WordPress Leads CMS Market Share with 43.3% of Websites

Blog / Digital Marketing

Have you ever wondered what lies behind the websites you browse every day? Whether you are searching for a local cafe, managing a franchise, or growing your own business, the technology powering your website can make all the difference in achieving true online impact. The choice of content management system (CMS) is not merely a technical decision, but a strategic step that shapes your site’s flexibility, scalability, and reach. With more than 281 million domains registered worldwide and a rapid evolution of design platforms, understanding CMS market share trends can help business owners make confident investments that drive real-world results in 2025 and beyond.

According to recent data, an astounding 71.4% of all websites now use a CMS, reflecting a global lean toward streamlined, efficient website management. This shift reveals how even smaller players, franchise operators, and local businesses can now access tools previously reserved for large enterprises. For Australian entrepreneurs navigating choices between WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, and specialist solutions, the latest CMS market size analysis provides a clear snapshot of which platforms are winning, and why. Let’s explore the facts, figures, and what these trends mean for your web design and development strategy this year.

WordPress Continues Its Reign: WordPress Market Share Statistics 2025

WordPress remains the undisputed leader among content management systems. According to W3Techs, by October 2025, WordPress powers a staggering 43.3% of all websites surveyed. Even more remarkable, its market share jumps to 60.7% among sites using a CMS. This dominance speaks volumes about its reliability, flexibility, and the strength of its open-source community.

For business owners, WordPress offers unparalleled versatility. Whether you’re launching a basic local business website or scaling a high-traffic e-commerce platform, WordPress’s ecosystem of plugins and themes can be customised to match virtually any need or branding requirement. Its broad adoption ensures ongoing support, regular security updates, and an ever-expanding network of skilled developers in Australia and globally.

If you are considering which platform will deliver the strongest return on investment, WordPress’s leadership in the CMS market share 2025 statistics is a clear endorsement of its staying power and adaptability. For many, this familiarity also means easier content management and a shorter learning curve for staff or franchisees taking ownership of local site updates.

Shopify: Dominating the E-Commerce Landscape

Shopify has solidified its reputation as the go-to CMS for online retailers, both in Australia and around the world. With a current market share of 6.8%, Shopify now accounts for 4.8% of all websites surveyed. This growth is testament to its robust security, streamlined checkout processes, and seamless integrations with third-party apps.

Many local retail owners and franchise groups appreciate Shopify's simplicity and focus on commerce. Features like built-in payment gateways, powerful inventory management, and mobile-optimised designs make setting up an online shop more accessible than ever. For those looking to hire web design development services in Australia, Shopify’s continued growth showcases its ability to scale with your business, from pop-up shops to multi-location franchises.

The CMS market size analysis underscores that, even with WordPress’s lead, Shopify maintains impressive traction thanks to its purpose-built tools designed specifically for e-commerce success.

Wix Website Builder Growth: Capturing a Broader Audience

In the past year, Wix has made significant strides, now powering 4.1% of all websites surveyed. Known for its user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface, Wix offers a quick solution for small businesses that want attractive websites with minimal technical overhead.

With continued improvements in customisation, SEO features, and support, Wix has managed to attract a wider demographic, especially those who may not have the resources to hire dedicated web designers or learn complex systems. The Wix website builder growth aligns with broader industry shifts toward platforms that remove barriers and empower business owners to control their digital presence directly.

For Australian businesses starting out or testing new ideas, Wix presents a practical, low-risk option. As its market share rises, expect further enhancements to templates, integrations and marketing toolsets, making it an attractive candidate within the top content management systems 2025 landscape.

Squarespace: Consistent Growth and Evolving Design

Squarespace has steadily increased its footprint over the past decade. From 0.3% in 2014 to today’s 3.4% market share, it now supports 2.4% of all websites surveyed. Squarespace is widely favoured for its elegant design templates and comprehensive hosting, which appeal strongly to creative professionals, consultants, and boutique local businesses.

The platform’s ease of use and visual orientation allow even first-time site owners to achieve a polished, modern web presence quickly. Squarespace market share trends show incremental yet robust growth, demonstrating how consistency, reliable support, and ongoing product upgrades continue to attract new users worldwide and within Australia.

While Squarespace may not offer the extensive plugin ecosystem of WordPress or the hardcore e-commerce tools of Shopify, it succeeds by streamlining the end-to-end process, making professional web design more accessible for those with less time or technical expertise.

Decline of Non-CMS Websites and the Shift Toward Structured Platforms

One of the most significant trends in the CMS market share 2025 statistics is the diminishing segment of websites operating without a CMS. W3Techs reports a drop to just 28.6% of sites running outside a structured system. This ongoing decline highlights a clear industry direction, as business owners respond to increasing digital expectations from customers.

As the competitive landscape intensifies, relying on a static, hard-coded website means missing out on efficiencies, better SEO, security improvements, and the ability to iterate rapidly. Structured CMS platforms, from WordPress to Wix, provide accessible tools for content management, digital marketing, and scalable site maintenance.

Australian business and franchise owners seeking a future-proof online presence are recognising the risks of sticking with outdated technology. Modern CMS platforms ensure responsiveness, offer integrations with marketing and analytics tools, and support the rapid adaptation necessary for continued digital growth.

