How Website Builders Can Implement Software Bill of Materials

Websites are no longer mere lists of HTML pages. They consist of software products based on an existing framework, a set of plug-ins, an API, open-source libraries, and third-party services. While this ecosystem helps website builders move faster, it also introduces a hidden problem: most builders don’t fully know what software they are actually shipping. That’s where a Software Bill of Materials comes in.

For website builders, whether you’re working with WordPress, Webflow, custom stacks, or headless CMS platforms, implementing a Software Bill of Materials isn’t just about security. It’s about clarity, trust, and long-term maintainability.

What Is a Software Bill of Materials

Software Bill of Materials is an ingredient list for your website.

It documents:

• Component names and versions
• Open-source and proprietary libraries
• Transitive dependencies (dependencies of dependencies)
• Licenses and known vulnerabilities

Instead of guessing what’s inside your tech stack, you have a machine-readable record that can be analyzed, shared, and updated.

If you want a deeper technical explanation of how an SBOM works and why it’s becoming a standard across software ecosystems, this resource provides a clear and practical overview.

Why SBOMs Matter Specifically for Website Builders

Website builders often work under tight deadlines, with limited visibility into how deeply dependencies run. An SBOM helps in several critical ways:

1. Faster Vulnerability Response

When a new security flaw is disclosed in a library, you can immediately check whether your site is affected without blindly scanning.

2. Stronger Client Trust

Enterprise clients increasingly ask about supply chain security. Providing an SBOM shows professionalism and accountability.

3. Easier Maintenance

Knowing exactly what versions and components are in use simplifies updates, migrations, and redesigns.

4. Compliance Readiness

Regulatory expectations around software transparency are growing. SBOMs help future-proof your development practices.

How Website Builders Can Implement SBOMs

Step 1: Choose a Standardized Format

Most SBOMs are created in machine-readable formats such as:

• SPDX
• CycloneDX

These formats are widely supported and compatible with security scanning tools.

For website builders, the key is choosing a format that integrates easily with existing workflows rather than creating manual lists.

Step 2: Integrate SBOM Generation Into the Build Process

The most common mistake is treating an SBOM as a one-time document. In reality, it should be generated automatically.

Best practice is to:

• Generate the SBOM during CI/CD pipelines
• Tie SBOM creation to builds, releases, or deployments
• Regenerate it whenever dependencies change

Step 3: Include CMS Plugins and Front-End Packages

Website builders often overlook CMS components. Themes, plugins, and extensions are just as important as backend libraries.

An effective SBOM should cover:

• CMS plugins and versions
• JavaScript frameworks (React, Vue, Next.js, etc.)
• Package manager dependencies (npm, yarn, pnpm)
• Server-side libraries and services

Step 4: Connect SBOMs to Vulnerability Intelligence

An SBOM on its own is useful, but its real power comes from analysis.

Once generated, SBOMs can be:

• Scanned against known vulnerability databases
• Used to identify outdated or unsupported components
• Mapped to risk severity and exploitability

Step 5: Keep SBOMs Updated and Versioned

Websites evolve constantly. New plugins, removed features, and framework updates all affect the software inventory.

Best practices include:

• Versioning SBOMs alongside site releases
• Storing SBOMs securely with build artifacts
• Regenerating SBOMs automatically on updates

How SBOMs Improve Collaboration With Clients and Teams

From a client’s perspective, software transparency is reassuring. From a team perspective, it’s empowering.

SBOMs help:

• Developers understand inherited risk
• Security teams assess exposure faster
• Clients gain confidence in the build process
• Stakeholders align on maintenance priorities

Final Thoughts

Implementing a Software Bill of Materials is a practical step toward better security, cleaner maintenance, and stronger client relationships. It doesn’t slow teams down; it helps them move forward with confidence.