Did you know that nearly 40 percent of all websites run on the same underlying technology? It is a staggering number that highlights how critical your choice of platform is when you are building your online presence. The correct content management system (CMS) can either set you up for success or trigger a cascade of headaches. My team and I have been neck deep in CMS evaluations for years, and as 2025 approaches, I want to share what I have learned about selecting the best CMS.
Whether you are launching a personal blog or running a major corporate website, the platform you select matters. Let us examine the top contenders for the best website platform.
Pinpointing What You Need
Before you even look at specific platforms, figure out what you need from a CMS. I always start by pondering some key questions:
- What kind of website are you building? A small blog, a huge online store, a portfolio or something completely different?
- How comfortable are you with technology? Do you want a very simple interface, or are you okay working directly with code?
- What is your budget? Are you seeking a free, open source option or a premium platform that costs money?
- What are your long term goals? Will your website need to grow rapidly or manage complicated integrations?
Answering these questions helps you eliminate options that do not fit and focus on the CMS platforms that work for your situation. I have seen projects crater simply because someone picked the wrong CMS from the start.
Top CMS Choices for 2025
Based on my years of hands on experience, here are some of the top CMS platforms to consider as we head into 2025:
WordPress: The King of CMS
WordPress powers a massive piece of the internet. It is incredibly versatile, offering tons of themes and plugins that let you add almost any feature imaginable. WordPress handles everything from simple blogs to extensive e commerce businesses. I have lost count of the client projects I have built using WordPress. Its adaptability is still impressive.
Upsides:
- Huge community and support: Lots of resources and developers are available.
- Tons of themes and plugins: The customization possibilities feel endless.
- Excellent for SEO: WordPress is a content marketer’s dream.
- Relatively easy to pick up: Even for complete beginners.
Downsides:
- Security requires attention: You must keep up with updates and security plugins.
- Plugins can bog things down: Too many plugins can slow your website.
- Deep customization can be tough: You might need to work with code.
Joomla: Made for Developers
Joomla is another open source CMS popular with developers. It provides more power and greater adaptability than WordPress, but it is harder to learn. I often point clients to Joomla when they need highly custom solutions and complex data handling.
Upsides:
- Very adaptable and customizable: Great for building complex websites.
- Advanced user management: Precisely control user access.
- Multilingual built in: Supports many languages without add ons.
Downsides:
- Steeper learning curve: Not as beginner friendly as WordPress.
- Fewer themes and plugins: The community is smaller than WordPress.
- Costlier potentially: You might need to hire developers with experience.
Drupal: CMS for Big Organizations
Drupal is a powerful CMS often selected for large enterprise websites and applications. It has strong security and expands easily, making it a solid choice for organizations with very complex requirements. I have seen Drupal powering everything from government websites to large university systems.
Upsides:
- Rock solid security: Top tier security features.
- Scales easily: Handles high traffic and complex data structures.
- Adaptable content: Excellent for structured content.
Downsides:
- Very hard to learn: You will need developers with advanced skills.
- Overwhelming administration: Content creators might find it hard to use.
- Expensive to maintain: You might need to hire specialized experts.
Shopify: The E Commerce Leader
If you sell online, Shopify is a great choice. It is designed for e commerce, providing everything you need to set up, run and grow your online store. I have helped many clients launch successful Shopify businesses. Its ease of use is a huge plus.
Upsides:
- Painless setup: Easy to set up and run.
- E commerce tools built in: Everything you need to sell online.
- Secure payments: Payment gateways included.
- Helpful support: Reliable support team.
Downsides:
- Transaction fees: You pay fees for every transaction unless you use Shopify Payments.
- Less adaptable: Not as customizable as open source platforms.
- Costs add up: Monthly fees and transaction fees can be significant.
Wix: Drag and Drop Simplicity
Wix focuses on its drag and drop interface. It is very easy to use, making it a good choice for those who want to create a simple website without touching code. I often suggest Wix to small businesses and individuals who need a quick and easy online presence.
Upsides:
- Drag and drop interface: Simple to use, no coding needed.
- Good looking templates: Professionally designed templates included.
- All inclusive: Hosting, security and support are baked in.
Downsides:
- Less adaptable than others: Not as customizable as other platforms.
- SEO can be tricky: Can be hard to optimize for search engines.
- Not for large sites: Limited scalability.
- Locked designs: After selecting a template, you are generally locked in.
Squarespace: Design First
Squarespace is known for its attractive templates and simple interface. It is a good choice for creatives and small businesses that want a visually appealing website. I have seen photographers, artists and designers use Squarespace to show off their work.
