Best CMS Platforms for UK Small Businesses

Today, it has become more than important for a business to build better customer relationships, improve customer service, and increase sales. But what is the reason?

The reason is quite simple: to gain profits and a competitive edge. This is especially important for those running a small business in the UK who want to have a strong online presence.

However, the backbone of that presence is your website, which increases the need for a Content Management System (CMS). A CMS allows you to build, edit, and manage your website.

It is like having a digital toolbox filled with everything you need to create a professional website. Whether you are launching an online store, a service-based website, or a personal blog, the right CMS can make all the difference in how easily and effectively you can manage your site.

But how will you know which is the best CMS platform for your business? Some platforms are beginner-friendly, while others may offer customisation options. Some are built for e-commerce, while others shine in blogging or portfolio websites.

With the help of our list of the best CMS platforms for UK small businesses, you can choose the right one, which will also save you from frustration, high costs, and a site that doesn’t grow with your business.

So, without making you wait any longer, let’s help you find the perfect CMS to help your business grow online.

What are CMS Platforms?

CMS, which stands for Content Management System, is a software platform that allows users to create, manage, and improve digital content, usually for websites. It doesn’t require specialised technical knowledge like coding or web development skills.

Instead of manually writing website code using the latest web technologies HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, a CMS provides a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop features, templates, and plugins that make website development simple.

The CMS platforms save time, reduce costs, and make website management easy for businesses, whether you are a small business owner, a blogger, or an online seller.

Why is CMS Necessary for Small Businesses?

Running a small business means wearing many hats, as you have to manage sales, marketing, customer service, and finances. CMS ensure that building and maintaining a website is not another stressful task. Here is why using a CMS is essential for UK small businesses.

1. Saves Money on Website Development

The best benefit of the CMS platform is that it allows you to save money on website development, which otherwise costs you more when you hire a web developer to build and maintain a website. With a CMS, business owners can create and update their websites.

Most platforms offer pre-designed templates, drag-and-drop editors, and easy-to-use dashboards that allow you to make changes instantly. This means you can add new pages, update content, or change the website’s design, and you don’t even need to spend extra money.

2. Easy to Use, Even for Beginners

We all know that not everyone has experience with coding or web design, and that’s okay! CMS platforms are built for users of all skills.

Most provide user-friendly dashboards, visual editors, and step-by-step guides that make website management easier. Even if you have never built a website before, a CMS like Wix or WordPress can help you get started in minutes.

3. Improves Search Engine Rankings (SEO)

If your website is optimised well, it can help attract more visitors through search engines like Google. Many CMS platforms include built-in SEO tools that allow you to improve your content, add keywords, create meta descriptions, and generate sitemaps.

With the help of these platforms that offer SEO plugins, you can improve your website’s ranking, making it easier for customers to find your business online.

4. Customisation to Match Your Brand

Every small business is unique, and your website should reflect your brand’s personality. CMS platforms offer many customisable themes, templates, and design tools that allow you to create a website that matches your business identity.

From a simple design to a bold and colourful layout, CMS gives you the flexibility to design a website that stands out and showcases your brand personality.

5. Mobile-Friendly Design

Most CMS platforms automatically create a mobile-friendly design. This ensures your website looks the same and functions well on smartphones, tablets, and desktops. This improves the user experience and keeps visitors engaged with your business.

6. Easy Website Scaling and Growth

Your website needs are bound to grow when your business starts to grow. A CMS helps you add new features, pages, blog posts, and e-commerce features and functions, and you don’t even have to rebuild your website from scratch. A CMS makes it easy to scale a website and meet your changing business needs.

7. Keeps Your Website Secure

Another reason why CMS is necessary for small businesses in the UK is to ensure your website stays secure.

A CMS offers regular security updates, SSL encryption, and security plugins to protect your site from hackers and malware. Many CMS platforms ensure your website remains safe and help build digital trust

What Features Should You Look for in a CMS?

The platform you choose for your small business should have some key features. Below are some essential features you should consider when selecting a CMS.

