Best CMS for Small Business: Top Picks for 2025

Level Up Your Small Business Website in 2025

A strong online presence starts with the right Content Management System (CMS). This list of the best CMS for small business helps you choose the perfect platform to build and manage your website. We've compiled ten powerful options, from user-friendly website builders like Wix and Squarespace to robust platforms like WordPress and Drupal, plus ecommerce solutions like Shopify. Find the best CMS for your small business needs and see how OneNine can help you succeed online.

1. WordPress

WordPress powers a staggering 43% of all websites and reigns supreme as one of the best CMS for small businesses thanks to its unparalleled flexibility and a vast ecosystem of resources. Originally a blogging platform, WordPress has evolved into a robust CMS capable of supporting virtually any type of website, from simple online portfolios to complex e-commerce stores. Thousands of themes and plugins empower businesses to tailor their online presence precisely to their needs, making it a go-to solution for entrepreneurs, marketers, business owners, agencies, CEOs, CMOs, and heads of marketing alike. One of the key decisions you’ll face is choosing between WordPress.com (a hosted solution) and WordPress.org (self-hosted). This choice depends largely on your technical comfort level and budget.

Features that make WordPress a powerhouse for small businesses:

• Extensive Plugin Ecosystem: With over 58,000 free plugins available, you can add virtually any functionality imaginable to your website – from contact forms and SEO optimization tools to e-commerce integrations and social media sharing. This extensive library allows you to scale and adapt your website as your business grows.
• Thousands of Responsive Themes: WordPress offers a massive selection of both free and premium themes, allowing you to quickly establish a professional and visually appealing online presence. These responsive themes ensure your website looks great on any device, from desktops to mobile phones.
• User-Friendly Content Editor (Gutenberg): The Gutenberg block editor provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface for creating and managing content. This simplifies the content creation process, even for those without coding experience.
• SEO-Friendly Structure: WordPress is built with SEO best practices in mind, making it easier for search engines to crawl and index your website. This gives your business a better chance of ranking higher in search results and attracting more organic traffic.
• Regular Updates and Strong Security Measures: WordPress is constantly updated with new features and security patches, ensuring your website remains secure and performs optimally.

Pros:

• Highly Customizable: Tailor your website to any business need with the extensive plugin and theme library.
• Large Community Support & Extensive Documentation: Find answers to your questions quickly through a massive online community and detailed documentation.
• Scales Well as Your Business Grows: Start small and easily add functionality as needed without migrating to a new platform.
• Low Initial Investment for Basic Websites: Starting a basic WordPress website can be very affordable, especially with the free themes and plugins available.

Cons:

• May Require Regular Maintenance and Updates: Staying on top of updates and maintenance is crucial for security and performance.
• Can Become Complex with Many Plugins: Over-reliance on plugins can sometimes lead to compatibility issues and slow down your website.
• Performance Can Suffer Without Proper Optimization: Optimizing images, caching, and choosing the right hosting are essential for optimal performance.
• Learning Curve for Complete Beginners: While user-friendly overall, some aspects of WordPress can be challenging for complete beginners.

Pricing and Technical Requirements:

The WordPress software itself is free and open-source (available at https://wordpress.org). However, you’ll need to pay for web hosting and a domain name. Hosting costs can range from a few dollars per month to hundreds, depending on your needs. While WordPress is relatively easy to use, some basic technical knowledge (like FTP) can be helpful for self-hosted installations.

Implementation/Setup Tips:

• Choose the Right Hosting: Select a hosting provider that specializes in WordPress for optimal performance and support.
• Start with a Quality Theme: A well-designed theme will provide a solid foundation for your website.
• Install Essential Plugins: Focus on plugins that address core functionalities like SEO, security, and performance.
• Learn the Basics of WordPress: Familiarize yourself with the WordPress dashboard and essential features.

WordPress deserves its top spot on this list because it offers the perfect balance of power, flexibility, and affordability. It’s a robust CMS that can adapt to the evolving needs of small businesses, making it a smart investment for your online presence.

