18 CMS Platforms for Building Portfolio Websites

Navigating the diverse landscape of CMS platforms can be a daunting task for anyone looking to showcase their work online. This comprehensive guide demystifies the process, offering expert insights into the top CMS options tailored for building standout portfolio websites. Discover the strengths and nuances of each platform to determine the perfect fit for your professional online presence.

Want to get quoted in MarketerInterview.com content just like this? Apply to become a contributor today!

WordPress and Webflow Lead the Pack

For portfolio websites, I recommend WordPress as the primary choice, though with some important considerations and alternatives.

WordPress stands out because:

• Extensive customization through themes and plugins
• Strong SEO capabilities out of the box
• Large community for support and resources
• Easy content management for non-technical users
• Robust media handling for portfolios
• Cost-effective hosting options

However, for portfolios specifically, I’d also strongly consider Webflow. It offers:

• More precise design control without coding
• Better built-in animations and interactions
• Professional hosting and performance
• CMS features specifically designed for portfolios
• Clean, modern output code
• No plugin management overhead

For developers comfortable with code, I’d suggest Next.js with a headless CMS like Sanity or Prismic because:

• Superior performance
• Full development control
• Modern tech stack
• Better version control
• Free hosting options through Vercel
• API-first approach for future expansion

The choice really depends on specific needs.

Choose WordPress if you:

• Need maximum flexibility
• Want the lowest learning curve
• Plan to blog extensively
• Need multilingual support
• Have a limited budget
• Require frequent content updates

Choose Webflow if you:

• Prioritize design precision
• Need polished animations
• Want professional features without coding
• Don’t need complex plugins
• Can afford higher monthly costs
• Value clean code output

Choose Next.js + Headless CMS if you:

• Are comfortable with code
• Need maximum performance
• Want modern development features
• Plan to scale significantly
• Need advanced customization
• Value developer experience

For most non-technical users building a portfolio, Webflow offers the best balance of features and ease of use. It provides enough power for sophisticated designs while maintaining a visual editing interface. The hosting is reliable, and the built-in CMS is well-suited for portfolio content types.

If cost is a major factor or you need extensive plugin functionality, WordPress remains a solid choice. And for developers who want full control, the Next.js + headless CMS approach provides the most flexibility and best performance, though with a steeper learning curve.

The key is matching the CMS to your specific needs rather than following general recommendations. Consider your technical comfort level, budget, design requirements, and long-term maintenance needs when making the decision.

Lloyd Pilapil, Founder, Pixelmojo

Pixpa: Balanced Simplicity and Modern Needs

I recommend Pixpa as the go-to CMS for building portfolio websites. Since 2017, I’ve tried dozens of platforms, and I was skeptical about one system doing it all. 

But Pixpa consistently stands out for creative professionals. It’s straightforward enough for anyone—even if you’re not tech-savvy—while still offering the features you need to showcase your work and even host live events. 

One of my clients added virtual gallery openings through its e-commerce tools and earned an extra $14k last quarter, and she used its client proofing system to turn revisions into engaging case studies. Sure, it might lack some of the testing capabilities of Squarespace, but if your focus is on beautiful presentation over heavy data tracking, Pixpa does the trick. 

I say, stick with Pixpa—it balances traditional simplicity with modern needs.

Michelle Garrison, Event Tech and AI Strategist, We & Goliath

WordPress: Simple, Professional Portfolio Creation

I recommend WordPress for portfolio websites. The block editor makes it simple to create clean, professional layouts that showcase your work effectively. While many portfolio builders add unnecessary complexity, WordPress’s native Gutenberg editor helps you build exactly what you need without the bloat.

WordPress excels for portfolios because it gives you full control over your design without requiring deep technical knowledge. You can create image galleries, embed videos, and organize your work samples using the built-in block system. This approach lets your portfolio pieces stand out rather than getting lost in flashy design elements.

The platform’s simplicity is its strength for portfolios. You can focus on presenting your work clearly instead of wrestling with complicated page builders or custom code. WordPress also makes it easy to add essential portfolio features like contact forms, project categorization, and social media integration.

I’ve found that portfolios built with WordPress load faster and perform better than those made with specialized portfolio builders. This matters because potential clients need quick access to your work. WordPress’s efficient core system helps ensure your portfolio loads smoothly on any device.

From my experience helping creatives build their online presence, the most successful portfolios use WordPress’s basic tools to create clean, minimalist designs. This approach puts the focus where it belongs—on your work samples and professional achievements.

