Five questions that decide it
- Who will update the site, and how often? If the answer is "me, on my phone, between jobs", editing has to be simple.
- What does the site need to do? Calls and quote requests, bookings, a menu, an online shop, a blog?
- What is the total cost over three years? Include add-ons, apps, plugins and fees on sales.
- How will customers find you? If search matters, check for structured data, sitemaps and fast mobile pages.
- Can you leave? Check whether you can export your content.
The main options
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| WordPress (self-hosted) | Custom features, big content sites, owners with a developer | Plugin and security updates, hosting, maintenance costs |
| WordPress.com | Blogs and publishers who want WordPress without running a server | Business features often need plugins |
| Wix | Owners who want drag-and-drop freedom and an app market | More choices means more time spent designing |
| Squarespace | Design-led brands and built-in selling | 2% fee on store sales on the Basic plan |
| PHP Site Manager | Service and local businesses that want a site live fast and easy to keep current | Hosted plans are in early access; not built for large online stores |
Prices at a glance
Entry plans, per month, paid yearly, read from each company's pricing page on 22 October 2026: WordPress.com Personal $4, PHP Site Manager Single Page $9, Wix Light $17.77, Squarespace Basic $19. Prices change, so check the pricing comparison and the cost calculator for the full picture.
Which suits which business
- Tradespeople and home services: a hosted builder with a call button, service list and service areas. See the HVAC or plumber templates.
- Restaurants and cafes: anything that shows a real text menu (not a PDF) and lets you edit hours quickly. See the restaurant template.
- Professional services: clear practice or service pages and a careful intake form. See law firm and accountant.
- Shops selling hundreds of products: a dedicated ecommerce platform is usually a better fit than any general CMS.
- Publishers: WordPress in one of its forms.