2. Wix

Wix is a popular choice among small businesses seeking an easy-to-use, all-in-one website builder that requires no coding experience. It's a true drag-and-drop platform, making it one of the best CMS options for small businesses looking for a quick and painless way to establish a professional online presence. This cloud-based platform handles all the technical heavy lifting, from hosting and security to software updates, allowing you to focus on growing your business. Wix is particularly well-suited for entrepreneurs, marketers, and business owners who need a streamlined solution to get their websites up and running rapidly.

Wix offers over 500 designer-made templates categorized by industry, so whether you’re a restaurant owner, a consultant, or an e-commerce retailer, you can find a template that aligns with your brand and needs. Its intuitive visual editor lets you customize your site with ease, adding and arranging elements precisely where you want them. Beyond the core website building functionality, Wix provides built-in SEO tools and ensures mobile optimization, crucial for reaching customers across different devices. For added functionality, the Wix App Market offers over 300 integrations, allowing you to connect your website to various marketing tools, CRM systems, and other business applications. If you're pressed for time, Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) can even help you create a website by answering a few simple questions.

For CEOs, CMOs, and heads of marketing concerned with rapid deployment and ease of use, Wix is an excellent choice. It earns its spot on the list of best CMS for small business because of its comprehensive features and intuitive interface. The platform's all-inclusive pricing plans cover hosting and website maintenance, simplifying budgeting and eliminating surprise costs. 24/7 customer support ensures you'll have assistance when you need it.

While Wix excels in ease of use, it does have some limitations. Customization options are less extensive than those offered by open-source CMS platforms. One key constraint is the inability to switch templates after your site is created, requiring a complete redesign if you want a new look. While convenient in the short term, Wix can become more expensive than self-hosted options in the long run. Finally, data portability can be a challenge if you ever decide to migrate your website to a different platform.

Key Features: True drag-and-drop visual editor, 500+ industry-specific templates, Built-in SEO tools and mobile optimization, App Market with 300+ integrations, AI-powered Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence).

Pros: No technical skills required, All-inclusive pricing with hosting included, Rapid deployment for time-sensitive projects, 24/7 customer support.

Cons: Limited customization compared to open-source CMS, Cannot switch templates after site creation, Higher long-term costs than self-hosted options, Limited data portability.

Website: https://www.wix.com

3. Shopify

If your small business revolves around e-commerce, Shopify is arguably the best CMS platform for you. As a leading e-commerce-focused CMS, Shopify powers over 1.7 million businesses globally, making it a robust and reliable choice for online sales. This platform simplifies running an online store by handling everything from inventory management and secure payment processing to shipping integrations and even tax calculations. Whether you're selling online, in person, or across marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy, Shopify provides the ecosystem you need to succeed. This is why it earns a spot on our list of best CMS for small business.

Shopify offers a comprehensive suite of features specifically designed for selling online. Think of it as your all-in-one e-commerce toolbox. You get 70+ professionally designed themes optimized for conversions, built-in payment processing through Shopify Payments, advanced inventory and order management tools, and robust multichannel selling capabilities. For example, you can easily sync your inventory across your online store, your physical retail location, and your social media shops, ensuring consistent stock levels and streamlined operations. This level of integration simplifies complex processes, making it ideal for even small business owners with limited technical expertise.

Pricing: Shopify offers tiered plans, starting with a Basic plan at $29/month, scaling up to Shopify Plus for enterprise-level businesses. Each tier unlocks additional features and capabilities. It’s worth noting that transaction fees apply unless you use Shopify Payments.

Technical Requirements: Shopify is a fully hosted platform, meaning you don't need to worry about hosting, security updates, or technical maintenance. All you need is an internet connection and a web browser to manage your store.

Comparison with similar tools: While platforms like WordPress with WooCommerce offer flexibility and open-source control, Shopify's out-of-the-box e-commerce functionality makes it easier and faster to set up and manage an online store. This ease of use is particularly advantageous for small business owners who may not have dedicated web development resources.

Implementation/Setup Tips:

• Start with a free trial: Explore Shopify’s features and interface before committing to a paid plan.
• Choose a theme that reflects your brand: First impressions matter. Select a visually appealing and functional theme that aligns with your brand identity.
• Set up Shopify Payments: Avoid transaction fees and streamline your payment processing by using Shopify's native payment gateway.
• Explore the Shopify App Store: Extend your store's functionality with apps for marketing, shipping, customer service, and more.
• Optimize your product pages for search engines (SEO): Use relevant keywords in your product descriptions and titles to improve your visibility in search results.

