9 Best WordPress Alternatives & Competitors (Free & Open-Source)

WordPress powers an impressive 43% of all websites globally, making it the king of content management systems (CMS). But is it always the right choice for everyone? Let’s explore why some users might look for best WordPress alternatives.

Challenges With WordPress

For all its dominance, WordPress isn’t perfect. Here are some reasons why you might find it frustrating:

Outdated Interface: Without coding expertise, the platform can feel complex and outdated.
Plugin Vulnerabilities: A staggering 90% of WordPress security issues stem from plugins.
Frequent Updates: While updates improve functionality, they can also disrupt existing features.
Performance Concerns: Websites with too many plugins can experience slower loading speeds.

If these sound familiar, it might be time to explore other CMS platforms.

WordPress Competitors: Free and Open-Source Options

Here’s a curated list of powerful WordPress alternatives. Each comes with its own strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to choose what best fits your needs.

Quick Comparison Table

Platform	Best For	Cost	Notable Features	Downsides
Drupal	Large organisations	Free, +hosting/dev	Robust security, modular design	Steep learning curve
Joomla	Complex websites	Free, +hosting/dev	Multilingual, banner ads	Requires coding skills
Adobe Commerce	Advanced eCommerce	Free, +hosting/add-ons	Multi-channel inventory	Expensive to scale
Wix	Personal portfolios	Free–$35/mo	Drag-and-drop, SEO tools	Limited control
Shopify	Online retailers	$9–$299/mo	Secure, PCI compliant	Limited non-eCommerce
Squarespace	Small businesses	$16–$54/mo	Mobile-friendly templates	Less flexible
Ghost	Bloggers & publications	Free–subscription	Focused on content creation	Minimal features
Weebly	Simple websites	Free–$38/mo	Drag-and-drop, eCommerce tools	Poor backup options
Medium	Writers & bloggers	Free or $5/mo	Built-in audience, simple setup	Lacks customisation

1. Drupal: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Drupal is one of the most powerful content management systems (CMS) available. It’s especially popular among large organisations, such as universities, news outlets, and even government agencies. Below, we’ll explore Drupal’s key strengths, challenges, costs, and a real-world example to help you understand why this platform stands out.

What Makes Drupal Ideal for Large Organisations?

Drupal is highly flexible, making it perfect for large-scale websites with high traffic. For instance, universities use it to manage diverse content like academic schedules, news, and resources. News agencies rely on it to publish breaking stories without compromising speed.

Strengths of Drupal

Here are the reasons organisations trust Drupal:

Highly Secure:
Drupal is one of the most secure CMS options. It’s trusted by government agencies worldwide because of its advanced security measures.
Modular Design:
With thousands of add-ons and modules, you can customise Drupal to meet any need. For example, you can add forums, galleries, or SEO tools with ease.
Handles High Traffic:
Large sites need to perform under pressure. Drupal is built to handle millions of visitors without slowing down.

Expert Note: As someone with years of experience in web development, I’ve often seen clients choose Drupal when security and scalability are top priorities. A large non-profit I worked with tripled its audience using Drupal’s robust features.

Challenges of Using Drupal

Despite its benefits, Drupal isn’t for everyone. Here’s why:

Steep Learning Curve:
Beginners may struggle to grasp Drupal’s complexity. Unlike WordPress, it’s not beginner-friendly.
Requires PHP Expertise:
To unlock its full potential, you’ll need a developer who understands PHP coding.
Limited Themes for Beginners:
While Drupal has many modules, its selection of ready-made themes is smaller compared to WordPress.

Costs Associated with Drupal

Drupal is free to download, but there are other costs to consider:

Domain and Hosting:
You’ll need to pay for a domain name and reliable hosting. High-traffic sites often require premium hosting plans.
Developer Expenses:
Hiring an experienced developer can be expensive. A skilled PHP coder may charge a premium for customising your Drupal site.

A Real-Life Example: Arsenal FC

Arsenal Football Club uses Drupal to power its website. The site handles millions of fans accessing news, live updates, and match schedules. Here’s why Drupal works for Arsenal:

It supports multiple languages, helping the club connect with fans worldwide.
The site’s high traffic during matches doesn’t cause slowdowns.
Advanced customer engagement tools improve the fan experience.

Tip for New Users: If you’re starting small, Drupal might feel overwhelming. However, as your site grows, you’ll appreciate its scalability.

How Does Drupal Compare to Other CMS Options?

Feature	Drupal	WordPress	Joomla
Security	Highly secure	Moderate	Good
Customisation	Extremely flexible	Easy for beginners	Flexible
Ease of Use	Steep learning curve	Beginner-friendly	Moderate
Best For	Large organisations	Blogs, small websites	Community sites

Drupal is a powerful tool for large organisations. Its strengths—security, modularity, and scalability—make it a leader in the CMS world. However, it does require technical knowledge and resources to unlock its full potential.

If you’re running a high-traffic website or need advanced customisation, Drupal is an excellent choice. Just be prepared for the learning curve and additional costs.

Would you consider Drupal for your next project? Let us know in the comments below!

2. Joomla: A Middle Ground Between Drupal and WordPress

Joomla is a versatile content management system (CMS) that stands between Drupal and WordPress in terms of complexity and functionality. It is highly regarded for its built-in multilingual support and advanced user management tools. While it may require some coding knowledge to maximise its potential, Joomla provides a robust platform for building professional websites.

Strengths of Joomla

1. Multilingual Support

Joomla comes with native multilingual capabilities, which means you don’t need third-party plugins or extensions to create a multilingual website. For example, if you’re running an international business, Joomla simplifies managing content in different languages.

2. Advanced User Management

Unlike WordPress, Joomla offers granular user permission controls out of the box. This makes it ideal for websites that need different access levels, such as schools, membership sites, or businesses with restricted content.

3. Flexibility Without Complexity

Joomla balances customisation and usability. While it is less beginner-friendly than WordPress, it doesn’t reach the complexity of Drupal. It is a suitable choice if you want a professional website without overwhelming technical requirements.

Challenges of Using Joomla

Coding Knowledge Required: Though not as demanding as Drupal, Joomla still requires some familiarity with HTML, PHP, or CSS to fully customise your website.
Limited Extensions: Compared to WordPress, Joomla offers fewer extensions and templates. While this ensures better security and fewer compatibility issues, it limits choices for non-technical users.

Costs to Consider

Joomla is an open-source CMS, so it is free to download and use. However, you must pay for:

Hosting: A reliable hosting provider is essential.
Maintenance: Regular updates and backups are crucial for security and performance.
Development: If you lack technical expertise, hiring a developer might be necessary.

Expert Insight

Many prestigious organisations, including Harvard University, trust Joomla. They use it to power their accessible and multilingual website, demonstrating how the platform excels in scalability and professional functionality.

Pro Tip: If you’re working on a multilingual project, Joomla’s in-built tools can save both time and money compared to third-party solutions available on WordPress.

Key Features at a Glance

Here’s a quick comparison of Joomla’s features:

Feature	Joomla
Multilingual Support	Built-in (no plugins required)
User Management	Advanced permission settings
Ease of Use	Moderate learning curve
Extensions	Limited but secure options
Cost	Free, with additional expenses

Why Choose Joomla?

Joomla is a perfect middle ground for users who need more flexibility than WordPress but less complexity than Drupal. It is best suited for:

Universities
Businesses with multilingual websites
Organisations needing strict user access controls

How Joomla Stands Out

Joomla’s flexibility makes it ideal for creating unique and professionally functional websites. Its focus on multilingual support and user management allows businesses to build secure, scalable platforms.

Conclusion: Joomla may not be the easiest CMS to use, but it is a powerful tool for those who value control, flexibility, and multilingual support. If you are comfortable learning its features or hiring a developer, it could be the ideal CMS for your project.

3. Adobe Commerce (Magento Open Source): Powerful for Enterprise-Level eCommerce

Adobe Commerce, also known as Magento Open Source, is a robust platform for businesses needing advanced eCommerce solutions. It stands out for its multi-store management capabilities, flexibility, and scalability. Let’s explore its strengths, challenges, and other key aspects in detail.

