Best CMS for Small Business Websites: WordPress vs Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace

As a small business owner, your website is your most valuable tool to attract customers and grow your business. Choosing the right CMS (Content Management System) is critical. It determines how easily you can build, manage, and update your site. In this blog, we’ll compare WordPress, Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace—four of the most popular CMS platforms. Based on research, WordPress is the best CMS for small business websites.

What is a CMS, and Why Do You Need One?

A CMS is software that helps you create and manage your website without knowing how to code. For small businesses, it’s a cost-effective way to establish a professional online presence to:

Attract local customers through Google searches.
Showcase your services or products.
Build trust and credibility.
Sell products online with e-commerce tools.

CMS Market Share Insights

CMS platforms dominate website building. According to Statista, as of 2023:

WordPress powers 43.2% of all websites globally, leading the market.
Shopify is used by 4.1% of websites, making it a top e-commerce choice.
Wix and Squarespace combined account for approximately 4% of websites, preferred by small-scale users.

1. WordPress – Best for Flexibility and SEO

Best For: Small business websites, blogs, and e-commerce.
Market Share: WordPress leads the CMS market with 64.3% among CMS users (W3Techs).
Cost: Free CMS software; hosting starts at £5–£10/month.
Ease of Use: A slight learning curve but allows complete customisation.
Features Small Businesses Love:
- Over 59,000 plugins to add functionality like SEO, e-commerce, booking systems, and more.
- Highly SEO-friendly, helping your website rank higher on Google.
- Scalable for future business growth.
- Cost-effective with long-term savings.

Key Benefit: WordPress is perfect for all business types, from local tradespeople to professional services and retail shops.

2. Shopify – Best for Selling Products Online

Best For: Businesses focused on e-commerce.
Market Share: Shopify powers 4.1% of websites globally (BuiltWith).
Cost: Starts at £25/month + transaction fees.
Ease of Use: Simple setup with pre-built e-commerce tools.
Features Small Businesses Love:
- Integrated payment systems, inventory tracking, and shipping tools.
- 24/7 customer support.

Limitations: Shopify excels at selling products but isn’t ideal for blogs or service-based businesses.

3. Wix – Best for Beginners

Best For: Small websites for service providers and freelancers.
Market Share: Wix powers 2.5% of websites globally (Statista).
Cost: Free basic plan (with Wix branding); premium plans start at £10/month.
Ease of Use: Drag-and-drop editor, ideal for beginners.
Features Small Businesses Love:
- Pre-designed templates for quick setup.
- Hosting and maintenance included.

Limitations: Limited SEO tools and scalability make it less suitable for growing businesses.

4. Squarespace – Best for Stunning Designs

Best For: Creative professionals like photographers and artists.
Market Share: Squarespace powers 2.8% of websites globally (W3Techs).
Cost: Starts at £16/month.
Ease of Use: Beginner-friendly with visually appealing templates.
Features Small Businesses Love:
- Built-in analytics and basic SEO tools.
- Hosting and customer support included.

Limitations: Squarespace lacks advanced features and flexibility for customisation.

Why WordPress is the Best CMS for Small Businesses

WordPress wins for its flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. It’s ideal for creating any website, whether you’re showcasing your services, blogging, or selling products online.

SEO Optimisation: WordPress is designed to help you rank higher on search engines. Plugins like Yoast SEO make optimisation easy.
Customisation: With thousands of themes and plugins, you can build a website tailored to your business needs.
Cost-Efficiency: The software is free, and hosting is affordable, making WordPress a budget-friendly option.
Future Growth: Whether you’re a local café or a growing e-commerce store, WordPress adapts to your needs.

Example: Many businesses in the UK, from independent shops to tradespeople, rely on WordPress to boost their Google presence and attract local customers.

Final Recommendation

If you’re looking for a CMS that combines affordability, flexibility, and SEO benefits, WordPress is your best choice. It offers everything you need to create a professional website and grow your small business online.