Joe Bloom, Digital Marketer & Founder, Niche Campus

ButterCMS: Flexible, SEO-Friendly for Developers

I recommend ButterCMS that’s perfect for developers who want a flexible content structure without the hassle of managing WordPress. It’s API-first, meaning you can use it with any front-end framework like Vue, React, or Angular. This makes it ideal for portfolios that need real-time updates, multi-language support, or content personalization features. For example, you can create different versions of your portfolio for different target audiences, such as potential clients in different industries or regions.

I must say that it offers robust SEO capabilities, so your portfolio will rank well on search engines and attract more traffic. It has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to add and manage content without technical knowledge. I have personally used ButterCMS to build dynamic portfolios that showcase my projects in a visually appealing way, resulting in increased website traffic and client inquiries. I saw a 40% increase in website traffic and a 25% increase in client inquiries within the first month of using ButterCMS.

Stefan Van der Vlag, AI Expert/Founder, Clepher

ReadyMag: Intuitive for Non-Coders

I work from a co-working space for creatives, and we’ve run a few portfolio-building workshops. The same thing comes up every time. People want a site that looks great, is easy to use, and feels like them. Most do not have the time or interest to mess with code.

I work in Webflow day to day, and while it is a powerful tool, it has a learning curve. Unless you are keen to learn HTML and CSS, it can feel overwhelming. That is why I usually recommend ReadyMag. It is much more intuitive for designers who just want to get their work online without the technical hassle.

I have seen some incredible portfolios built on ReadyMag, and it is clear it was made with creatives in mind. It gives people full design control without needing to worry about code or maintenance.

I am a Webflow developer, but for most creatives, ReadyMag is just the easier choice.

Matt Ward, Founder, Eight Pixel

WordPress and Webflow: Top Choices

For a portfolio website, the best CMS depends on your technical skills, the needs you want to customize, and your design preferences. I would recommend WordPress Org CMS and Webflow, I know there are many other CMS like Wix, Squarespace, and Joomla just to mention but a few, and I have tried them all.

When I joined the web design industry four years ago, I needed a portfolio website. I tried the above sites, but WordPress was better, and I have been using the website until now.

Here are some comparisons and reasons I recommend the two CMS:

Pros of WordPress are that it is highly customizable, vast with themes/plugins (Hello Elementor, Divi, and Astra Theme), SEO-friendly (for example Yoast SEO and Rank Math), and not forgetting its scalability.

Though we have some cons which include maintenance (updating themes and plugins), you will also need a bit of a learning curve.

It is best for freelancers, designers, photographers, and creatives who want full control over their websites.

Webflow on the other hand has its pros like no-code/low-code skills needed, its designs are pixel-perfect, and it has in-built animations. Some cons include a higher learning curve than other no-code tools, its pricing can be expensive especially compared to WordPress which is free unless you use premium plugins and themes.

It’s best for designers who want complete creative freedom without coding.

If you are a skilled web designer with WordPress, I recommend WordPress since it offers the most flexibility, you can customize your site until you are fully satisfied, and you also have full authority and control over the site. But if you prefer or want a more design-centric approach with clean animations, Webflow would be a great choice.

ELIJAH KHAMALA, CEO and Founder, Bluxel Africa

Ghost: Fast, Content-Driven Platform

The obvious answer for portfolio sites is WordPress but it’s not the only option. I recommend Ghost CMS if you want a faster, more streamlined solution that does more than just look good.

Ghost isn’t just for blogging, it’s a content-driven platform built for growing your personal brand. You can easily showcase your expertise with case studies, create a paid newsletter, and build a subscriber base of potential clients.

Ghost is fast and lightweight, with built-in SEO and membership features that save time and reduce hassle. Unlike WordPress, it requires less maintenance and fewer moving parts mean fewer problems.

If you’re after more than just a static portfolio and you want to build an audience and showcase your expertise, Ghost is a smart choice.

Liam Fallen, Technical SEO Consultant, LiamFallen.com

Choose CMS Based on Specific Needs

The CMS selection for portfolio websites depends on three main factors: technical expertise level, design requirements and website growth potential. 

WordPress stands out as an excellent choice because it provides flexibility through multiple themes while offering a wide range of plugins that enable full customization. Users who employ Elementor or Gutenberg page builders together with Yoast SEO optimization plugins can develop visually striking portfolios by avoiding any coding requirements. 

Webflow serves as an outstanding option for users who want an easy-to-use interface without coding requirements. The platform enables users to achieve advanced design control through its visual editor so they can create responsive unique portfolios without compromising on performance. Webflow provides complete hosting and security services to designers who need a professional site with low maintenance needs. 

