Meetups, podcasts, social groups, festivals even - so many grassroots initiatives of specialists working with the system. The Umbraco community is something truly exceptional. When choosing a CMS, this may seem insignificant but think how much faster all potential problems are solved if a passionate worldwide community works on them all around the clock. 

Umbraco has been on the market for quite some time, predating even WordPress, and has consistently had its share of enthusiasts and users. However, in recent years, it has indeed gained impressive momentum. This success is undoubtedly attributable not only to their internal teams but also to their numerous partners and what they proudly refer to as the Umbraco Community.

Recently, the platform achieved a significant milestone by securing the top spot among CMS options in Europe, amassing an impressive 52 G2 badges for Fall 2023. It consistently earns high ratings and garners prestigious placements in both G2 and Gartner rankings, wielding substantial influence over software selection, particularly in large enterprises. But, in your quest for a content management system to facilitate the creation of distinctive multi-channel digital experiences, we invite you to also consider the vibrant community surrounding this platform.
 

WHY THE UMBRACO COMMUNITY MATTERS 

ADHD Interactive has long served as a technical partner, providing additional resources and delivery teams for complex web projects undertaken by various agencies. While we honed our expertise in CMS development primarily through independent efforts and collaborations with vendors, it was when we embarked on our journey with Umbraco a few years ago that we truly grasped the immense value of an engaged community of enthusiasts in digital products.

An active community is not only an "internal matter for developers" but something that should translate into consumer choice, and here are some reasons why this is so. 
 

Fast troubleshooting

The agonizingly long wait times for support with current issues or the implementation of new ideas can be a nightmare for users of CMSs under the management of large corporations like Sitecore. In contrast, when an Umbraco developer faces a challenge, they can promptly seek out ready-made solutions within numerous highly active discussion groups or engage in a constructive dialogue within a multinational open community, all backed by the unwavering support of the vendor itself.

Engagement fosters innovation

A system that specialists find unappealing tends to stagnate. The enthusiasm surrounding Umbraco's flexibility and capabilities is so profound that new solutions, integrations, and extensions seem to emerge effortlessly. This is evident in the ever-expanding Umbraco Marketplace offerings. Furthermore, Umbraco's recognition through awards for partners' solutions is an extra motivation source.

Simultaneous multidirectional platform development

While less popular platforms can initially be well-designed and serve their purpose, systems for complex websites and web applications require continuous development across multiple fronts. This level of advancement can only be achieved through an active community that consistently shares information and expertise.

IS UMBRACO THE FRIENDLIEST OPEN-SOURCE COMMUNITY?

Umbraco proudly embraces its identity as the most welcoming open-source community, placing a strong emphasis on its social connection in its communications. Its annual activity report extensively highlights the genuine grassroots efforts of dedicated specialists who work with the platform daily, driven by their sincere enthusiasm. This isn't mere marketing; it's a testament to the spirit of the community.

We recently surveyed attendees of Codegarden, the world's largest Umbraco event, to gauge their familiarity with and attitude toward grassroots initiatives within the Umbraco community.

An impressive 80% of respondents are acquainted with the UmbraCoffee podcast, led by Umbraco MVPs Marcin Zajkowski and Callum Whyte. This weekly podcast, often featuring guest speakers, delves into platform development updates. Remarkably, its technical discussions are embraced by the majority of its audience.

In a similar vein, nearly 100% of respondents are either aware of or actively involved in at least one local Umbraco meetup. These gatherings of Umbraco enthusiasts, also known as Umbracians, include communities like Umbristol and the Newcastle meetup organized by Shout Digital.

SHARING IS CARING

We queried our respondents, encompassing freelancers and representatives from Platinum and Gold Umbraco Partners, regarding their motivations for participating in such gatherings and initiatives. The resounding consensus is that they attend to acquire knowledge for personal benefit and actively contribute and share their solutions with the community.

This spirit of openness and collaboration ultimately enriches the entire Umbraco user community. While we haven't had the chance to host our own meetups in Poland, as Umbraco Certified Partners with a wealth of experience from over a dozen significant projects, we are fully prepared to share our insights and offer support to anyone embarking on their projects. We extend an invitation for a complimentary consultation with us.