Upsides:
- Good looking templates: Professionally designed templates.
- Simple to use: User friendly interface.
- All inclusive: Hosting, security and support are included.
Downsides:
- Less adaptable: Not as customizable as other platforms.
- SEO can be tricky: Can be difficult to optimize for search engines.
- Not for large sites: Limited scalability.
Webflow: A Designer’s Dream
Webflow provides designers serious visual control. It is a great choice for designers who want to create custom websites without coding. I have seen agencies and freelancers use Webflow to develop some truly unique and visually impressive websites.
Upsides:
- Full design control: Visual editor gives you precise control.
- Custom sites without code: Create unique websites.
- Hosting included: Hosting, security and support are provided.
Downsides:
- Takes time to master: It is not a simple tool.
- Costs more: Monthly fees can be significant.
- Not for beginners: You should have some design experience.
Contentful: Headless CMS
Contentful is a headless CMS. That means the content is separate from how it is displayed. This allows you to deliver content to any device or platform, making it a solid choice for omnichannel experiences. I often point organizations to Contentful when they need to distribute content across multiple channels, like websites, mobile apps and even IoT devices.
Upsides:
- Omnichannel: Deliver content to any device.
- API first: Integrates with almost anything due to its API structure.
- Scalable: Can handle high traffic and complex data.
Downsides:
- Requires skilled developers: You will need experienced developers.
- No front end: You must build your own display layer.
- Can be expensive: Might not be the best choice for smaller businesses.
Ghost: Made for Writing
Ghost is designed specifically for writing and publishing. It is a great choice for bloggers who want a simple, distraction free writing experience. I have seen journalists, writers and bloggers use Ghost to focus on what they do best: creating content.
Upsides:
- Simple and distraction free: Lets you focus on writing.
- Fast: Optimized for speed.
- SEO friendly: Great for content marketing.
Downsides:
- Less adaptable: Not as customizable as other platforms.
- Fewer themes and plugins: Smaller community than WordPress.
- Not for complex sites: Functionality is limited.
Key Factors to Consider
Picking the correct content management system is a critical decision that can significantly impact your website’s success. I always consider these factors to ensure a wise choice:
- Ease of Use: How easy is it to create, change and manage content? A user friendly CMS saves time and prevents frustration.
- Customization: Can you adapt the CMS to your needs for design and features? A flexible CMS lets you build a truly unique experience.
- SEO: Does the CMS have built in SEO features or plugins to help you improve your search engine rankings? SEO friendly CMS platforms will increase your visibility and bring in more organic traffic.
- Security: How well does the CMS protect your website? A secure CMS will protect your website from cyber threats and malware.
- Scalability: Can the CMS handle your website’s growth? A scalable CMS will ensure your website does not break under increased traffic and content.
- Support: What kind of help is available if problems arise? A CMS with reliable support will help you resolve issues quickly.
- Cost: What will it cost you? Consider the upfront costs and ongoing expenses, such as hosting, themes and plugins.
Making Your Choice
Selecting the best website platform means carefully weighing your specific needs. I suggest testing a few different platforms before you commit. Most platforms offer free trials or demos so you can kick the tires.
Also, get your team involved in the decision. Think about their technical skills, design preferences and content management habits. A collaborative decision ensures everyone agrees with the CMS you select.
Consider seeking expert advice too. A CMS consultant can assess your needs, evaluate different platforms and develop a custom solution that meets all your requirements. I have guided many clients through the CMS selection process, setting them up for success.
What is Coming Next?
The CMS area is always changing, with new technologies and trends popping up often. As we look ahead to 2025, I expect these trends to accelerate:
- Headless CMS: More organizations are adopting headless CMS platforms to distribute content across multiple channels, providing flexibility and reach.
- AI in CMS: Artificial intelligence is being baked into CMS platforms to automate tasks such as content creation, SEO and personalization.
- Low code/No code CMS: These platforms are gaining popularity, empowering those without technical skills to build and manage websites without coding.
- Composable CMS: These platforms are starting to gain traction. They enable organizations to build custom CMS solutions by piecing together different components.
Staying up to date on these trends helps you select a content management system that is future proof, able to adapt as your requirements evolve.
Final Thoughts
Picking the correct CMS is a critical step in building a successful online presence. By determining your needs, weighing different platforms and considering the factors I have laid out, you can make a smart decision, selecting a content management system that will serve you well. The goal is to choose the best CMS. This allows you to create, manage and deliver content easily, helping you achieve your online goals. The best CMS enables you to create, manage and deliver content effectively.