Pros:

• Purpose-built for selling products: Everything within Shopify is designed to facilitate online sales.
• Handles complex e-commerce operations: From inventory to shipping, Shopify simplifies complex processes.
• Excellent security and reliability: Benefit from Shopify's robust infrastructure and security measures.
• Comprehensive app store for additional functionality: Extend your store's capabilities with thousands of apps.

Cons:

• Transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments: Consider the transaction fee structure when choosing your payment gateway.
• Monthly costs higher than non-e-commerce CMS: Specialized e-commerce functionality comes at a premium.
• Advanced features require more expensive plans: Scaling your business may require upgrading to a higher-tier plan.
• Can be limiting for content-heavy sites: While Shopify supports blogging and content creation, it may not be the ideal choice for businesses prioritizing extensive content marketing.

Website: https://www.shopify.com

In summary, Shopify is a powerful and user-friendly best cms for small business focusing primarily on e-commerce. Its comprehensive features, ease of use, and focus on online sales make it a top contender for businesses looking to establish and grow their online presence. While the monthly costs are higher than some other CMS options, the time saved and the streamlined selling experience often outweigh the price difference, making it a worthwhile investment for serious e-commerce entrepreneurs.

4. Squarespace

Squarespace is a popular choice among small businesses, especially those prioritizing aesthetics and a seamless user experience. It stands out as one of the best CMS for small business due to its beautiful, designer-made templates and its all-in-one platform that simplifies website management. This makes it an excellent option for entrepreneurs, marketers, and business owners who want a professional online presence without the technical headaches. Squarespace excels in providing a cohesive brand experience, handling everything from hosting and domain registration to security and customer support. It’s particularly well-suited for service-based businesses and creatives thanks to its built-in features for portfolios, online booking, and basic e-commerce functionality.

Squarespace's award-winning templates are a major draw, offering a polished and modern look that instantly elevates your brand. These templates are fully responsive, meaning your website will look great on any device, from desktops to smartphones. Integrated blogging and portfolio tools allow you to easily share your expertise and showcase your work, while built-in scheduling and appointment booking features streamline client management for service providers. Squarespace also includes email marketing tools, allowing you to nurture leads and communicate with your audience directly from the platform.

Features:

• Award-winning designer templates
• Integrated blogging and portfolio tools
• Built-in scheduling and appointment booking
• Mobile-optimized websites
• Email marketing tools included

Pros:

• Professional design with minimal effort: Squarespace’s templates make it easy to create a visually stunning website without any coding knowledge.
• Consistent, high-quality user experience: The platform is known for its intuitive interface and smooth performance.
• No maintenance or updates required: Squarespace handles all the technical aspects, so you can focus on running your business.
• All features included (no need for plugins): Unlike WordPress, Squarespace offers a comprehensive set of features out-of-the-box, simplifying the setup process.

Cons:

• Less flexible than WordPress for custom functionality: If you require highly specialized features, Squarespace's limited customization options might be a drawback.
• Limited third-party integrations: Compared to other CMS platforms, Squarespace offers fewer integrations with external services.
• More expensive than some competitors: Squarespace’s pricing plans are generally higher than those of some other website builders.
• Template customization can be restrictive: While beautiful, the templates can sometimes feel limiting for users who want extensive design control.

Pricing: Squarespace offers various pricing plans, starting from around $16/month for the Personal plan and going up to $49/month for the Advanced Commerce plan.

Implementation/Setup Tips:

• Start with a template that aligns with your brand: Browse the template library and choose one that reflects your style and industry.
• Customize your template with your own content and branding: Add your logo, images, and text to personalize the template.
• Utilize the built-in SEO tools: Optimize your website content and meta descriptions for search engines.
• Connect your domain name: If you already have a domain, you can easily connect it to your Squarespace website.

Website: https://www.squarespace.com

In comparison to a platform like WordPress, Squarespace sacrifices some flexibility for ease of use. While WordPress offers a vast ecosystem of plugins and themes, Squarespace provides a more curated and streamlined experience. This makes Squarespace an ideal best cms for small business owners, CEOs, CMOs, and marketing heads who prioritize a simple setup and ongoing management process. For agencies building client websites, the ease of handover and minimal maintenance requirements can be a significant advantage.

