What is a CMS and why does the choice matter?
A content management system (CMS) is the software that lets you create and edit website pages without writing code. The choice affects what your site can do, how easily your team can update it, ongoing costs, speed, SEO control and how hard it is to move away later. Changing CMS later usually means a migration project.
If you would rather have a CMS set up around your content and team, our CMS website development service covers platform selection, build and training. The rest of this guide is platform-neutral.
How do the main CMS platforms compare?
The main options fall into two groups. Hosted builders (Shopify, Squarespace, Wix, Webflow) include hosting, security and updates in a monthly subscription but limit what you can change. Self-hosted or headless systems (WordPress, headless CMSs) offer more control and flexibility but need hosting, updates and usually a developer.
| CMS | Best for | Strengths | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| WordPress (self-hosted) | Content-led service sites, blogs, small shops with WooCommerce | Free, open source, huge plugin choice, full ownership, strong SEO control | Needs hosting, updates and security care; heavy themes and plugins slow sites down |
| Shopify | Online shops of most sizes | Hosted, secure checkout, strong ecommerce features and app ecosystem | Monthly fees plus apps and transaction costs; less flexible for content-heavy sites |
| Squarespace | Simple brochure sites, portfolios, small service businesses | Polished templates, easy editor, hosting included | Limited customisation and integrations; you cannot take the site to another host |
| Wix | DIY sites for very small businesses | Very easy drag-and-drop editing, many built-in tools | Harder to keep fast as sites grow; moving away usually means rebuilding |
| Webflow | Design-led marketing sites | Fine design control, clean output, hosted | Steeper learning curve; plan and editor limits; ecommerce less mature than Shopify |
| Headless CMS (e.g. Sanity, Contentful, Strapi) | Custom builds, multi-channel content, web apps | Content separate from design, very fast front ends, flexible | Needs developers to build and change templates; higher upfront cost |
Platform plans and features change frequently. Check each provider's current pricing and terms before deciding.
When is WordPress the right choice?
WordPress is a strong choice when content drives your marketing, you want to own your site outright and you may need features later, such as bookings, memberships or a shop. It needs reliable hosting and regular updates. Built with a lightweight theme and few plugins, it is easy to edit and performs well.
If you are weighing WordPress against a bespoke build, our guide to WordPress vs a custom website compares the two in detail.
When are Shopify, Squarespace or Wix better?
Choose Shopify if selling products online is the main purpose of the site; its checkout, inventory and payments are hard to match. Choose Squarespace or Wix if you want a simple site you can build and run yourself, with hosting and security handled for you, and you are comfortable with their limits.
- Shopify: best when ecommerce is central; budget for apps and a theme that suits your catalogue.
- Squarespace: good for attractive brochure and portfolio sites with little ongoing technical work.
- Wix: quickest for a first DIY site; check it can support the features and growth you expect.
When does a headless CMS or Webflow make sense?
Webflow suits businesses that care about distinctive design and want designers to publish changes without developers. A headless CMS suits businesses with a custom website or web app, content shared across several channels, or demanding performance needs. Both cost more to set up than a builder, and headless options need ongoing developer support.
For bespoke projects where a CMS is only one part of a larger application, see our custom web development page.
Which CMS is best for SEO and speed?
Any mainstream CMS can rank well. What matters more is how the site is built: clean URLs, editable titles and descriptions, structured data, fast templates and good content. WordPress, Webflow and headless setups give the most technical control; hosted builders cover the basics but limit fine-tuning, especially for performance.
Whichever platform you choose, use our SEO-friendly website checklist during the build and our guide on how to improve website speed once it is live.
How do you choose the right CMS for your business?
List what the site must do now and in two to three years, who will edit it and how often, your budget for build and running costs, and the integrations you need, such as a CRM, booking system or accounting software. Then shortlist two platforms and test their editors with real content.
- Define the site's main job: enquiries, sales, bookings, recruitment or information.
- List must-have features and integrations.
- Decide who will maintain the site: you, your team or a developer.
- Compare total running costs over three years, not just the first month.
- Check you can export your content and keep your domain if you leave.
- Trial the editor before committing, and get advice if you are unsure; our guide on how to choose a web design agency helps if you need outside help.