernized in Craft CMS. We can implement your current design with pixel-perfect precision or optimize it as part of a relaunch. In doing so, we keep your corporate identity in mind while ensuring better performance, mobile optimization, and SEO improvements.

We recommend installing security updates immediately and feature updates at regular intervals. craft unit offers maintenance packages in which updates are first tested in a test environment before going live. This allows us to avoid downtime and ensure that all extensions remain compatible.