5. Joomla

Joomla is a powerful open-source CMS offering a compelling blend of WordPress's ease of use and the robust features of more complex enterprise systems. It's a solid choice for small businesses seeking more advanced user management and content organization capabilities than simpler website builders or basic CMS platforms can offer. Think of it as a step up in functionality and control. This makes it a valuable option among the best CMS for small business, particularly for those anticipating growth and scaling.

Joomla shines in its ability to handle complex website structures and multilingual content right out of the box, a crucial feature for businesses targeting international audiences or requiring intricate navigation. Imagine a small business offering online courses with different membership levels and content access—Joomla's advanced user permissions make this kind of granular control straightforward. Similarly, if your business plans to expand into new markets with different languages, Joomla’s built-in multilingual support simplifies the process considerably.

Features that make Joomla stand out:

• Advanced User Management and Permissions: Control who sees what on your site with granular user roles and permissions, ideal for membership sites or businesses with complex internal structures.
• Multilingual Capabilities Out of the Box: Reach a global audience without needing complex plugins or custom development.
• Flexible Content Organization System: Organize your content into categories, tags, and custom fields for easier management and a better user experience.
• Robust Security Architecture: Benefit from regular security updates and a strong community focused on keeping your site safe from vulnerabilities.
• Content Versioning and Workflow Management: Track changes to your content and collaborate effectively with team members.

Pros:

• More Structured Content Organization than WordPress: Offers greater control and structure, crucial for businesses with complex content needs.
• Strong Community Support and Regular Updates: Benefit from a dedicated community and ongoing development for enhanced security and functionality.
• Free to Use (Hosting Costs Only): Like WordPress, Joomla itself is free, making it a budget-friendly choice. You only pay for hosting and domain registration.
• Excellent for Membership Sites: The advanced user management features make it ideal for creating and managing membership levels and restricted content.

Cons:

• Steeper Learning Curve than WordPress or Website Builders: Requires some technical knowledge and may take longer to master.
• Fewer Extensions and Templates than WordPress: While the selection is growing, it’s not as extensive as WordPress.
• Requires Technical Knowledge to Set up and Maintain: Not as beginner-friendly as drag-and-drop website builders.
• May Need Developer Assistance for Customization: Complex customizations might require hiring a developer.

Implementation and Setup Tips:

• Choose a reliable hosting provider: Select a hosting plan optimized for Joomla for optimal performance.
• Start with a pre-built template: Explore available templates to get a head start on your site design.
• Familiarize yourself with the documentation: Joomla has comprehensive documentation to help you navigate the platform.
• Consider joining the Joomla community: Connect with other users and developers for support and advice.

Website: https://www.joomla.org

Joomla deserves a place on this "best CMS for small business" list because it provides a solid middle ground between simplicity and advanced features. It's a particularly strong choice for businesses requiring robust user management, multilingual capabilities, and structured content organization. While it does have a steeper learning curve than some other options, the flexibility and control it provides make it a valuable tool for businesses aiming for long-term growth and scalability. For small businesses with specific technical requirements, Joomla might be the perfect fit.

6. Drupal

Drupal is a powerful open-source CMS perfect for small businesses with ambitious growth plans or unique website needs. While it's known for its flexibility, robust security, and ability to handle complex content structures, it's important to note that it has a steeper learning curve compared to more user-friendly platforms like WordPress or Wix. This makes it ideal for businesses that anticipate needing advanced customization and scalability down the line, or those already dealing with large volumes of structured content. If you're looking for one of the best CMS for small business and expect significant growth, Drupal could be a worthwhile investment.

Drupal powers roughly 1.5% of websites globally, including many government and enterprise-level sites, showcasing its robust security and stability. For small businesses, this translates to a platform that can handle high traffic loads, complex content relationships (like products with multiple variations and categories), and stringent security requirements. Its advanced user permissions and access control features are also beneficial for businesses with multiple team members contributing to their website.