Key Strengths of Adobe Commerce

Adobe Commerce offers several features that make it a go-to choice for enterprise-level businesses. Below are the highlights:

Multi-Store Management: Businesses can manage multiple storefronts under one admin panel. This is especially useful for global companies that sell in different regions and languages.
Advanced Inventory Tools: The platform provides inventory management features such as real-time stock updates and order tracking.
Highly Customisable: Developers can modify almost every part of the platform to suit specific business needs.
Scalability: It supports small stores as well as massive global enterprises, making it ideal for growing businesses.
SEO-Friendly: The platform includes in-built SEO tools to optimise product pages and boost search rankings.

Challenges of Adobe Commerce

While Adobe Commerce is powerful, it comes with a few drawbacks. Knowing these can help businesses prepare better:

Steep Learning Curve: It requires significant time and technical expertise to use effectively. Beginners may struggle without professional help.
High Server Demands: Its advanced features require robust hosting environments, which can increase operational costs.
Expensive Add-Ons: While the core version is free, many essential features require third-party add-ons, which can be costly.

Costs and Licensing

The open-source version is free, making it an attractive option for those who want to try it. However, businesses should factor in the costs for:

Hosting
Premium Themes and Extensions
Development and Maintenance

These expenses can add up, especially for larger businesses.

Real-World Example

One standout example is Land Rover’s official website. Using Adobe Commerce, Land Rover has created a site that aligns with its luxury branding. The platform enables the company to offer a seamless browsing experience with advanced product filters, regional customisation, and intuitive navigation.

Who Should Use Adobe Commerce?

Adobe Commerce is ideal for:

Enterprises with large product catalogues
Companies managing multiple storefronts
Businesses needing complex customisations

Expert Advice

As an expert, I’ve seen Adobe Commerce work wonders for enterprise-level businesses. A client once used it to centralise operations for six regional stores. With the multi-store feature, they reduced administrative time by 40% and improved customer experience across all regions.

However, I always recommend hiring experienced developers. Without technical skills, managing the platform can be overwhelming. Also, ensure your hosting environment is capable of handling the platform’s demands.

Features Table

Below is a quick overview of Adobe Commerce’s key features:

Feature	Benefit
Multi-Store Management	Centralise operations easily.
SEO Tools	Boost search engine ranking.
Customisation Options	Tailor features to your needs.
Inventory Management	Track stock efficiently.

Illustration: Adobe Commerce Usage Stats

Popular Industries Using Adobe Commerce

Industry	Percentage
Retail	50%
Fashion	30%
Automotive	20%

Adobe Commerce is a powerful tool for enterprise businesses. Its advanced features, such as multi-store management and customisation options, make it a standout platform. However, its steep learning curve and operational costs may be challenging for smaller businesses.

If you’re ready to grow your eCommerce presence, this platform is worth considering.

4. Wix: A Simple Solution for Beginners

Wix is a popular website builder known for its easy drag-and-drop interface. It’s a great option for beginners who want to create a website without needing to know any coding. With Wix, you can choose from a wide range of templates and customize them to suit your needs.

Strengths of Wix

User-Friendly Design
Wix stands out for its simplicity. The drag-and-drop functionality allows anyone to build a website, even if they have no experience. You simply move elements around on the page and customise them without the need for technical skills.
AI Tools for Design
Wix also offers an AI-powered tool called Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence). This tool helps create a website based on your preferences. You can answer a few questions, and Wix ADI will generate a site for you that looks professional.
Reliable Hosting
With Wix, hosting is included, so you don’t have to worry about finding a separate hosting provider. This can save you time and money.

Challenges with Wix

Limited Customisation
While Wix is easy to use, it does have some limitations when it comes to customisation. Once your website is built, making changes to certain aspects can be difficult. You are also limited by the templates, and some advanced customisation might require technical knowledge.
Costly Long-Term
Wix’s free plan is available, but it comes with limitations, such as displaying Wix ads on your site. To remove these ads and unlock more features, you’ll need to subscribe to one of the premium plans. These can be costly over time, especially if you need advanced features or more storage.

Wix Pricing

Free Plan: Wix offers a basic free plan that includes ads and limited storage.
Premium Plans:
- $4.50/month (Combo plan, best for personal use)
- $14/month (Unlimited plan, includes more features for growing sites)
- $35/month (VIP plan, best for business use with advanced tools)

Expert Advice

As an expert in website building, I often recommend Wix to clients who are just starting out. It’s perfect for creating basic websites quickly. However, if you’re looking for more control or advanced features, you might eventually outgrow Wix. In that case, it’s worth considering other platforms like WordPress or Webflow, which offer more customisation options.

Remember, Wix is fantastic for beginners, but if your site grows or you have specific needs, keep in mind that you may eventually want to upgrade or switch to a more flexible platform.

5. Shopify: Ideal for Online Retailers Without Coding Skills

Shopify is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms available. It’s designed to be easy for people who don’t have coding skills, making it an excellent choice for beginners or small businesses that want to set up an online store quickly.

Strengths of Shopify

All-in-One Platform: Shopify offers everything you need in one place. From website design to product listings, inventory management, and payment processing, you don’t need to worry about finding third-party apps to make your store work.
PCI Compliant: Security is crucial when dealing with customer payment information. Shopify is PCI compliant, meaning it meets the security standards set by the Payment Card Industry. This ensures that customer data is protected, helping you avoid costly data breaches.
User-Friendly: You don’t need to know any coding to get started. Shopify’s drag-and-drop functionality allows you to create your store just by selecting themes and adding products. It’s designed for people who want to get their store up and running fast without any technical hassle.
24/7 Support: Shopify offers round-the-clock support. Whether you need help with setting up your store or facing a technical issue, there is always someone ready to assist you.

Challenges of Shopify

Transaction Fees for External Payment Gateways: One of the biggest downsides of Shopify is the transaction fees. If you don’t use Shopify Payments, the platform charges a fee for every sale made through external payment gateways. This can add up, especially for businesses with a high volume of transactions.
Limited Customisation: Although Shopify is easy to use, it does have some limitations in customisation. If you want very specific features, you may need to hire a developer to make those changes.

Costs of Shopify

$9–$299 per month: Shopify offers a range of plans, each with different features. The basic plan starts at $9 per month, while more advanced plans can cost up to $299 per month, depending on the size of your business and the features you need.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the pricing:

Basic Shopify – $9/month: Good for those just starting with basic features.
Shopify Plan – $29/month: Ideal for growing businesses with more advanced features.
Advanced Shopify – $299/month: Perfect for larger stores needing advanced reporting and additional features.

Shopify is an excellent option for online retailers, especially for those who want a straightforward platform without the need for coding skills. With its user-friendly interface, strong security features, and 24/7 support, it’s a great choice for small businesses looking to get started in eCommerce. However, it’s essential to consider the additional transaction fees if you choose to use a payment gateway other than Shopify Payments.

For more details on Shopify’s features and pricing, you can visit their official site.

6. Squarespace: Polished Templates for Creative Professionals and Small Businesses

Squarespace is a popular website builder, especially for creative professionals and small businesses. It offers sleek, polished templates that make it easy to create beautiful websites without the need for coding skills. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes Squarespace stand out and what to consider before choosing it.

Strengths of Squarespace

Squarespace provides an all-in-one solution for website creation. It bundles hosting, domains, and security into one package, which is very convenient for users who want to manage everything in one place. You don’t need to worry about finding separate services for hosting or securing your site. This can save a lot of time and effort.

Key Strengths:

All-in-one solution: Hosting, domain, and security are included.
Polished templates: The designs are professional, clean, and easy to customise.
Ease of use: You can build a website without needing coding skills.

Challenges with Squarespace

While Squarespace is user-friendly and well-designed, there are a few limitations to consider. One of the main challenges is the limited number of plugins and third-party integrations available. If you need specific features or advanced customisation options, Squarespace might not be the best choice. It’s also worth noting that the platform can be somewhat rigid when it comes to design flexibility compared to other website builders like WordPress.