1. Ease of Use

A CMS should have a simple and user-friendly interface that allows you to create, edit, and manage content without technical expertise.

If you are a beginner, a CMS platform should be beginner-friendly, with a simple dashboard, drag-and-drop functionality, and easy content editing. If a CMS is too complicated, it will slow you down instead of helping you.

2. SEO-Friendliness

Another feature you should consider is whether the CMS platform you are choosing has SEO features. If people can’t find your business, it won’t matter how good your website looks. A great CMS should have built-in SEO tools like:

• Customisable URLs
• Meta tags and descriptions
• Image optimisation
• XML sitemaps for search engines
• Fast loading speeds

SEO features ensure that your business remains visible online, improve rankings, and increase organic traffic.

3. Customisation options

A CMS should offer customisable themes, templates, and design tools to help you enhance your business identity.

You can choose a platform that offers various themes and plugins, which allow you to personalise your website’s fonts, layout, colours, and functionality.

A flexible CMS ensures that as your business changes, you can modify your site conveniently.

4. Security Features

Website security is a top priority, especially if you handle customer information or process online transactions. A CMS should provide:

• Regular security updates
• SSL encryption for safe browsing
• Backup and recovery options
• Protection against hacking and malware
• Firewalls

Ensuring your website is secure helps build trust with your customers and prevents data breaches.

5. Content Management and Blogging Features

A CMS should make it easy to create and manage content, whether it is blog posts, product descriptions, or business updates. Look for features such as a user-friendly content editor, media library, scheduling options, and content categorisation.

WordPress is a well-known CMS platform for its blogging tools, making it an excellent choice for businesses that require regular content updates. A CMS with strong content management features ensures that your website remains engaging and informative.

6. E-Commerce Capabilities

If your small business idea is related to selling products or services online, your CMS should support features of e-commerce such as payment processing, inventory management, and product listings.

Platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce (on WordPress) provide e-commerce tools, allowing you to create an online store, manage orders, and track customer purchases. A CMS with strong e-commerce capabilities makes it easier to run an online business.

7. Scalability

Lastly, a feature you have to look for in a CMS is its ability to expand your website as your business grows. A good CMS will allow you to add new pages, integrate third-party tools, and enhance functionality.

A platform that supports various plugins and extensions allows businesses to scale their website according to their needs.

Top CMS Platforms for Small Businesses in the UK

If you are a small business in the UK looking to establish a strong online presence, you should know the platforms that can help make website management easier and support business growth.

Below are the best CMS platforms for UK small businesses, each with unique features that meet different needs.

1. WordPress

WordPress is the most widely used CMS in the world, and as mentioned above, it is used by over 40% of all websites. With over 59,000 plugins, this platform allows you to create blogs, business websites, and even e-commerce stores, making it highly versatile.

WordPress has a huge library of themes and plugins, which allow businesses to customise their websites, all without any coding knowledge. It also has SEO plugins, which help websites rank better on search engines.

For small businesses, WordPress provides an affordable, scalable, and easy-to-manage solution. If you need to sell products, WooCommerce, a WordPress plugin, turns your site into a fully functional online store.

It also offers free and premium themes, allowing businesses to create a website that matches their brand identity. It is the best choice for UK small businesses looking for scalable and customisable CMS.

Best For: Blogs, business websites, and small e-commerce stores.

Pros

• Highly flexible and customisable.
• SEO-friendly.
• Large community support.
• Cost-effective – can be free with basic hosting and free themes.
• Supports e-commerce through WooCommerce.

Cons

• Requires regular updates and security measures.
• Can become slow if too many plugins are installed.

2. Shopify

Shopify has helped millions of businesses by providing an all-in-one commerce platform to start, run, and grow a business. It is an e-commerce CMS platform for businesses that sell products online.

It provides everything a small business needs, including secure payment processing and customisable store designs. Shopify is a hosted solution, meaning you don’t need to worry about security, maintenance, or web hosting.

