Get started from scratch

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, starting from scratch with CMS (SaaS) lets you build your content architecture and presentation layer from the ground up. This method is ideal for users who want full control over configuring and customizing their content types, properties, and website structure. Starting with a blank CMS (SaaS) instance, you can define every aspect of your content, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your project’s requirements.

The process begins by defining content types, such as pages and blocks, which serve as templates for your content. From there, you create content instances, set up a website (if that is going to be your presentation layer) in the CMS (SaaS) settings, and sync your content with Optimizely Graph to make it accessible externally. This approach gives you a deep understanding of how the CMS (SaaS) system works, letting you tailor every element to suit your specific needs.

You can build your content in CMS (SaaS) using the UI or REST API, but you must develop a content model before doing so. See Content model.

After creating your content model, follow the documentation that best fits your use case: