Choosing the right CMS: What NZ Businesses need to know

A CMS, or Content Management System, is the platform that provides the backbone of your website; it allows you to manage online sales, digital content such as blog posts, and more. Not all CMS are created equal — they all have unique functions, as well as requiring different levels of technical knowledge. Choosing the right system is crucial for long-term business success; it lets you take the reins on your digital presence and ensure you connect with your customers.

Brought to you by the team at Adhesion, this guide breaks down the pros and cons of the top CMS platforms used by NZ businesses in 2025.

What to Consider When Choosing a CMS

• Ease of use
  Can you (or your team) make edits without a developer? For smaller businesses, a user-friendly system that requires little technical expertise is ideal.
• Flexibility
  Can it grow with your business? Consider your long-term goals and what website features you may need in future.
• SEO-friendliness
  Is it structured well for search engines? Are SEO plugins available? These will help improve your site’s visibility online.
• Integrations
  Does it connect easily with tools like Google Analytics, Mailchimp, and CRMs? A CMS that integrates smoothly with other platforms makes streamlining your marketing efforts easier.
• Cost
  CMS platforms vary in how they charge. Is the cost upfront or ongoing? Are plugins or hosting fees included?
• Support
  Does the platform offer tutorials, community support, or dedicated help? Extra support can be a game-changer when learning the system or troubleshooting issues.

Popular CMS Options for NZ SMEs

WordPress

One of the most popular CMS platforms globally and in New Zealand, WordPress is ideal for content-rich, SEO-focused sites. Originally a blogging platform, it's perfect for service businesses, blogs, and those implementing local SEO strategies. It's highly flexible with plugins but may require developer input for custom setups. There are various options, including self-hosted or managed hosting — self-hosting gives more control but requires more maintenance.

Shopify

Shopify is purpose-built for ecommerce. It’s easy to use with excellent templates and built-in SEO and marketing tools. Its intuitive interface makes it simple to manage orders, web design, and integrations with tools like Google Analytics. Shopify is ideal for NZ retailers selling physical products who want a streamlined ecommerce experience.

Squarespace

Squarespace, along with similar platforms like Wix, offers drag-and-drop simplicity. It’s suited to smaller businesses or portfolios — e.g., tradies, creatives, or solo operators wanting a polished website quickly. While it has fewer plugins and limited flexibility compared to platforms like WordPress, its low maintenance and ease of use make it a solid option for simple setups.

Other Options

New Zealand also has unique CMS platforms like the locally-owned Silverstripe, favoured by government organisations and large Kiwi brands like Whittaker’s Chocolate. It offers high customisation and strong security but may require more technical support.

Custom-built websites are another option, offering full flexibility and ownership. As they often involve additional costs, it’s important to weigh your specific needs before committing.

What We Recommend

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing a CMS — it depends on your business goals. Our general recommendations:

• WordPress for flexibility and SEO.
  Great for content and customisation. For more bespoke needs, Craft CMS is a solid alternative that integrates with Shopify and allows for advanced custom builds.
  
• Shopify for online stores.
  The leading CMS for ecommerce in 2025, with strong integrations and user-friendly features.
  
• Squarespace for small, low-maintenance sites.
  Ideal for quick builds and businesses that don’t need advanced features right away.

Final Thoughts

Your CMS is the foundation of your online presence — it influences how you market, scale, and grow. If you're unsure where to start or considering a refresh, talk to our team. With experience across New Zealand’s leading CMS platforms, we can help you optimise your website or build one from scratch to suit your needs.

Get in touch with Adhesion’s expert team for a CMS recommendation tailored to your goals.