CMS Market Share Trends: Top Content Management Systems (Nov. 2024)
CMS Market Share Trends: Top Content Management Systems (Nov. 2024)
As of November 2024, WordPress continues to dominate the content management system (CMS) market with a 62.2% share. However, there are significant shifts occurring in the market, with website builders like Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace gaining traction, particularly among small businesses. Let’s take a closer look at the latest CMS market trends and what they mean for SEO professionals.

The Size and Evolution of the CMS Market
According to W3Techs, 70.2% of websites use a CMS, contributing to a market size of approximately 793 million websites, based on Netcraft’s data of 1.13 billion live websites. The market continues to evolve, with WordPress maintaining its dominance but facing increasing competition from other platforms.
Top 10 CMS Platforms by Market Share (November 2024)
| Rank | CMS | Launched | Type | Market Share | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WordPress | 2003 | Open source | 62.2% | 43.7% |
| 2 | Shopify | 2006 | SaaS | 6.6% | 4.6% |
| 3 | Wix | 2006 | SaaS | 4.5% | 3.2% |
| 4 | Squarespace | 2004 | SaaS | 3.1% | 2.2% |
| 5 | Joomla | 2005 | Open source | 2.3% | 1.6% |
| 6 | Drupal | 2001 | Open source | 1.3% | 0.9% |
| 7 | Adobe Experience Manager | 2013 | Open source | 1.2% | 0.9% |
| 8 | Webflow | 2013 | SaaS | 1.1% | 0.8% |
| 9 | PrestaShop | 2008 | Open source | 1.0% | 0.7% |
| 10 | Google Sites | 2008 | Online app | 0.9% | 0.6% |
Data from W3Techs, November 2024
Why WordPress’s Market Share is Shrinking
While WordPress still holds the largest market share, it has seen a decline of nearly 5% over the past two years. This decrease marks the first time that WordPress’s growth has slowed since its launch in 2003. The decline may be attributed to a variety of factors, including the rise of easier-to-use website builders like Wix and Squarespace, which cater to small businesses seeking quick, hosted solutions.
Website Builders: The Rising Stars in the CMS Market
Wix and Squarespace have experienced notable growth in recent years. Wix saw a 25% increase in market share from 2023 to 2024, while Squarespace grew by 3.3% in the same period. These platforms have gained popularity due to their ease of use, drag-and-drop functionality, and no-code approach, which appeals to small businesses and individuals who want to build a website without needing technical expertise.
Shopify also saw a resurgence in 2024, after a dip in 2023, and continues to be a dominant force in the eCommerce space. Shopify’s simplicity and eCommerce-focused tools make it a favorite for businesses looking to establish an online store.
Joomla and Drupal: Facing a Decline
Once prominent players in the CMS market, Joomla and Drupal have seen significant declines in market share. Joomla has dropped by 15%, while Drupal has experienced an even steeper 28% decline. These platforms once held a combined 15.9% market share but now account for only 3.6%. Their decline is likely due to the more user-friendly nature of WordPress and the shift towards website builders that offer quick, managed solutions.
WooCommerce vs Shopify: The E-Commerce CMS Battle
In the eCommerce CMS market, WooCommerce (a plugin for WordPress) continues to dominate with a market share of 13.1%, compared to Shopify at 6.6%. While Shopify has more users overall, WooCommerce’s integration with WordPress gives it an edge in terms of market access and total installations. WooCommerce’s dominance reflects the ongoing trend of businesses preferring a flexible, scalable eCommerce solution.
Why CMS Market Share Matters for SEO Professionals
As an SEO professional, understanding CMS market trends is crucial for several reasons:
- Target Audience: As small businesses flock to easier-to-use platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify, SEO professionals may need to tailor their strategies for these platforms. Specializing in Shopify SEO or Wix SEO could provide a competitive edge.
- Platform-Specific SEO: Each CMS has its unique strengths and limitations when it comes to SEO. For example, WordPress offers extensive SEO plugin support (like Yoast SEO), while Shopify provides strong eCommerce SEO capabilities. Being familiar with these systems’ specific SEO features can help deliver better results.
- Evolving Trends: With Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify growing rapidly, SEO professionals can focus on mastering SEO for these platforms to meet increasing demand. This may involve learning their SEO tools, understanding their limitations, and optimizing websites for speed and mobile friendliness.
The CMS Market and SEO Opportunities
The CMS market is experiencing a shift, with WordPress still leading but facing growing competition from website builders and eCommerce-focused platforms. As more businesses choose managed platforms for ease of use, SEO professionals must stay informed about these trends to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
By understanding the nuances of each platform, from WordPress’s plugin ecosystem to Shopify’s eCommerce tools, SEO experts can provide more targeted strategies for their clients. Specializing in platforms with increasing market share, such as Shopify or Wix, may also be a valuable strategy for staying ahead in an evolving digital landscape.
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