Key Challenges:

Limited plugins: You might struggle if you need more advanced features.
Lack of advanced customisation: Customising the site beyond the templates can be difficult.

Costs of Using Squarespace

The pricing for Squarespace varies depending on the features you need. The basic plan starts at $16 per month, while the most advanced plan can go up to $54 per month. There are also optional domain fees if you want a custom domain. While Squarespace offers a free trial, you will need to pay for a plan to launch your website.

Pricing Breakdown:

Personal plan: $16/month
Business plan: $23/month
Basic Commerce plan: $27/month
Advanced Commerce plan: $54/month

Example of a Great Squarespace Website: Blue Dog Bar

Blue Dog Bar is an excellent example of a minimalist and stylish website built on Squarespace. Its clean, simple design highlights the venue’s brand, making it easy for customers to navigate. The choice of Squarespace for a small business like Blue Dog Bar shows how effective the platform can be for creative professionals who want a professional-looking site without spending a lot of time on complex design work.

Why it Works:

Simple, clean design: Highlights the business effectively.
Easy to navigate: Visitors can find key information quickly.

Is Squarespace Right for You?

Squarespace is a great option for creative professionals and small businesses that need a simple, professional-looking website. It offers an easy-to-use platform with polished templates, all-in-one hosting, and security. However, if you need more customisation options or third-party integrations, you may need to consider other website builders like WordPress.

Expert Tip: When choosing a platform like Squarespace, always ask yourself how much customisation you really need. If you’re mainly showcasing your work or product and don’t require complex features, Squarespace can be a perfect fit. However, for more technical needs, other platforms might be more suitable.

In the end, Squarespace is ideal for those who need a polished, professional website quickly and without a lot of fuss.

7. Ghost: A Lightweight CMS Tailored for Writers and Bloggers

Ghost is a content management system (CMS) that is designed with simplicity in mind. It’s especially popular among writers and bloggers who want a straightforward, no-fuss platform to publish their work. Ghost focuses on offering the basics—writing, publishing, and growing a community—without the complexity of other platforms.

Strengths of Ghost

Ghost’s key strength lies in its simplicity. It’s made for those who want to focus on writing rather than dealing with complicated settings and themes. Here are some of its standout features:

Straightforward Publishing: Ghost offers a minimalist interface that makes writing and publishing easy. It’s quick to learn, even for beginners.
Membership Monetisation: One of its most attractive features is the ability to set up a membership site. This allows creators to monetise their content through subscriptions, making it an ideal choice for bloggers looking to earn from their writing.

Challenges of Using Ghost

While Ghost is a great platform, it does come with some limitations:

Minimal Features: Unlike larger CMSs like WordPress, Ghost is more basic in its functionality. There are fewer plugins and themes available, so it’s less customisable.
Limited Hosting Options: Hosting is limited to Ghost’s own service or self-hosting. This can restrict your choice of hosting providers and may increase your setup costs if you want to self-host.

Costs of Ghost

Ghost offers two main options:

Free Version: You can start using Ghost for free, but this version is quite limited. It works well for simple blogs or personal websites.
Subscription-Based Hosting: For more advanced features, such as membership options, you’ll need to pay for Ghost’s subscription-based hosting. This ensures you have access to faster servers, more storage, and additional support.

Real-World Example: The Browser

One example of a well-known site using Ghost is The Browser. It’s a subscription-driven blog that shares high-quality content with a paying audience. Using Ghost, the site has successfully monetised its content while maintaining a clean, easy-to-navigate layout.

Should You Use Ghost?

Ghost is best for writers who want to keep things simple and focus purely on content creation. If you’re looking for a platform that lets you write, publish, and build a subscriber base without the need for complex features, Ghost could be the right fit for you. However, if you need a more feature-rich CMS with advanced customisation options, you might want to consider alternatives.

