Top 6 CMS platforms for small businesses in 2024: Pros, cons, and insider tips

Welcome to the exciting world of Content Management System (CMS) platforms in 2024! From user-friendly interfaces to advanced functionalities, we've got you covered. 

In this article, we focus on 6 standout CMS platforms, specially curated for small businesses in 2024. We will dive into the top platforms that are shaping the digital success of small businesses, complete with pros, cons, and insider tips for each. 

1. Understanding Content Management System (CMS)

A CMS is a software application that helps you create, manage, and modify content on your website without specialized technical skills. Essentially, it provides a user-friendly interface where you can control various aspects of your website, such as content creation, design, and functionality. 

CMS platforms often come with a range of tools and plugins that offer customization and flexibility, allowing for a wide range of website types, from simple blogs to complex e-commerce sites.

Selecting the best CMS for your business involves considering several factors: 

• The nature of your business
• Desired level of control over your website
• Scalability for future growth 
• Budget constraints 

Remember, your journey to a strong online presence starts with the right CMS choice. 

2. WordPress: The customization king with a vast choice of plugins 

WordPress is renowned for its flexibility and extensive customization options through themes and plugins. At the heart of WordPress's customization capabilities are its plugins. With around 60,000 options available, WordPress offers an incredibly diverse range of functionalities that can be added to your site.

Pros: 

• A wide range of themes and plugins for personalized websites.
• User-friendly interface, suitable for beginners.
• Extensive help from WordPress users and developers.

Cons:

• Advanced features may need a learning curve.
• Popular target for hackers, requiring proactive security measures.
• Overuse of plugins can slow down the site.

Tips: 

• Install only essential plugins to maintain site speed; always keep them updated.
• Utilize SEO plugins to enhance your site's search engine ranking.
• Implement strong security measures and consider using plugins like Wordfence.

3. Shopify: The e-commerce expert with integrated sales tools

Shopify is ideal for businesses looking to establish an online presence, sell products or services, and manage all aspects of their e-commerce operations efficiently. It's designed to provide business owners with all the necessary tools to create, manage, and scale an online store. 

Pros:

• User-friendly interface, perfect for beginners.
• Comprehensive e-commerce tools.
• Effective analytics for data-driven decisions.

Cons:

• Limited design customization.
• Additional costs, including monthly fees and transaction charges.
• SEO features may require further enhancement.

Tips:

• Consider investing in premium themes for more customization options. 
• Explore the app store to extend your store’s functionality, like chat support, review management, or advanced analytics.
• Optimize product titles, descriptions, and images to improve your store's search engine ranking.

4. Joomla: The ideal mix of power and functionality

Joomla stands as a CMS that balances functionality with user-friendliness, making it an ideal choice for those who seek more than basic website capabilities but aren’t ready to dive into highly complex systems. 

It offers a versatile platform that supports a wide range of website types, from simple blogs to comprehensive business sites and online communities. 

Pros:

• Versatile and extensible, suitable for various website types.
• Offers a balance between simplicity and advanced features.
• Open-source platform with strong community support 

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve than some other CMS options.
• Some plugins and templates may be paid.

Tips:

• Take advantage of Joomla’s tutorials and forums for guidance.
• Experiment with different templates and extensions to find what best suits your needs.

5. Squarespace: Stunning design made easy

While WordPress is renowned for its flexibility and extensive customization options, Squarespace stands out for its aesthetically pleasing designs and user-friendly interface, making it a favorite among creatives, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who seek a visually striking online presence. This platform simplifies the process of creating a professional-looking website without needing any coding skills.

Pros:

• Sleek, professionally designed templates.
• Intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
• All-in-one platform with hosting and domain services included.

Cons:

• Limited storefront features
• Less control over advanced SEO settings.
• Can be more expensive than some other CMS options.

Tips:

• Explore various templates to find the perfect match for your brand’s aesthetic.
• Take advantage of their customer support and online resources for any assistance.
• Utilize Squarespace’s built-in SEO tools for basic optimization.

6. Drupal: A security-focused system to guard against cyber threats

Drupal is a top choice for governments, large corporations, and other organizations with stringent security requirements. Beyond its security capabilities, Drupal offers extensive customization options through modules and themes, perfect for customers who require intricate data organization and user management structures.

Pros:

• Great security features.
• Robust content management capabilities.
• Suitable for complex, large-scale websites.

Cons:

• Steep learning curve, especially for beginners.
• Requires technical expertise to fully utilize.
• Less out-of-the-box functionality compared to other CMS platforms.

Tips:

• Invest time in learning the basics of Drupal before diving into development.
• Leverage the Drupal community forums for support and guidance.
• Regularly update Drupal and its modules for optimal security and performance.

7. Wix: When effortless design meets versatile functionality 

Wix, celebrated for its simple drag-and-drop interface, is the go-to platform for small businesses and creatives crafting professional websites with ease. Beyond just aesthetics, Wix offers a suite of online tools, including SEO, e-commerce, and blogging capabilities.

In 2022, Wix enhanced its platform by integrating rankingCoach into its Wix App Market, offering tailored website optimization strategies. This integration, available in 8 languages across 20 countries, not only expands Wix's functionality but also its global reach. 

As a testament to this partnership, rankingCoach received the Globee Awards in 2023 for Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service and recognition in the Outstanding App category at the Global Business Excellence Awards 2023,  emphasizing our drive for innovation and excellence in the industry.

Pros:

• Intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
• Diverse selection of stylish templates.
• Powerful features in the Wix App Market to enhance your website. 

Cons:

• Less flexibility for deep customization.
• The free version includes Wix ads and branding.

Tips:

• Utilize Wix's powerful SEO tools like rankingCoach to enhance your site's online visibility.
• Consider upgrading to a premium plan for advanced features and to remove Wix branding.

Do you know that all major Content Management Systems (CMSs) are supported by rankingCoach?

Start now with rankingCoach 360!