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Your idea for a simple CMS following Next.js's folder structure, providing plug-and-play APIs, lands in a crowded space. We've identified 6 similar products, suggesting a high level of competition. Unfortunately, the engagement for these similar products is low, with an average of only 2 comments per product. This could mean people aren't as interested in these solutions as one might hope, or that they quickly find a solution and move on without much fanfare. Given the 'Swamp' category designation, you should be aware that this market has seen many mediocre solutions that failed to gain traction, meaning you'll need a truly innovative approach to succeed. The absence of strong 'use' and 'buy' signals further underscores the challenges.

Recommendations

1. Before investing further, deeply research why existing 'simple CMS' solutions haven't achieved widespread success. Identify their shortcomings in usability, features, or pricing, and determine how your approach will overcome those limitations. A thorough understanding of the competitive landscape is crucial before proceeding.
2. If you decide to move forward, focus on a specific niche or user group that is currently underserved by existing CMS platforms. For example, you could target indie game developers, small non-profits, or individuals with very specific content management needs. This targeted approach will make it easier to differentiate your CMS and attract early adopters.
3. Instead of building a completely new CMS from scratch, explore the possibility of creating add-ons or plugins for existing CMS platforms like WordPress or Strapi. This would allow you to leverage their existing user base and infrastructure, while still offering a simplified and more developer-friendly experience. Consider the NextPress product, some users are considering migrating from WordPress, especially given recent issues, thus building a plugin might prove to be useful.
4. Given the challenges in the CMS market, consider exploring adjacent problems that might be more promising. For instance, you could focus on building tools for static site generators or headless CMS platforms, rather than creating a full-fledged CMS yourself. This would allow you to capitalize on the growing popularity of these technologies.
5. Before dedicating significant time and resources to this project, validate your core assumptions by building a minimum viable product (MVP) and gathering feedback from potential users. This will help you identify any major flaws in your concept and iterate quickly based on user input. Given the number of competitors, avoid feature creep. Keep it simple.
6. Carefully consider the monetization strategy for your CMS. Will you offer a free, open-source version with optional paid features? Or will you focus on a subscription-based model with different tiers of access? Research the pricing models of existing CMS platforms and identify opportunities to offer more value at a competitive price. Given the potential sensitivity around pricing, be transparent and upfront about your fees.
7. Given the low engagement metrics, prioritize building a strong community around your CMS. Create a forum or Slack channel where users can ask questions, share feedback, and collaborate with each other. This will not only help you improve your product but also create a loyal user base. Consider the request to compare with other CMS solutions, and create content differentiating your product.

Questions

1. Given the numerous existing CMS solutions, what is the single, most compelling differentiator that will make your CMS stand out and attract users?
2. How will you address the potential performance and scalability challenges of providing plug-and-play APIs based on folder structure, especially as the amount of content grows?
3. What specific strategies will you employ to build a thriving community around your CMS, and how will you ensure that this community provides valuable feedback and support?