Professional portfolio owners who value simplicity should consider Squarespace because it provides elegant templates specifically designed for portfolio display. Artists and photographers and freelancers should choose this platform because it provides them with a quick solution for creating professional websites. Squarespace offers users an elegant professional portfolio solution that supports built-in search engine optimization features among reliable hosting services although it delivers limited customization options when compared to WordPress or Webflow. 

The CMS you should select depends on your requirements regarding control features and customization options and scalability options.

Mei Ping Mak, Director of SEO and Web, Website Design Asia

Webflow: Total Design Freedom

Webflow. No contest. Why? Glad you asked…

Total design freedom…without the hassle. No clunky themes forcing you into layouts that look like they were made in 2012. Webflow lets you build exactly what you want—without needing a PhD in coding.

Fast, smooth, and doesn’t break when you breathe on it. Unlike certain CMS platforms (cough WordPress cough), Webflow doesn’t randomly fall apart after an update. It’s solid, responsive, and won’t give you trust issues.

Built-in SEO and hosting that actually works. No need for a dozen plugins just to make Google notice you. Webflow keeps things fast, clean, and ready to rank…meaning your portfolio actually gets seen, not buried.

Basically, if you want a slick, custom portfolio without the headaches, Webflow’s your best mate.

Chris Andrade, Founder, Pixelbricks Design

Bludit: Fast, SEO-Optimized for Marketers

For digital marketing professionals, a portfolio CMS needs to be SEO-friendly, highly customizable, and built for performance. Bludit stands out because it offers a fast, database-free experience with built-in SEO optimization tools. Traditional CMS platforms can slow down performance with excessive plugins and bloated code, but Bludit’s flat-file system keeps things simple and efficient.

One of its standout features is the ability to manage metadata, structured data, and URL structures natively without requiring third-party SEO plugins. This ensures that every page remains optimized for search visibility without unnecessary code weight. The lightweight framework makes it an ideal choice for portfolio sites that need to rank well in search engines while maintaining fast load times and a clean user experience.

Sean Clancy, Managing Director, SEO Gold Coast

Showit: Flexible Design with SEO Benefits

I’m a huge fan of Showit! It’s become my go-to recommendation for creatives because it offers such amazing flexibility with design while still giving you the SEO benefits of WordPress for blogging.

While there’s definitely a learning curve (I spent quite a few months really getting the hang of it) the customization possibilities are totally worth it and a lot less overwhelming and complex than WordPress.

The template options are also incredible (Tonic Site Shop, Create with Danielle, Davey and Krista) and you can really create a digital home that feels magical and aligned with your artistic vision.

As someone who’s worked in SEO, I know that having WordPress power the blog side means you get the best of both worlds—creative freedom and the best SEO foundation. It’s really the best of both worlds!

Kira Violet, Founder, Creative Director, Studio Violet

Salesforce Experience Cloud: Enterprise-Level Customization

For individuals or larger organizations, Salesforce Experience Cloud is one of the best platforms that can be used to build a portfolio website. It offers customization, security, mobile optimization, and direct integration with the larger Salesforce CRM, making it a powerful choice for enterprises or professionals who need a branded, interactive portfolio with engagement features like feedback forms and forums. The Experience Builder is user-friendly and utilizes pre-built templates and drag-and-drop components, while also offering design flexibility and customization.

Hilan Berger, COO, SmartenUp

Squarespace: Streamlined for Visual Portfolios

If you’re building a portfolio website and considering anything other than Squarespace, you’re making life harder than it needs to be.

Here’s the deal: Squarespace was practically built for portfolios. Their templates are designed to make visual work shine—whether you’re a photographer, designer, or any other creative showing off your craft. The layouts are clean, the fonts are stylish (without trying too hard), and most importantly, they prioritize big, bold imagery. Your work is the star of the show, not some clunky interface.

And let’s talk about speed. One of the biggest mistakes people make when building a portfolio site is choosing a platform that drags down performance. You can have the most beautiful website in the world, but if it loads slower than a dial-up connection in 1999, nobody’s sticking around. Squarespace’s streamlined system keeps things fast, clean, and mobile-friendly—no overcomplicated code, no unnecessary bloat.

Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to manage. No need to wrestle with plugins, security updates, or back-end tech headaches. You update your site, hit publish, and you’re good to go. For most portfolio-based businesses, that’s a dream setup.

Would I recommend it for every website? Nope. If you’re running a complex eCommerce store or a content-heavy site, WordPress or Shopify might be better. But for a sleek, high-performing, hassle-free portfolio site, Squarespace is king.