Features:

• Enterprise-level security: Drupal takes security seriously, benefiting from a large and active community that constantly identifies and patches vulnerabilities.
• Highly customizable taxonomy and content types: This allows you to structure your content in highly specific ways, improving organization and searchability both for your team and your website visitors.
• Advanced user permissions and access control: Control who can access and modify different parts of your website.
• Excellent for complex, data-heavy websites: Manage large amounts of information efficiently and effectively.
• Robust API for integrations: Connect Drupal seamlessly with other marketing tools and business systems.

Pros:

• Extremely flexible and scalable: Drupal can grow and adapt with your business.
• Superior handling of complex content relationships: Ideal for businesses with intricate product catalogs, resource libraries, or membership sites.
• Better performance under high traffic: Ensures a smooth user experience even during peak periods.
• Strong security features and regular updates: Protects your website and data from threats.

Cons:

• Significant learning curve: Requires more technical expertise than some other CMS platforms.
• Often requires developer expertise: While some tasks can be handled without coding, customization and complex implementations usually benefit from professional development.
• Fewer ready-made themes than alternatives: You might need custom theme development or significant modification of existing themes.
• More resource-intensive hosting requirements: Shared hosting might not be sufficient for optimal performance, particularly as your site grows.

Pricing: Drupal itself is free and open-source. However, costs can arise from:

• Hosting: Drupal often requires more robust hosting than other CMS options, which can be more expensive.
• Theme development: Pre-made themes are available, but achieving a unique look and feel often involves custom development.
• Module development: Extending Drupal’s functionality with custom modules also requires developer expertise.
• Maintenance and updates: While Drupal's security is a strength, regular updates and maintenance are crucial, and can involve ongoing costs if outsourced.

Implementation Tips:

• Plan your content structure carefully: Take advantage of Drupal’s taxonomy and content type features to organize your content strategically.
• Consider hiring a Drupal developer: Unless you have in-house expertise, a developer can significantly streamline the setup, customization, and maintenance processes.
• Choose a hosting provider optimized for Drupal: This ensures optimal performance and security.

Website: https://www.drupal.org

Drupal deserves its place on this list because it offers a powerful and secure foundation for small businesses aiming for significant growth and needing the flexibility to adapt to changing requirements. While it's not the easiest CMS to learn, its power and scalability make it an excellent long-term investment for businesses with complex needs. If you're comfortable with a steeper learning curve or are willing to invest in developer support, Drupal can provide a highly customized and robust platform to achieve your online goals.

7. Webflow

Webflow stands out as a best cms for small business by offering a unique blend of visual website building and professional-grade code output. This makes it incredibly appealing to design-conscious businesses, agencies, and freelancers who want powerful design capabilities without getting bogged down in coding. Imagine creating a stunning, responsive website with intricate animations and interactions, all without writing a single line of code – that's the power of Webflow. It effectively bridges the gap between simple website builders and complex development platforms, providing a sweet spot for those seeking both control and ease of use.

For small businesses, this means having the ability to create a truly unique online presence that reflects their brand identity. Whether you're a small e-commerce store, a creative agency, or a local coffee shop, Webflow empowers you to build a visually compelling website that engages visitors and drives conversions. It also allows for greater flexibility for future changes; you or a designer can easily tweak and update the website without needing to hire a developer for every small adjustment. The platform handles the technical heavy lifting, including hosting, content management, and e-commerce functionality, so you can focus on growing your business.

Webflow's CMS collections allow for structured content creation, making it easy to manage blog posts, product listings, and other dynamic content. The built-in e-commerce functionality is a significant advantage for small businesses looking to sell online, offering features like product catalogs, shopping carts, and secure checkout processes. Advanced animations and interactions, usually requiring custom code, can be implemented visually, adding a layer of polish and engagement that sets your website apart.

Features:

• Visual design with professional-grade output
• CMS collections for structured content
• Advanced animations and interactions without coding
• Built-in e-commerce functionality
• Responsive design controls

Pros:

• Professional-quality websites without coding
• Precise design control beyond typical website builders
• Clean code output that loads quickly
• No plugin dependency issues

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve than basic website builders
• More expensive than some competitors like WordPress
• Limited third-party integrations compared to WordPress
• Complex pricing structure (ranging from free for basic static sites to plans starting around $14/month for hosting and CMS features, and higher tiers for e-commerce)

Implementation/Setup Tips:

Start with Webflow University, their comprehensive library of free tutorials and resources. This is invaluable for navigating the platform and making the most of its features. Begin with a template to familiarize yourself with the interface, and then gradually explore more advanced features like animations and interactions.

Comparison:

Compared to platforms like WordPress, Webflow sacrifices some flexibility in terms of plugins and integrations for a more streamlined and visually-driven experience. While WordPress relies heavily on plugins, Webflow prioritizes built-in functionality, reducing potential conflicts and security vulnerabilities. This makes it a compelling alternative for users who value ease of use and clean code over extensive customization options.

Website: https://webflow.com

Webflow deserves its place on this list of best CMS for small businesses because it offers a powerful yet accessible solution for creating professional-quality websites. While it may have a steeper learning curve and a higher price point than some competitors, the control, performance, and streamlined workflow it offers make it a worthwhile investment for businesses seeking a visually stunning and highly functional online presence.

8. HubSpot CMS Hub

HubSpot CMS Hub is a strong contender for the best CMS for small businesses, especially those prioritizing inbound marketing and sales growth. It's more than just a website builder; it's a fully integrated platform that combines content management with customer relationship management (CRM), marketing automation, and sales tools. This makes it ideal for businesses looking to streamline their operations and maximize their marketing ROI. It's particularly well-suited for small businesses aiming to attract, engage, and convert leads into loyal customers.

HubSpot CMS Hub allows you to build a website with a drag-and-drop editor, personalize content based on visitor behavior, optimize for search engines with built-in SEO recommendations, and track the entire customer journey from the first website visit to becoming a paying customer. Features like smart content and contact attribution reporting provide valuable insights into what's working and what's not, enabling data-driven decision-making. For example, you can personalize website content based on a visitor's past interactions with your business, increasing engagement and conversion rates. Imagine a returning visitor seeing tailored product recommendations based on their previous purchases – that's the power of HubSpot CMS Hub.

While HubSpot doesn't publicly list specific pricing for its CMS Hub tiers, it generally operates on a tiered subscription model, with higher tiers offering more advanced features and functionality. Businesses should contact HubSpot directly for detailed pricing information tailored to their specific needs. Technically, HubSpot CMS Hub is a cloud-based platform, meaning no specific server-side setup is required. You can manage everything from your web browser.

Compared to standalone CMS options like WordPress, HubSpot offers a more integrated and streamlined experience, albeit at a higher price point. WordPress might be better suited for very basic websites with limited marketing needs, whereas HubSpot excels when marketing and sales integration is a priority. For small businesses serious about growth, the investment in HubSpot can pay off through improved lead generation, customer acquisition, and overall business performance.

Key Features:

• Built-in marketing tools and CRM integration
• Smart content and personalization
• Contact attribution reporting
• SEO and content strategy tools
• Drag-and-drop page editing

Pros:

• All-in-one marketing and website platform
• Advanced lead generation capabilities
• Excellent customer support
• Built-in analytics and reporting

Cons:

• Higher price point than standalone CMS options
• Maximum value requires using other HubSpot products
• Smaller template marketplace than competitors
• May be overkill for simple websites

Implementation Tip: Start with a free HubSpot CRM account to familiarize yourself with the platform. Then, explore the different CMS Hub tiers and choose the one that best aligns with your business needs and budget. Consider leveraging HubSpot Academy's free online resources to maximize your use of the platform.

Visit HubSpot CMS Hub

9. Ghost

If your small business revolves around content, whether it's a blog, online publication, or newsletter-driven marketing strategy, Ghost might be the perfect CMS for you. Unlike more general-purpose platforms, Ghost is laser-focused on providing a streamlined, powerful platform for creating, publishing, and even monetizing your content. This makes it a strong contender among the best CMS for small business, especially for those prioritizing content marketing.

Ghost offers a clean, distraction-free writing experience with its modern editor, coupled with practical publishing tools. Its built-in membership and subscription features allow you to directly monetize your content, creating a sustainable business model around your valuable insights and articles. Native email newsletter capabilities further strengthen your connection with your audience and allow for effective content distribution. For businesses building their brand around thought leadership and consistent, high-quality content, this focused approach can be incredibly valuable.

