Choosing the right content management system (CMS) is a game-changer for businesses looking to build an impactful online presence. Whether you’re a small business owner, an e-commerce entrepreneur, or a blogger, the CMS you choose determines how easily you can create, manage, and scale your website.

With countless options on the market, narrowing down the best solution can be overwhelming. That’s why I’ve decided to highlight the three most popular CMS that control more than 70% of the CMS market worldwide: WordPress, Shopify, and Wix. Each offers unique strengths tailored to different needs, making them the go-to choices for millions worldwide.

What is a Content Management System?

Content management systems, or CMSs, are programs that help content creators post articles on their websites. With this software, you’re able to publish, edit, and organize all your digital content in one place. In a nutshell, a CMS allows you to build an entire website without having to design a custom code.

Each CMS consists of two parts: CMA (content management application) and CDA (content delivery application). With the CMA interface, you’re able to publish different content types without requiring HTML knowledge. CDA, on the other hand, is vital for content management and delivery.

By using a CMS, you’re able to publish and edit content with ease. On top of that, a CMS will also enhance the company’s marketing capability through third-party integration with various software. These programs come with analytics tools, allowing you to monitor content performance over time.

Benefits of Using a CMS

A solid CMS will meet all your content demands. These platforms are ideal for new and advanced users, allowing you to gain enhanced utility by adding integrated programs. With its simple graphical user interface, CMS allows marketers to make changes on the fly.

Teams can utilize CMS without any technical skills. Even if you never worked with a content platform, you’ll get a hang of the basics in just a few minutes. You can even perform advanced actions, such as optimizing content for search engines, without using specialized tools.

These platforms promote team collaboration. A CMS works online and is available to the entire editorial team, that is, to each person with access. Regardless of your geolocation, you can utilize digital assets and engage in content creation.

As mentioned, a quality content repository supports various integrations. This type of software works well with marketing programs, especially SEO tools. Furthermore, CMSs offer unparalleled scalability for all kinds of content and enhanced security through integrations.

One of the main reasons for introducing CMS into your workflow is its cost-effectiveness. When you use a CMS, you don’t have to hire a developer for custom development. Given that programmers are expensive, this will significantly reduce your overall costs.

3 Most Popular CMS Platforms with Key Features

Truth be told, most people (including myself) use one of these three platforms. WordPress, Shopify, and Wix are excellent solutions, whether you’re running a regular blog or an eCommerce store.

1. WordPress

WordPress, or simply WP, is the most popular CMS in the world, being used by 43% of global websites. The platform is suitable for all types of content management, and its flexibility makes it invaluable for newbies. WordPress’s large community of users will help you out with whatever questions you might have.

Another interesting thing about WP is that it’s an open-source program. It serves as both a blogging and eCommerce platform, and I especially love its media management features. Furthermore, this CMS is in full compliance with W3C.

Key Features:

1. Ease of Use: With its user-friendly interface, you’re able to create perfect pages for your audience. The CMS is ideal for businesses of all sizes, and especially Jack-of-all-trades teams.
2. Customizability: When creating sites, you can rely on a massive library of plugins (57,000+). WordPress also features more than 31,000 unique themes.
3. SEO Optimization: If you’re looking to maximize your web exposure, it doesn’t get much better than WordPress. the CMS comes with numerous built-in tools, such as Yoast SEO, that will help you score higher in Google.
4. Scalability: Whether you’re a small blog, eCommerce business, or a massive company, WordPress offers enterprise-grade tools and functionality.
5. Flexibility: Due to its unparalleled customization options and flexibility, WordPress is suitable for any industry or business size.

Ideal For:

• Just about any small or large entrepreneur. WordPress works well for online shops, blogs, and other types of websites.

Limitations:

• If you want to perform advanced maintenance and customize your website, you’ll likely need some technical skills.

Further Reading: 25 Useful Content Marketing Tools for All of Your Content Needs

2. Shopify

Shopify is the most popular eCommerce platform in the world. With its common features, you’re able to perform comprehensive inventory management, introduce payment processors, and showcase products. Aside from traditional online stores, the platform excels for dropshippers.

I love the fact that Shopify makes the management and scaling of online stores a breeze. You get all these built-in tools within the same dashboard, eliminating tedious back-and-forth between programs. Not only does Shopify enhance digital experience for your users, but it is also very stable and secure.

Key Features:

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1. Comprehensive Dashboard: By introducing this CMS, you’ll be able to manage large inventories. Not only does Shopify streamline your online sales, but it also provides comprehensive analytics that measures your performance over time.
2. Built-in E-Commerce Tools: Shopify is a popular eCommerce solution because it supports all major payment gateways. As for other built-in tools, you can utilize shipping options and inventory management.
3. SEO-Friendly: With this CMS, you’ll have no trouble optimizing your site for search engines. Shopify provides excellent user experience, fast speed, and mobile-friendliness.
4. Templates and Themes: Tap into more than 70 free and premium themes to create a perfect platform for your audience.
5. Multichannel Selling: Shopify integrates well with your secondary platforms. You can combine it with your social media accounts and secondary marketplaces to drive even more visitors to your site.