Meesha Gerhart, CEO, Redtree Web Design

Orbitype: Dynamic, Flexible Headless CMS

For creatives and developers looking for a headless, API-first CMS that adapts to their needs, Orbitype.com offers a fully dynamic and flexible solution.

Why Orbitype?

1. API-First & Headless – Orbitype automatically generates an API based on your personal data structure, meaning you define the setup, and Orbitype wraps around it—not the other way around.
   
2. PostgreSQL & Flat-File S3 Support – Choose PostgreSQL for complex, relational data or flat-file JSON on S3 for a lightweight, static-friendly approach.
   
3. Instant Setup & Deployment – Deploy a PostgreSQL database or S3 storage in 3-5 minutes, with an auto-generated Admin UI and API for instant content management.
   
4. Optimized for Modern Hosting – Works seamlessly with Vercel, Netlify, and other cloud platforms, ensuring fast performance and automatic scaling.
   
5. No Vendor Lock-in – Keep full control over your data, hosting, and storage setup, making it a future-proof solution.

Orbitype eliminates unnecessary complexity, allowing you to build without constraints. Whether you need a structured database-backed CMS or a flat-file portfolio setup, Orbitype adapts to your workflow.

Julian Vorraro, CEO, Webentertainer GmbH

Joomla: Flexible for Custom Layouts

When people talk about content management systems (CMS) for portfolio websites, Joomla isn’t always the first one that comes to mind—but maybe it should be. It’s one of those platforms that excel with users who want more control without going full custom coding.

The biggest plus? Flexibility. Joomla sits in that sweet spot between WordPress’s ease of use and Drupal’s technicality. It gives portfolio creators—designers, photographers, writers—exactly the control they need to structure their content.

Instead of forcing projects into rigid templates, Joomla’s modular system allows custom layouts, dynamic content, and even multi-language support out of the box. That’s a big deal for professionals who want to reach a global audience.

Another often overlooked feature is user access control. A solo freelancer might not need it, but for collaborative projects—like an agency with multiple contributors—Joomla’s ability to assign different roles and permissions is a big deal. It means updates don’t bring down the whole site while keeping everything organized.

But Joomla isn’t for someone who wants a drag-and-drop, no-effort solution. It has a learning curve and while you don’t need to know how to code, a basic understanding of site architecture helps. But for those willing to dig in, it rewards you with unparalleled customization.

Joomla works great for portfolios that go beyond just image galleries—interactive case studies, client testimonials, or even membership-based content. For creatives who want a CMS that fits their vision, not templates, Joomla is worth a look.

Soubhik Chakrabarti, CEO, Canada Hustle

Publii: Eco-Friendly Static Site Generator

A portfolio website for a sustainability-focused brand needs to do more than showcase work—it should communicate ethical values, environmental impact, and craftsmanship. Publii is an ideal CMS for this because it allows for static site generation, reducing reliance on energy-intensive servers. Unlike traditional CMS platforms, which require ongoing database queries, Publii creates static websites that load faster and consume fewer resources, aligning with eco-friendly business practices.

One major advantage of Publii is its offline editing capabilities, which means content updates can be made without an internet connection and then synced when ready. This makes it an excellent choice for brands that want to maintain a lightweight, efficient, and environmentally responsible digital presence. The static nature of Publii sites also provides enhanced security and faster load times, which benefits both search rankings and user experience.

Jehann Biggs, President & Owner, In2Green

Wix: User-Friendly for Non-Technical Users

For building a portfolio website, I highly recommend Wix. It’s an easy-to-use platform, making it a great choice even for people who aren’t technically skilled. The drag-and-drop interface means you don’t need to know any code to create a professional-looking site.

Wix also offers a variety of templates that are perfect for portfolios, allowing you to showcase your work in a visually appealing way. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a simple yet powerful solution to get their portfolio online quickly and easily.

Piotr Zabula, CEO, Cropink.com

Cargo: Modern, Artistic Portfolio Design

Cargo is a good choice for people in creative fields who want a portfolio with a modern, artistic look. It has unique templates that don’t feel like cookie-cutter designs, and the layout options allow for a lot of creative expression. A photographer I know built a stunning site on Cargo that showcased high-resolution images beautifully. The built-in grid system makes it easy to organize work, and you don’t need coding experience to tweak designs. While it doesn’t have as many features as larger CMS platforms, it’s perfect for creatives who want a stylish and functional portfolio.

Shane McEvoy, MD, Flycast Media

Want to get quoted in MarketerInterview.com content just like this? Apply to become a contributor today!