Features:

• Modern publishing tools and editor: A clean and intuitive interface designed for writers.
• Built-in membership and subscription functionality: Monetize your content directly within the platform.
• Native email newsletter capabilities: Cultivate your audience and distribute your content effectively.
• SEO-optimized by default: Improve your search engine visibility and reach a wider audience.
• Headless CMS capabilities: For developers looking for greater flexibility and integration options.

Pros:

• Focused on content creation and publishing: Eliminates unnecessary features and distractions.
• Fast performance and clean code: Provides a smooth user experience for both creators and readers.
• Direct monetization capabilities: Built-in tools for subscriptions and memberships.
• Developer-friendly: Open-source platform offering flexibility and customization options.

Cons:

• Limited non-publishing functionality: Not ideal for businesses requiring e-commerce or complex website features.
• Smaller ecosystem of themes and plugins: Fewer customization options compared to larger CMS platforms like WordPress.
• Requires more technical knowledge than website builders: While user-friendly for writing, some technical understanding is beneficial for setup and customization.
• Not suited for complex websites: Best for content-focused sites rather than complex web applications.

Website: https://ghost.org

Pricing: Ghost offers various hosted plans starting at $9/month, scaling up based on the number of members and required resources. Alternatively, you can self-host Ghost for free, which requires more technical expertise and server management.

Implementation/Setup Tips:

• Choose the right hosting option: Evaluate your technical skills and resource availability to determine if hosted or self-hosting is best.
• Explore the available themes: While the selection is smaller than other platforms, finding a suitable theme can streamline your setup process.
• Familiarize yourself with the editor and publishing tools: Take advantage of Ghost's streamlined interface and powerful features.
• Consider integrating with other marketing tools: Connect Ghost with your email marketing platform, analytics tools, and other services to maximize your content's reach and impact.

Ghost deserves its place on this list because it offers a dedicated and powerful platform for content-focused small businesses. For entrepreneurs, marketers, CEOs, CMOs, and heads of marketing prioritizing content marketing and thought leadership, Ghost provides the tools and focus needed to succeed. If your business model relies heavily on high-quality content and direct engagement with your audience, Ghost's streamlined approach is well worth considering. While it's not a one-size-fits-all solution, its specialized features make it a valuable tool for the right business.

10. Weebly

Weebly, now owned by Square, earns its spot on this list of best CMS for small businesses due to its remarkable simplicity and tight integration with the Square ecosystem. This makes it an especially attractive option for small businesses looking to establish an online presence quickly and easily, particularly those already utilizing Square for payment processing. Imagine launching your online store and seamlessly syncing your inventory, sales, and customer data with your physical storefront – Weebly makes that a reality. It's a beginner-friendly website builder that focuses on ease of use, employing a straightforward drag-and-drop editor perfect for users with no technical expertise. Whether you're a bakery owner selling cupcakes online or a consultant offering digital services, Weebly can empower you to build a functional and appealing website without needing to code.

Weebly offers a range of features designed to streamline website creation and management. The drag-and-drop editor allows you to easily add and arrange elements like text boxes, images, and videos. Mobile-responsive themes ensure your site looks great on any device. Its App Center provides access to additional functionalities, such as email marketing integrations and social media tools. Furthermore, built-in SEO tools help optimize your website for search engines, increasing your visibility to potential customers. This tight integration with Square's point-of-sale system is a significant advantage for businesses operating both online and offline.

Weebly's pricing tiers are also quite affordable, with a free tier available for basic websites. Paid plans offer additional features like custom domains, increased storage, and e-commerce functionality. While the specific pricing can vary, the tiered structure caters to businesses with different budgets and needs. Setting up your Weebly site is remarkably simple. Choose a theme, customize it with your branding, add your content, and connect your domain. The drag-and-drop interface requires no coding knowledge, making it incredibly user-friendly.

Features:

• Simple drag-and-drop editor
• Square e-commerce integration
• Mobile-responsive themes
• App Center for added functionality
• Built-in SEO tools

Pros:

• Very easy to learn and use
• Affordable pricing tiers
• Seamless integration with Square POS
• Free tier available for basic websites

Cons:

• Less design flexibility than competitors like WordPress or Wix.
• Limited customization options compared to more advanced platforms.
• Fewer advanced e-commerce features than dedicated platforms like Shopify.
• Some features, like site search and password protection, are only available on higher-tier plans.