It is incredibly user-friendly, making it ideal for beginners who want to set up an online store without technical expertise. Shopify also allows you to add social media platforms and marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, so businesses can expand their reach more effectively.

However, Shopify charges monthly and yearly subscriptions. Despite that, every plan offers the best checkout, in-person selling, multiple sales channels, in-depth analytics, and commerce apps.

Shopify also remains a top choice for small businesses that want a professional online store regardless of technical background.

Also Read: Shopify App Development Benefits for E-Commerce

Best For: Online stores and product-based businesses.

Pros

• User-friendly with drag-and-drop functionality.
• All-in-one solution.
• Over 6,000 apps for customisation.
• 24/7 customer support is available.

Cons

• Monthly fees can add up, making it expensive.
• Limited design flexibility.
• Transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments.

3. HubSpot Content Hub

HubSpot Content Hub is a CMS built for businesses that are dependent on content marketing and lead generation.

It combines website building tools with marketing automation features, making it a good option for businesses that want to grow their online presence through blogging, email marketing, and customer engagement.

With its built-in CRM integration feature, businesses can track customer interactions and improve sales. HubSpot content hub also offers SEO tools, analytics, and personalisation features, which allow businesses to create targeted content for their audience.

This CMS platform allows you to grow your online presence and also helps you to create a professional and scalable website. If your goal is to boost marketing and lead generation, HubSpot Content Hub is a great investment.

Best For: Businesses prioritising content marketing and lead generation.

Pros

• Built-in SEO, analytics, and CRM integration.
• No need for plugins – everything is included.
• Great for content marketing and automation.
• Secure and reliable with built-in hosting.

Cons

• Less flexible for web design compared to WordPress.
• Limited third-party integrations.

4. Wix

Wix is one of the most user-friendly CMS platforms available today. It is one of the best website builders with tools to build, manage, and grow your online presence.

They offer various options, such as using a designer-made template who want to start from scratch or creating a website using Wixs' AI website builder. Whatever option you choose, its drag-and-drop Editor allows you to customise your website.

With their built-in business solutions and marketing tools, you can also run and promote your business. It comes with built-in SEO features and mobile-friendly designs, ensuring that your website looks great on any device.

Best For: Small businesses, freelancers, and startups.

Pros

• Super easy to use with a drag-and-drop editor.
• 800+ design templates for quick website building.
• Built-in SEO and mobile optimisation.
• AI-powered website builder (Wix ADI).

Cons

• Limited flexibility – you can’t switch templates once selected.

5. Squarespace

Another one of the best CRM platforms for UK small businesses is Squarespace. Many have created their websites on the Squarespace platform since its launch.

Whether you want to create a website, an online store, promote your business, or grow your business, Squarespace is an excellent choice because all this can be done using its platform.

• For creating a website, you can use their best website templates, designer fonts, and colour palettes.
  
• You can create an online store, book appointments, or sell your services or content using Squarespace.
  
• You can also promote your business and grow your customer base with their email marketing, SEO, and social media tools.

Squarespace is known for its stunning website templates and visually appealing designs, making it a perfect choice for creative professionals, photographers, designers, and small businesses that want their websites to have a great look.

You can use their designer template or build your own, then customise it based on your needs or you can also use Squarespace AI to create a personalised website template that works for you.

Unlike WordPress, which requires separate hosting and plugins, Squarespace provides an all-in-one solution, covering hosting, design, and technical maintenance.

Best For: Portfolios, photography websites, and small business websites.

Pros

• Beautiful, high-quality templates for a professional look.
• Built-in SEO and mobile optimisation.
• All-in-one platform with hosting and security.
• Easy to set up with less maintenance required.

Cons

• Limited third-party integrations.
• Less flexible than WordPress.
• May have higher monthly costs compared to open-source CMS options.

