West Side Technology Solutions

Need guidance with your tech project? Book a free consult: https://tally.so/r/3Xyr4d

Confused about what a headless CMS really is? In this video, you'll learn how a headless CMS works, how it's different from a traditional CMS, and when you should use one. I’ll break down key concepts with real-world examples. Ideal for developers, marketers, and business owners looking to scale content across multiple platforms. Don't forget to subscribe for more tech explainers!

Need guidance with your tech project? Book a free consult: https://tally.so/r/3Xyr4d

Want to save money on web hosting? I just deployed a full Payload CMS project using Coolify + Hetzner for very cheap! Today, I am walking through the entire setup in this video. If you're tired of overpaying for Vercel or Payload Cloud, definitely check out this video!

Need guidance with your tech project? Book a free consult: https://tally.so/r/3Xyr4d

Are you caught in the dilemma of building vs. buying software for your business? In today's video, I share insights drawn from years of experience to help you make this important decision. From understanding your unique business needs to examining the pros and cons of each option, I am going to provide a clear framework that can save you time and money. If you're a small business owner or tech-savvy entrepreneur looking for the right software solutions, this is for you. Check it out and let’s tackle your software challenges together!

That moment right before you push to production…

Your code is working.

Your hands are sweaty.

And suddenly, the button is asking you if you’re sure.



Tell me about your project here: https://tally.so/r/3Xyr4d

Need guidance with your tech project? Book a free consult: https://tally.so/r/3Xyr4d

Here's some big news today in the dev world: Payload CMS was just acquired by Figma.

I use Payload in my day-to-day work, so this hit close to home literally (I live near their HQ in Grand Rapids).

I made a quick video breaking down my initial reaction, what this could mean for the future of open source, and how this might completely change the design-to-code workflow.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/CU6x4l2k5ic
Let me know in the comments — are you excited? Worried? Hopeful?

Need guidance with your tech project? Book a free consult: https://tally.so/r/3Xyr4d

Are you still relying on WordPress for your website in 2025? You might be surprised to learn that many are struggling with their CMS choices. In my latest video, I break down the myths surrounding popular CMS platforms and explain how the landscape has changed. Discover which CMS truly aligns with your business needs and how you can avoid costly mistakes. Click to watch and learn how to make the best decision for your website!

Why I am switching from Craft CMS to Payload CMS: https://youtu.be/faPzdE1nKuU

Struggling to decide between WordPress or Shopify for your business? I break down the pros and cons of each in this video. Check it out to find the right platform for your needs and elevate your business. Ready to take the next step? Fill out this quick form: https://tally.so/r/3Xyr4d Full video link: https://youtu.be/h7pYzQvC9As

Not sure which CMS is best for your business? In today’s video, I compare some of the most popular content management systems for small businesses in 2025—WordPress, Shopify, Wix, and Craft CMS. Learn about which platform offers the best ease of use, SEO performance, and long-term flexibility tailored to your business needs. Modernizing your website shouldn’t be a guessing game. Check out the video and get informed about the best options for your website. Don't forget to like and share!

Why I am switching from Craft CMS to Payload CMS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faPzdE1nKuU&ab_channel=WestSideTechnologySolutions

For a personalized consultation to determine the right CMS for your specific needs, visit our quick questionnaire at https://tally.so/r/3Xyr4d

Tired of juggling plugins for easy content management? Learn how to build a fully customizable Page Builder using Payload CMS in this step-by-step tutorial. Watch now and empower your clients to manage content with ease: https://youtu.be/fqKfNgp-0zI

Have you ever thought about ditching WordPress?

I’ve used WordPress before, but for the kind of custom software I build—it just doesn’t cut it. In this video, I'm talking about why I chose Payload CMS instead, what WordPress still does right, and what I think it really isn’t the best fit for.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/y_3hX7NEKOU

Need help choosing a CMS for your project?
https://meetings.hubspot.com/westsidetechsolutions/website-consultation

I compared Payload CMS vs Strapi for small businesses, and the results might surprise you!
After building sites with both CMSs for various clients, I noticed something interesting: one option consistently saved businesses both money AND development time.
In this comparison, I break down:
- Which CMS cuts your hosting costs in HALF
- The querying approach that makes development faster
- How Next.js integration changes everything
- Why implementation complexity matters for your bottom line
- If you're researching headless CMS options for your business website, this honest comparison will save you hours of research and potentially thousands in development costs.

Watch the full breakdown here: https://youtu.be/gHyJldg8NwQ
What's your experience with headless CMS platforms? Any questions about implementing either option?

How to Build a Membership Site with Payload CMS (No Monthly Fees!)

Tired of paying ongoing costs for membership plugins? In my latest video, I show you exactly how to build a complete membership platform using Payload CMS with:

✅ Built-in authentication
✅ Flexible content restrictions
✅ Stripe payment integration
✅ Custom analytics dashboard

The best part? Zero recurring plugin costs.

This approach has saved my clients thousands in plugin fees while giving them complete control over their membership experience.

Watch the full tutorial here: https://youtu.be/MaCCqMVkREY