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Choosing the Right CMS / Website Builder for SMEs
When selecting a platform, SMEs should focus on:
- Ease of use / learning curve – How quickly non-technical users can set up and update the site.
- Design & templates – Quality, responsiveness, and branding flexibility.
- E-commerce capability – Essential if online sales are part of the plan.
- SEO, performance & scalability – Speed, mobile-friendliness, and ability to grow.
- Cost / value – Subscription fees, hosting, and add-ons.
- Support & integrations – Availability of plugins, extensions, and third-party apps.
Top Platforms / CMSs for SMEs in 2025
| Platform | Best for | Key Strengths | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wix | Fast setup and non-technical teams | Over 2,500 templates, drag-and-drop editor, AI site generation, SEO checklist, mobile editing. | Advanced customisation limited; higher costs for premium features. |
| Squarespace | Creative professionals and service-based SMEs | Polished, modern templates; strong design tools; mobile responsive; built-in SEO features. | Limited plugin ecosystem; less flexibility than open-source CMSs. |
| Hostinger Website Builder | Budget-conscious SMEs wanting AI tools | Affordable, AI-driven design tools, e-commerce ready, logo and blog generators included. | Smaller app ecosystem; limited scalability for larger stores. |
| Shopify | SMEs focused on e-commerce | Powerful online store tools, payment/shipping integrations, multichannel selling, professional templates. | Monthly costs add up; transaction fees apply; less suited for content-heavy sites. |
| WordPress (Self-hosted) | Businesses wanting full control and scalability | Massive theme/plugin library, great for SEO, highly flexible (blogs, shops, memberships, etc.). | Needs hosting, security, and maintenance; setup can be complex. |
| Drupal | SMEs with complex or multilingual sites | Highly secure, great for structured content, scalable for large projects. | Steep learning curve; requires developer support. |
| HubSpot CMS Hub | SMEs that prioritize marketing and CRM integration | Combines CMS with CRM, lead management, and automation in one platform. | Higher cost; more features than small sites may need. |
Insights from 2025 Testing
- Wix topped recent reviews for ease of use, template variety, and AI support.
- Squarespace ranked high for visual polish and business-ready designs.
- Hostinger Website Builder stood out for affordability combined with modern AI-driven features.
- Shopify remained the go-to for SMEs running online stores.
- WordPress continued to dominate for flexibility and long-term scalability.
What SMEs Should Prioritize
Do focus on:
- A platform that allows quick launch and easy updates.
- Mobile responsiveness and strong SEO features.
- Transparent pricing without hidden fees.
- Integration with local payments and third-party tools.
Be cautious about:
- Overly restrictive templates or ecosystems.
- High hidden transaction fees.
- Platforms that are hard to migrate from in the future.
- Complex systems without in-house technical resources.
Recommendations by Scenario
- Simple, professional website → Wix or Squarespace
- E-commerce focus → Shopify or WordPress + WooCommerce
- Content/SEO focus → WordPress (or Drupal for complex needs)
- Budget-friendly startup → Hostinger Website Builder
- Marketing-heavy SME → HubSpot CMS Hub