Website: https://www.weebly.com

For small business owners seeking a simple, affordable, and integrated platform to establish their online presence, especially those already using Square, Weebly is an excellent choice. While it may lack the advanced features of some competitors, its ease of use and seamless e-commerce integration make it a compelling option for those prioritizing simplicity and speed to market. If you need a basic online presence with strong e-commerce capabilities and tight integration with Square, Weebly is a great place to start.

Top 10 CMS Platforms Feature Comparison

Platform	Core Features & Capabilities	User Experience & Quality ★★★★☆	Value & Pricing 💰	Target Audience 👥	Unique Selling Points ✨
WordPress	58k+ plugins, SEO-friendly, scalable	Large community, customizable	Low start cost, maintenance needed 💰	Small to medium businesses	Highly flexible & extensive ecosystem 🏆
Wix	Drag-drop editor, 500+ templates, all-in-one hosting	Easy for beginners, fast setup	Inclusive pricing, no hosting worries 💰	Non-tech small businesses	AI design assistant, turnkey solution ✨
Shopify	E-commerce focused, payments, inventory	Reliable, secure, sales-optimized ★★★★☆	Higher monthly fees, transaction costs 💰	Online sellers & retailers	Built for selling, multichannel sales 🏆
Squarespace	Designer templates, integrated blogging & booking	Highly polished, no maintenance	Higher cost, all features included 💰	Creatives & service businesses	Award-winning design, all-in-one platform ✨
Joomla	Advanced user management, multilingual support	More complex, strong security	Free CMS, hosting costs only 💰	Tech-savvy SMBs needing structure	Multilingual & membership site-friendly 🏆
Drupal	Enterprise security, complex content management	Developer-focused, robust	Free CMS, higher hosting demands 💰	Enterprises & complex sites	Best for complex, large-scale sites ✨
Webflow	Visual design + clean code, animations, CMS & ecomm	Professional design, fast loading	More expensive, complex pricing 💰	Agencies & designers	Precision design control without coding ✨
HubSpot CMS Hub	Marketing tools, CRM integration, A/B testing	All-in-one marketing + web	Premium pricing, best with HubSpot stack 💰	Growth-focused businesses	Deep CRM & marketing automation 🏆
Ghost	Publishing tools, membership, email newsletters	Focused, fast, developer-friendly	Open source, hosting extra 💰	Content creators & publishers	Native monetization & newsletters ✨
Weebly	Simple drag-drop, Square POS integration	Beginner-friendly, mobile themes	Low cost, free basic plan 💰	Small biz with POS needs	Square e-commerce & offline sales sync ✨

Ready to Launch Your Perfect Small Business Website?

Choosing the best CMS for your small business is a crucial decision that impacts your online presence, scalability, and overall success. We've explored ten powerful options, from the versatile WordPress and user-friendly Wix to the e-commerce focused Shopify and the robust Drupal. Remember, the "best" CMS depends entirely on your specific needs. Consider factors like your technical skills, budget, e-commerce requirements, and the level of customization you desire. If you need a simple website for showcasing your services, a platform like Squarespace or Wix might be perfect. However, if you're planning a complex e-commerce site, Shopify or WooCommerce (a WordPress plugin) could be better choices. For those seeking advanced customization and scalability, exploring options like Drupal or Joomla might be worthwhile.

Finding the right CMS is a critical first step. Implementing it effectively is the next. Consider factors like SEO, security, and ongoing maintenance when setting up your chosen platform. These elements are essential for long-term online success, ensuring your website ranks well, stays safe, and continues to perform optimally. Selecting the best CMS for small business isn't a one-size-fits-all solution; it's about finding the perfect fit for your unique business goals.

OneNine empowers small businesses to leverage the best CMS platforms – including all those discussed in this article – for their individual needs, offering expert design, development, and maintenance to maximize your online success. Need help navigating the world of CMS options and building a website that drives results? Contact us today at OneNine for a consultation and let’s build something great!