Choosing a CMS for your website is a bit like picking a restaurant. Do you go for the fancy bespoke place, the reliable classic, or the trendy new spot? Whether you’re building your first site or upgrading your existing one, finding the right CMS is key. And with so many options it can feel like a minefield.
I’m going to do a deepdive into four popular options: WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, and bespoke/custom-built solutions, and give you the pros, cons, and some companies using them.
WordPress: The Swiss Army Knife of CMS Platforms
Pros:
- Flexibility: WordPress can do almost anything. It’s like the multitool of CMSs. Whether you need a simple blog or a full-blown e-commerce site, WordPress has a plugin for that.
- SEO Friendly: WordPress is like Google’s best mate. With tools like Yoast (my personal favourite), you can optimise your site and give it the best shot at ranking well.
- Endless Customisation: There’s a plugin for everything. Need an event calendar? Done. Want to add a forum? Easy. If you can think it, WordPress can probably do it.
- Ownership: Unlike some platforms, with WordPress, you fully own your website and its data. It’s like having the deeds to your house, not just renting it.
Cons:
- Maintenance: WordPress sites need regular updates to stay secure and functioning well. It’s like owning a tamagotchi —you’ve got to feed it and take care of it.
- Cost: If you’re just starting out and don’t want to go for the most expensive subscription option, it does limit your ability. NB: You can’t get plugins on your site unless you’re going for the business plan which adds more to the cost.
- Learning Curve: It’s powerful, but with great power comes great complexity. WordPress isn’t as beginner-friendly as some other platforms.
Who’s using WordPress?
- Metro UK: The popular news site uses WordPress for its smooth user experience and powerful back-end.
- Marks & Spencer for Business: Their B2B site runs on WordPress, proving that even big brands trust it.
Best For: Businesses that need flexibility, bloggers, and anyone who wants full control over their site and its growth.
Squarespace: Sleek, Stylish, and Simple
Pros:
- Ease of Use: Squarespace is the “drag-and-drop” hero. You don’t need any coding knowledge, just pick a template and customise. It’s web design for the design-challenged, or those that are just starting out not wanting to invest a lot in an external party.
- Beautiful Templates: Squarespace is known for its slick, modern design templates. It’s the equivalent of having an interior designer for your website.
- All-in-One: Hosting, SSL certificates, domains – it’s all managed in one place making it super easy to get started. Less stress, more time for coffee.
- Perfect for Small Business: If you want to sell products, Squarespace’s e-commerce features are solid and straightforward.
Cons:
- Limited Customisation: What you gain in ease, you lose in flexibility. There are fewer options to customise your site compared to WordPress.
- Price: Squarespace is a bit pricier than some alternatives, especially if you need advanced features for e-commerce.
Who’s Using Squarespace?
- Porter Magazine: This high-end fashion magazine uses Squarespace to showcase its editorial content in a visually stunning way.
- Jaffa Bake: A quirky bakery business with a simple yet eye-catching site powered by Squarespace.
Best For: Small businesses, portfolio sites, or anyone who wants a professional-looking website up and running fast.
Wix: Drag-and-Drop with Some Fun
Pros:
- Beginner-Friendly: Wix is made for the “I have no idea what I’m doing” crowd. If you can drag a file on your desktop, you can build a website with Wix.
- All-in-One: Hosting, security, and domain management are all sorted for you.
- Wide Range of Templates: With Wix, you’ve got a ton of templates for various industries. Pick one and tweak it until it’s just right.
- App Market: Wix has an app market to help you add functionality as you need it, from bookings to chatbots.
Cons:
- SEO: Wix’s SEO is improving, but it still doesn’t quite match up to WordPress’s customisation and optimisation tools.
- Template Lock-In: Once you’ve chosen a template, you’re committed. If you change your mind halfway through, it’s a pain to switch.
Who’s Using Wix?
- BrewDog: Yep, the independent Scottish brewery uses Wix for some of its promotional sites.
- Rob Brydon: The Welsh comedian’s website is powered by Wix, showing that even big personalities can use easy-to-build platforms. If a comedian can use it, then the skies the limit 😉
Best For: Individuals, small businesses, or anyone who wants a functional, good-looking site without the coding fuss.
Bespoke/Custom Build: Tailored to Perfection (But at a Price)
Pros:
- Complete Control: Want something truly unique? A custom build gives you full control over the design, functionality, and structure of your website.
- Scalability: If your business is growing fast or has very specific needs, a bespoke solution can scale with you, without the constraints of a template-based CMS.
- Unique Design: Your website will look like no other. It’s like getting a custom suit rather than something off the rack.
Cons:
- Cost: Bespoke websites are the most expensive option by far. You’re paying for designers and developers to create something just for you.
- Development Time: A custom website takes time to build. It’s not an overnight job, and the process can be longer than using a standard CMS.
- Maintenance: You’ll need to budget for regular maintenance, as bespoke sites often require ongoing developer support.
Who uses bespoke websites?
- BBC News: With the traffic they get, a bespoke site is the only way to go.
- John Lewis: Their robust, custom-built e-commerce platform handles thousands of daily transactions smoothly.
- ASOS: Their online fashion empire runs on a bespoke solution that caters to millions of users worldwide.
Best For: Large businesses or companies with very specific needs, and those who have the budget for a highly tailored experience.
So, Which One is Right for You?
Here’s the cheat sheet:
- WordPress: The flexible powerhouse. Great for businesses, blogs, and e-commerce sites that need room to grow.
- Squarespace: Ideal for small businesses and creatives who want something visually stunning without the technical hassle.
- Wix: The friendly, drag-and-drop solution for smaller businesses or personal websites.
- Bespoke: Perfect for big brands or businesses with specific needs and a generous budget.
So, whether you’re dreaming big with a bespoke build or just need something simple like Wix, there’s a CMS out there for you. The most important thing? Pick the one that works best for your needs—because the right CMS can make or break your website’s success.
KatCreations 