Top 10 CMS Platforms by Market Share in 2025

Rank	CMS Platform	Market Share	Usage
No CMS	–	28.6%	–
1	WordPress	60.7%	43.3%
2	Shopify	6.8%	4.8%
3	Wix	5.7%	4.1%
4	Squarespace	3.4%	2.4%
5	Joomla	2.0%	1.4%
6	Webflow	1.2%	0.9%
7	Drupal	1.1%	0.8%
8	Tilda	1.1%	0.8%
9	Adobe Systems	1.0%	0.7%
10	Duda	1.0%	0.7%

What These CMS Market Share Trends Mean for Australian Businesses

For local enterprises across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and beyond, choosing the right CMS can influence everything from Google visibility to customer experience. WordPress leads due to sheer versatility and customisability, while Shopify appeals to dedicated e-commerce brands. Wix and Squarespace win favour for ease of use and attractive design options.

The increasing dominance of leading platforms points to a best-practice approach: select a CMS with a strong support network, committed development roadmap, and proven track record. Viewing CMS market share Australia statistics as part of your decision process enables you to align technology choices with business goals, budget constraints, and the types of audiences you wish to serve.

Planning for growth in 2025 means looking beyond surface-level features and investing in a solution that will serve your needs for years. Whether you’re redesigning your website, launching a new franchise location, or considering a shift from a DIY builder to a full-featured platform, the right CMS forms the cornerstone of a high-performance, SEO-optimised digital presence.

Conclusion

The state of CMS market share in 2025 tells a clear story. Structured website platforms like WordPress, Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace now fuel the digital ambitions of millions worldwide, with each serving distinct sectors of the market. Their adoption rates reflect not only technical robustness but confidence from diverse business owners investing in sustainable, scalable websites.

WordPress’s widespread use reveals its unmatched flexibility for companies of all sizes, while Shopify’s rapid growth demonstrates an insatiable appetite for reliable e-commerce solutions. Wix and Squarespace attract those who value speed, aesthetics, and simplicity, embodying a wider trend toward ownership and control among business leaders. The steady move away from non-CMS, custom-coded sites reinforces the broader value of structured platforms: adaptability, ease of management, and continuous improvement.

If you feel overwhelmed by your options or unsure how to translate market statistics into practical outcomes, consider partnering with a local team who understands both the technology and the Australian market. At Top4 Technology, our web design and development experts deliver tailored solutions aligned with the latest CMS market share trends, ensuring your online presence is optimised for visibility, functionality, and long-term growth. Visit our Web Design & Development services page to see how we bring cutting-edge platforms and proven strategies together for your business success.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Which CMS platforms are leading the market in 2025, and what does that mean for my business?

WordPress continues to top the charts in 2025, powering more than 43 percent of all websites and over 60 percent of those using a CMS. Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace are also growing fast in their respective niches. The rise of these platforms means there is a robust ecosystem of tools and support available, so you can choose one that fits your business model, whether you run a local café or manage a national franchise.

Is WordPress always the best choice for web design and development?

WordPress is incredibly versatile and has a huge community, making it a great choice for many types of websites, from blogs to large e-commerce shops. However, platforms like Shopify are often better suited for pure e-commerce, while Wix and Squarespace excel in ease of use and attractive design templates. The best CMS for you depends on your goals, technical comfort, and future growth plans. We’re here to help you navigate these options and select the best fit.

Why are more Australian businesses moving away from static, non-CMS websites?

Static websites without a CMS make it harder to update content, integrate modern marketing tools, and enhance SEO. As competition builds and customer expectations rise, structured CMS platforms help businesses manage, scale, and optimise their online presence quickly and safely. That’s why so many are shifting to flexible CMS solutions.

How can I tell which CMS platform is right for my industry?

Your choice depends on your business needs and the experience you want to offer customers. If your focus is e-commerce, Shopify may be ideal due to its secure payment systems and inventory tools. Creative professionals often favour Squarespace for its sleek templates, while WordPress is a reliable all-rounder. Wix is great for new ventures on a lean budget. Our team conducts a thorough needs analysis to guide you to the platform that matches your goals.

What advantages do I get by hiring a professional web design and development team like Top4 Technology?

Working with experts ensures your website is built on the right CMS from the start, with responsive design and robust security. We tailor everything to your branding, optimise your site for search engines, and set everything up for easy maintenance. Our ongoing support means you can focus on your business while we keep your website cutting-edge.

Are these leading CMS platforms suitable for growing franchises or multi-location businesses?

Absolutely. Market share trends show that platforms like WordPress and Shopify are well-suited to scaling up, with plugins and features designed for growth. You can easily manage multi-location content, integrate marketing tools, and maintain brand consistency. We specialise in setting up franchise-friendly solutions to streamline updates and local SEO.

How often do I need to update or upgrade my website on a modern CMS?

Most CMS platforms, like WordPress and Shopify, provide regular updates to improve security and performance. We recommend quarterly reviews of your website’s plugins, themes, and content. Our maintenance plans ensure your website stays up to date, secure, and continues to rank well in search results as your business grows.

I am unsure which CMS market share statistics I should focus on. Can you help me interpret the data?

It’s easy to get lost in the numbers, but our job is to break it all down in plain English. We look at market share trends, platform strengths, and emerging tools to recommend solutions that not only fit today’s best practices but also support your business vision for the future. Just reach out, and we’ll help you turn the data into real-life results.