6. Craft CMS

Craft CMS is a highly customisable CMS for small businesses that want complete control over their website’s design and functionality. This platform is suitable for small businesses but also offers advanced features for developers or technical teams. It has various features, including:

• Custom Fields
• Live Review
• Templating
• Asset Management
• Localisation
• User Management
• Headless Mode

It offers flexible content modeling, custom templates, and a clean editing experience. The advantage of Craft CMS is that it does not rely on plugins, reducing the risk of security vulnerabilities and performance issues. If your business requires a unique and customised website, Craft CMS is a great option.

Best For: Businesses that need a customisable website.

Pros

• Customisable for unique website needs.
• Strong security and scalability.
• Live Preview feature for easy content editing.
• No reliance on plugins for essential functions.

Cons

• Smaller community and fewer ready-made themes.
• Higher development costs.

7. Strapi

Strapi is the open-source Headless CMS, meaning it separated content management from the frontend design, which allows businesses to display content across multiple platforms such as websites, mobile apps, and even smart devices.

As a small business, you will eventually want to scale. This makes Strapi an excellent choice because it offers a scalable content management system. It is also customisable and even developer-friendly, as it provides API-based content delivery.

However, it may not be ideal for non-technical users looking for a traditional website builder.

Best For: Businesses that want a headless CMS for scalability.

Pros

• The API-first approach makes it perfect for multi-platform publishing.
• Open-source and customisable.
• No dependency on a specific frontend framework.
• Supports multiple databases.

Cons

• Requires technical knowledge to set up.
• Community support is still growing.

8. Joomla

Joomla is a versatile and open-source CMS platform that offers many free extensions and templates, allowing you to customise your website based on your business needs. It is more structured than WordPress but easier to use than Drupal.

Businesses that need advanced customisation, multilingual support, and built-in security features can definitely use this platform. It offers many benefits and features, such as:

• Search Engine Friendly
• Mobile Friendly
• Unlimited Designs
• Multilingual
• Flexible & Fully Extensible
• Multi-user Permission Levels

Joomla is well-suited for business websites, online publications, and membership sites. While it requires some technical knowledge, it offers more control and stability, especially for businesses that want a CMS with fewer plugin dependencies.

Best For: Businesses needing customisation without relying on plugins.

Pros

• Multiple built-in features.
• Better user management and access control.
• Supports multilingual websites without plugins.
• Flexible and scalable for larger sites.

Cons

• Steeper learning curve than WordPress.
• Fewer themes and plugins are available.

9. Drupal

Drupal is known to be flexible in design and also for its security and scalability. It helps marketers and site builders to create stunning websites easily without any advanced skills.

Whether you are a small business, developer, or advanced user, this CRM platform is ideal for most projects. Drupal allows you to:

• Create compelling content across more devices that build versatile, structured content and integrate smoothly with various digital marketing channels.
  
• Marketers to independently enhance your digital strategy and publish workflows.
  
• Design based on your vision and user needs.
  
• Access a secure open-source DXP and check all the boxes for your IT team.

Unlike WordPress, Drupal has a steep learning curve and requires developers to set up and maintain the website. However, it is ideal for businesses that need a CMS that can handle large amounts of content, multiple user roles, and complex workflows.

Best For: Government agencies, large and small businesses, and high-security websites.

Pros

• Highly secure.
• Scalable for complex websites.
• Flexible content management and user roles.
• Supports multilingual functionality out of the box.

Cons

• Requires technical knowledge.
• Can be costly to maintain.

10. Magento (Adobe Commerce)

Magento, now known as Adobe Commerce, is one of the top e-commerce CMS platforms available. It is designed for businesses that require advanced product management, custom checkout experiences, and scalable solutions.

Magento is best for online stores that need full control over their e-commerce operations. While it requires technical expertise and is more complex than Shopify, it offers unlimited customisation options.

Businesses with large product catalogues and international selling needs will benefit from using this platform.

Best For: Businesses with large product catalogues and e-commerce needs.

Pros

• Scalable for online stores.
• Good inventory and product management.
• Built-in SEO and marketing tools.
• Multi-store and multi-language support.

Cons

• May have high hosting and maintenance costs.