Ideal For:

• Shopify is a perfect solution for online businesses of all sizes. It is an all-in-one solution that doesn’t require that many external integrations.

Limitations:

• This CMS is noticeably more expensive than its counterparts. You’ll have to cover monthly subscription fees and other costs for premium themes and features.

Further Reading: 7 Best Content Optimization Strategies for 2025

3. Wix

Although Wix doesn’t have the same functionality as WordPress, it is a great solution for beginners. My favorite thing about the platform is that it comes with a drag-and-drop website builder. Basically, you can use custom templates to create the site of your dreams and then use the CMS functions to post content on it.

Wix is a perfect solution for small businesses that want to save money. Given that CMS unites several critical functions in one platform, it is much more efficient than some other solutions. Furthermore, by using Wix, you can go online much faster and without relying on a developer’s help.

Key Features:

1. Drag-and-Drop Editor: Wix is one of the simplest CMS for beginners, mostly due to its drag-and-drop editor.
2. Dynamic Pages: You’re able to create consistent layouts by relying on content updates. That way, you can retain visual branding across the board.
3. AI-Driven Tools: The latest versions of Wix Include ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence). Utilizing this feature allows you to build your website with minimal effort.
4. Built-In SEO Tools: Like Shopify and WordPress, Wix has incredible built-in SEO tools. These programs allow you to optimize content, introduce tags, and make other enhancements.
5. Templates: With more than 800 customizable templates at your disposal, you’ll be able to design a perfect site for your business.

Ideal For:

• Whether you’re a small business or an individual entrepreneur, you can utilize Wix to design and manage a website without any technical expertise.

Limitations:

• The biggest issue with Wix is that it offers limited scalability. As your business grows, you’ll likely be forced to transition to a different CMS.

Further Reading: The 10 Benefits of Content Marketing Your Company Should Know

10 Other Popular Content Management Systems to Know

Of course, these three CMSs aren’t the only solutions available. There’s a plethora of other programs you can take into account when building and running your new website. Although they might not have the same market share as WordPress or Shopify, these CMSs have other unique features.

• Squarespace: The great thing about Squarespace is that it unifies a website builder and CMS in one program. The platform comes with a wide range of custom templates making your design process that much easier.
• Joomla: The thing that makes Joomla stand out is its built-in SEO tools. Unlike other content management platforms, this program gives your marketing a major headstart.
• Drupal: As with any other open-source platform, Drupal gives you incredible flexibility for making adjustments. Furthermore, you can use this CMS to create several sites on the same system code base.
• Adobe Experience Manager: This platform includes drag-and-drop functionality and comes with numerous templates. I especially like its collaborative features and responsiveness.
• Webflow: The biggest advantage of Webflow is that you don’t have to install additional plugins. You’ll also get advanced SEO controls and enhanced security.
• PrestaShop: PrestaShop is quite intuitive and user-friendly. The platform excels for web shopping, as it supports numerous payment providers, languages, and currencies.
• GoDaddy Website Builder: With GoDaddy Website Builder, you can quickly create a new site for your business. The program is budget-friendly and allows you to set up reviews, image galleries, and subscription forms.
• OpenCart: OpenCart is perfect for multi-store and multi-user management. It makes automatic backups and comes in 40+ languages.
• Weebly: If you’ve just started to sell products and services, a Weebly is a good beginner option. It comes with several important eCommerce features, such as abandoned cart notifications and shipping labels.
• HubSpot CMS: The best feature of this CMS is Smart Content. Use the platform to create posts according to your target audience’s preferences.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a CMS

• Ease of Use: If you’re a new user, I suggest you find a platform that is simple and straightforward. Ideally, your CMS of choice should have built-in tools and would require minimal customization.
• Customization: If you already know what you’re doing, you might prioritize platforms that allow you to tinker with the layout. It’s also much better if a CMS allows numerous integrations.
• Security Features: Make sure that the software has built-in SSL. Having role-based access is also valuable for larger teams. Lastly, make sure that the CMS receives regular security updates.
• Scalability: The best programs can adapt to your traffic ebbs and flows and unique content demands. Your CMS of choice should also work on various devices.
• Budget: If you’re tight on budget, I would recommend going with one of the free options. I recommend that you pay attention to hidden fees and other services you’ll have to cover when using that particular CMS.
• Specific Use Cases: Your choice of content management system might vary significantly depending on whether you’re looking to set up a blog or an online shop.

Further Reading: 14 Content Marketing Platforms to Empower Your Digital Marketing in 2025

Conclusion

If you’re looking to provide your visitors with a premium online experience, I suggest that you focus on Shopify, WordPress, or Wix. These three CMSs are at the top of the food chain, characterized by premium features.

For example, WordPress will barely cost you anything while providing unparalleled flexibility and customization options. Wix is a good choice for newbies who want to create a site quickly, while Shopify is the main choice for eCommerce businesses.

Whatever you’re trying to accomplish, these programs will provide you with the necessary basis for it. I always recommend my readers consider their goals before opting for one of these solutions. Take your time exploring features to determine whether a CMS is the right content management platform for your business.

Further Reading: How to Develop a Killer Content Strategy in 18 Easy Steps