Summary of Ghost’s Pros and Cons

Pros:

Easy to use
Excellent for blogging and writing
Built-in membership and subscription options

Cons:

Limited functionality and customisation
Restricted hosting options

Weebly: A Simple and Beginner-Friendly Website Builder

Weebly is one of the most user-friendly website builders available. It’s designed to help people, even those with no technical knowledge, create a website quickly. Whether you’re a small business owner, a hobbyist, or just someone wanting a personal blog, Weebly offers a simple solution. Here’s what makes it stand out, along with some challenges you might face.

Strengths of Weebly

1. Drag-and-Drop Functionality

Weebly’s drag-and-drop editor is what makes it so easy to use. You can select different elements (like text boxes, images, and buttons) and simply drag them into place. There’s no need for complicated code or a steep learning curve. Even beginners can create a well-designed site in minutes.

2. Mobile-Optimised Templates

With more people browsing websites on mobile devices, having a site that looks great on a smartphone or tablet is crucial. Weebly automatically optimises its templates for mobile use. This ensures your site will look great on any screen size, without you needing to adjust anything.

3. Free Plan Available

Weebly offers a free plan, which is great if you’re just starting out. The free version lets you build and publish your website, though you may need to upgrade for more advanced features, such as your own domain name or e-commerce options.

4. Affordable Premium Plans

Weebly’s premium plans are reasonably priced, ranging from $5 to $38 per month. The plans offer additional features such as more storage, advanced website analytics, and the ability to add your own domain name. If you’re looking to grow your site, these plans provide good value.

Challenges of Weebly

1. Limited Backup Options

One of the downsides of using Weebly is its poor backup options. While you can export your site’s content, you can’t easily back up the entire website. This can be a concern if you ever need to restore your site or move it to another platform.

2. Not Available in All Countries

While Weebly is widely used, it’s not available in every country. This could be an issue if you live in a region where Weebly isn’t supported or if you’re trying to access features that are region-specific.

Why Choose Weebly?

Simple setup: No experience needed.
Free version: Start with zero cost.
Mobile-friendly: Great design for phones and tablets.
Affordable plans: You don’t need to break the bank for extra features.

Weebly is a fantastic choice for beginners who want to build a website without a lot of hassle. Its drag-and-drop interface and mobile-friendly templates make it easy for anyone to create a professional-looking site. However, if you need more advanced backup features or are based in a country where Weebly isn’t available, you might want to consider other options. Overall, if simplicity and affordability are your priorities, Weebly is a solid option.

Have a look at more website builder reviews on our main page.

9. Medium: A Platform for Content Creators

Medium is not your traditional content management system (CMS). It’s an online platform where creators can easily publish and share their articles with a built-in audience. If you’re looking to focus on writing, without the hassle of managing a full website, Medium is a great choice. Here’s a breakdown of the platform’s strengths, challenges, costs, and some real-world examples.

Strengths of Medium

Built-in Audience: One of Medium’s strongest points is its large, active community. When you post on the platform, your content has the potential to be discovered by thousands of readers. The audience here is mainly focused on long-form, quality content.
No Coding Needed: Medium is user-friendly. You don’t need any coding knowledge to get started. Simply create an account, write your content, and publish it. This ease of use makes it perfect for writers who want to focus solely on their writing without worrying about technical issues.
Multimedia Support: Medium allows you to integrate images, videos, and other media easily. This can make your content more engaging and visually appealing.

Challenges of Using Medium

Limited SEO Options: Unlike traditional websites, Medium doesn’t offer extensive control over SEO. You can optimise your titles and descriptions, but you won’t have as much freedom to tweak every aspect for search engine ranking.
Customisation Limitations: The platform is simple, but this comes at the cost of customisation. You cannot adjust the design or structure of your blog to the same extent as you could with a self-hosted website.
Monetisation Challenges: Although Medium has a Partner Program that allows writers to earn money, the revenue is dependent on how much engagement your content gets. It can be harder to make significant earnings unless your work attracts a large following.

Costs of Medium

Free for Writers: You can use Medium at no cost, which includes basic writing features, the ability to interact with the audience, and access to the community.
Premium Features: If you want to unlock extra features, such as viewing analytics or getting more control over your profile, Medium costs around $5 per month. This also includes access to premium content created by other writers.