11. PrestaShop

Another on the list of one of the best CMS platforms for UK small businesses is PrestaShop. This platform is an open-source e-commerce CMS that provides small businesses with a cost-effective way to build and manage an online store.

PrestaShop is free to download and use, making it a great option for businesses on a budget. However, while the platform itself is free, you may need to purchase premium themes, plugins, and hosting to fully optimise your store.

One of the best features of this platform is its built-in multilingual and multi-currency support, allowing businesses to sell products internationally easily.

It also offers over 4,000 modules and themes, enabling store owners to customise their online shops according to their needs. If you are looking for a budget-friendly and customisable CMS, PrestaShop is a fantastic choice.

Best For: Small businesses looking for a free e-commerce CMS.

Pros

• Free to use.
• Lightweight and fast performance.
• Good range of e-commerce features.

Cons

Fewer integrations compared to Shopify or Magento.

12. Grav

Grav is a flat-file CMS, which means it does not require a database, making it incredibly fast, lightweight, and easy to manage. It uses a file-based system that allows for better performance, faster loading times, and easy site management.

This makes it an excellent choice for businesses that prioritise speed and efficiency over complex website features. It comes with a built-in Markdown editor, templating tools, and a simple yet effective plugin system.

While it doesn't have as many plugins as WordPress, Grav still provides a variety of useful add-ons for SEO, security, and e-commerce. It is best suited for small business owners with some technical knowledge or those who have access to a developer.

Best For: Developers and businesses needing a lightweight CMS.

Pros

• No database is required, making it super fast.
• Easy to install and manage.
• Highly customisable with modular design.
• Secure and efficient.

Cons

• May not be suitable for non-technical users.
• Limited built-in features.

13. OctoberCMS

OctoberCMS is an open-source CMS built on Laravel, one of the most popular PHP frameworks for web development.

Unlike Wix or Squarespace, which focus on ease of use, OctoberCMS is designed for businesses that require a customised website with advanced development capabilities.

It is particularly popular among developers and businesses that want full control over their website’s functionality and structure. It features a clean and flexible backend, which makes content management smooth and efficient.

It also has a plugin system, allowing businesses to extend their website’s capabilities. It offers a more structured and scalable approach to website development.

If your business already uses Laravel or has a team of developers, OctoberCMS is a great option for creating custom, high-performance websites.

Best For: Businesses using Laravel for web applications.

Pros

• Built on Laravel.
• Fast performance.
• Flexible and scalable for custom projects.
• Offers a marketplace for themes and plugins.

Cons

• Limited ready-made themes.
• Smaller community compared to WordPress or Joomla.

How Can You Choose the Right CMS Platform?

As we have discovered the best CMS platform for UK small businesses, let’s also learn how you can choose the right one.

With so many options available, it’s essential to consider your business needs, technical expertise, and future growth plans. Here is how you can choose the best CMS for your small business.

1. Identify Your Business Goals and Requirements

Before selecting a CMS, you need to define the purpose of your website. Are you launching an e-commerce store, a blog, a portfolio, or a business website? This will help you choose the platform that best meets your goals and requirements.

For instance, Shopify is ideal for online stores, while WordPress is great for blogs and general business websites. Understanding your goals will help you narrow down the best platform for your needs.

2. Consider Ease of Use

Another step is to consider the ease of use. Platforms like Wix and Squarespace offer drag-and-drop functionality, making website building easy for beginners.

If you have some technical knowledge and want more customisation, WordPress provides more control while still being accessible. A CMS should allow you to manage content, update pages, and add media easily without requiring coding skills.

3. Check Customisation and Design Flexibility

You should choose a CMS platform that offers many themes and customisation options.

Many platforms provide free and premium themes that you can adjust based on your business needs, while some offer e-commerce-focused themes for online stores.

The more customisation options a CMS provides, the easier it will be to create a unique website.

4. Evaluate SEO and Marketing Features

A good CMS should help your website rank well on search engines. Look for SEO-friendly features such as customisable URLs, meta tags, and image optimisation. Also, integration with email marketing tools and social media platforms can help improve your marketing efforts.

5. Ensure Mobile Responsiveness

As mobile users make up a great portion of web traffic, your CMS should support mobile-friendly templates and responsive design.

These platforms should offer mobile-optimised themes that adjust automatically to different screen sizes. A mobile-responsive website improves user experience and boosts your site’s ranking on Google.

6. Look for Strong Security Features

Next, you should choose a CMS with security features like SSL certificates, regular software updates, and protection against hacking.

They should have strong security frameworks, and additional security plugins can be installed to enhance protection. Choosing a CMS with strong security measures will help keep your website safe from cyber threats.

7. Assess Scalability and Future Growth

Your CMS should be able to grow with your business. Some platforms are highly scalable, allowing you to add new features, integrate plugins, and expand your website. If you plan to scale your website with new services, products, or additional functionalities, choosing a flexible CMS is essential.

8. Compare Pricing and Budget Considerations

The cost of a CMS can vary depending on features, hosting, and extra tools. Some platforms, like WordPress.org, are free but require you to pay for hosting and plugins.

Others, like Shopify and Wix, have monthly subscription fees that cover hosting, security, and customer support. It is important to compare pricing options and choose a CMS that matches your budget while meeting your business needs.

9. Check for Integration with Third-Party Tools

A CMS should be able to integrate with third-party tools such as email marketing software, payment gateways, analytics tools, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems.

The CMS platforms should allow you to connect your website with services like Mailchimp, Google Analytics, and PayPal for enhanced functionality.

10. Read Reviews and Seek Expert Recommendations

Before making a final decision, research user reviews and expert opinions on different CMS platforms.

Online forums, review websites, and CMS comparison articles can help you learn the strengths and weaknesses of each platform. If you are unsure, consider consulting a web developer or digital marketing expert for professional advice based on your specific needs.

Final Thoughts

We have highlighted the best CMS platforms for UK small businesses, which they can select based on their business needs.

If you want a versatile and easy-to-mange website, WordPress and Shopify are often top choices. For visually appealing websites, Wix or Squarespace may be the way to go.

For businesses with more specific needs, Craft CMS, Strapi, and OctoberCMS offer more control and customisation. If you are focused on e-commerce, Magento and PrestaShop can be helpful.

You can choose the right platform by following the steps mentioned in this guide because selecting the best platform for your small business in the UK can impact your website’s functionality, scalability, and user experience.

Ultimately, the best CMS for your business will depend on your technical expertise, your growth plans, and the features you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 What is the most popular CMS platform?

Ans WordPress is the most popular CMS platform, powering over 40% of all websites. It is the most used platform due to its flexibility, ease of use, and a huge library of plugins and themes. It is the top choice for many businesses, whether for blogs, business websites, or e-commerce stores.

Q2 What is the best CMS for beginners?

Ans Wix and Shopif are excellent CMS for beginners because they offer simple, drag-and-drop interfaces with no coding required. Wix is great for small businesses, portfolios, and personal websites, while Shopify is ideal for those looking to start an online store with reduced setup effort.

Q3 Which CMS is better than WordPress?

Ans It depends on your needs. If you want a simple, all-in-one website builder, Wix might be better. For e-commerce, Shopify offers a smoother experience than WordPress with WooCommerce. If you need advanced security and scalability, Drupal could be a better option for complex websites. However, for overall flexibility and customisation, WordPress remains hard to beat.

Q4 Which CMS is best for a small business website?

Ans WordPress is a top choice because of its versatility and many plugin varieties. However, if you need a more simple solution, Wix or Squarespace may be better for small business owners who prefer a convenient experience. Shopify is ideal for those focused on selling products online.

Q5 Can I switch CMS platforms later?

Ans Yes, you can switch CMS platforms later. However, switching from one CMS to another can be difficult and takes a lot of time. It may require professional help, especially when transferring content, SEO settings, and design elements. It is best to choose a CMS that meets your business goals from the start.