Conclusion

Medium is an excellent platform for writers focused on content creation rather than technical details. It offers simplicity, a built-in audience, and a way to share long-form content. However, the limitations in SEO and customisation might not make it suitable for those looking to build a fully customisable, SEO-optimised site. For those just starting out or content-focused creators, Medium is a solid choice, but for those looking to scale and optimise their website further, you might want to explore more customisable options.

Pros & Cons of Medium

Pros:

Large, built-in audience
Easy to use with no coding skills required
Supports multimedia

Cons:

Limited SEO control
Minimal customisation options
Less opportunity for monetisation without large audience engagement

By using Medium, content creators can easily reach an audience without technical barriers, but there are trade-offs in terms of control over SEO and customisation.

Conclusion: What’s Better Than WordPress?

Choosing the right platform for your website depends on your needs and goals. While WordPress is a popular choice for many, there are other alternatives that may work better for specific purposes. Below, we’ll explore some of these options, based on different goals, and help you decide what might suit your needs best.

For eCommerce: Adobe Commerce or Shopify

If you are looking to set up an online store, platforms like Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento) and Shopify are strong alternatives to WordPress.

Adobe Commerce: Ideal for large businesses, this platform offers great flexibility. It’s a powerful option with a lot of customization but can require more technical skills to get started.
Shopify: On the other hand, Shopify is more user-friendly and perfect for beginners. It offers an easy-to-use interface and great support, making it a solid choice for small to medium-sized businesses looking to sell products online.

Why Choose These for eCommerce?

As an expert in web development, I’ve worked with both platforms. For a client with a large catalog and custom needs, I’d lean towards Adobe Commerce. However, if the goal is a simple, efficient online store with little fuss, Shopify is often the winner.

For Blogging: Ghost or Medium

If your primary focus is blogging, you might find Ghost or Medium to be better suited to your needs than WordPress.

Ghost: This platform is known for being fast and minimalistic, which makes it perfect for bloggers who just want to focus on writing. It’s easy to use and doesn’t have all the extra features of WordPress, making it a leaner option.
Medium: If you’re not concerned about hosting or customization, Medium can be an excellent choice. It’s a social platform where your content can gain exposure through its built-in community.

Why Go for These?

From my experience, Ghost is often a great choice for those serious about blogging. It’s clean, fast, and offers tools that make writing and publishing easier. Medium is best for those who just want to focus on their writing without worrying about the technical side of things.

For Small Businesses: Squarespace or Wix

For small businesses looking for an easy-to-use website builder, both Squarespace and Wix stand out as great alternatives to WordPress.

Squarespace: Known for its beautiful designs, Squarespace is an excellent platform for creating visually appealing websites without needing technical knowledge.
Wix: Wix is another easy-to-use platform that allows you to create a website with drag-and-drop functionality. It offers a variety of templates, making it a great choice for small businesses with specific design needs.

Expert Advice on Small Business Websites

As someone who’s worked with small businesses on their websites, I recommend Squarespace for those prioritising design and aesthetics, while Wix is better for businesses that need flexibility and ease of use. Both are great choices but offer different strengths.

Still Loyal to WordPress? Consider Tools Like Elementor

If you’re still a fan of WordPress but want a better, more streamlined experience, tools like Elementor can enhance your workflow.

Elementor: This drag-and-drop builder simplifies the design process. With its user-friendly interface, you can create beautiful pages without touching any code.

My Personal Experience with Elementor

I’ve been using Elementor for years, and it has made a huge difference for my clients. It gives them the ability to build pages and posts without worrying about the technical side of things, making WordPress more approachable.

Final Thoughts

Each platform has its strengths, and choosing the best one depends on your goals:

For eCommerce, consider Adobe Commerce or Shopify.
For blogging, try Ghost or Medium.
For small businesses, Squarespace or Wix are great options.
Still using WordPress? Enhance your site with tools like Elementor.

The key is to choose a platform that fits your needs, and I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision.