Worldwide popular competition. That’s true whether we’re talking about movies, cars, or even content management systems (CMS). Everyone wants to come out on top.
But, unlike those first two items, the biggest entrant in the second goes dwarfs each other. That would be WordPress, which happens to hold more than 40% of the CMS market in terms of this writing. He can look down confidently while the others foil to make teeth in the race.
We will not go over all the reasons that WordPress is the best dog – already covered. Instead, let’s think about the rest of the package.
Even the runner app (Shopify) is still firmly entrenched in the individual numbers. The best of the rest (Wix, Squarespace, Joomla) can barely scrape half of their numbers.
But, if you are looking for a CMS, how much should your market share be a factor in the decision? Should there be content? Let’s try to answer those questions and more.
When choosing a CMS, how much market share should be taken into account in the decision? Should there be content? We try to answer those questions and many more.
The Benefits of Being Popular
To be sure, some real benefits come along with popularity. It often means that CMS has achieved a certain level of respect within the industry. That should not be forgotten.
It is also likely to have a dedicated community that is involved in the success of the app. With that, you will find tools and resources to help you get acquainted with the development features and exits. It’s also a great way to discover new features and best practices.
A common CMS may also promise a little more stability. Tools with a large user base have a better chance of being actively maintained in the long run. This is a great advantage, as you want to be sure that bugs and security holes are patched regularly. Moreover, it is not in anyone ‘s interest to abandon a project.
When it comes to working with clients, it may be easier to sell a recognized CMS. This may be particularly relevant for larger organizations. They may not be willing to try more obscure systems.
Getting the Best CMS for the Job
Another piece of the puzzle is to decide which one best suits your needs. This can be a difficult choice as it relates to design, functionality, and other technological factors. These are all areas where market share is not necessarily the best indicator.
For example, if you are looking to create an ecommerce website, there are many options. WordPress has more than capacity, but there are also niche systems that can provide a simpler path to launch.
Then there’s the whole idea of content ownership and portability. Many open source CMS offers the ability to bring your site to any web host. On the other hand, a proprietary app typically means you have to stay unattended.
Maintenance responsibilities also play a role. A managed SaaS (software-as-a-service) provider such as Wix will implement software and server updates for you.
One area that may be popular is the possibility of spaciousness. With a large community, major players in the CMS market have more resources to build new features. This allows the software to grow in tandem with your Web site.
Otherwise, you will have to build the feature yourself or wait for the development team to add what you need.
Bet on the Future
There are no guarantees in life or on the web. Apps that were once very popular can become obsolete over time. And there is no shortage of great success.
In terms of market share, more is not always better. However, there is still a risk in adopting a low-use system. How can you be sure that it will continue to grow, or that it will remain about five years from now?
We do not see a crystal ball in the future for any CMS. But we have historical usage trends, which can provide some guidance. Ideally, you will see those numbers rise (even if slowly) over time. That’s a sign of a new community.
It is also worth looking at the history of any CMS that interests you. How long has it been there? Does it have a track record of steady development? Have there been any changes in ownership?
Even a system with a share of less than 1% may be a viable option. But a closer look needs to be found out.
CMS is about Market Share, but It’s Not the Only Factor
The bottom line is that market share is only one factor when choosing a CMS. It should not be ignored, as it can tell you a lot about the community behind the software. And it also has something to say about future potential.
But there are many other considerations. How CMS fits into your project, whether it can grow alongside your business, and what it offers in terms of features, should all be involved in your decision.
There is nothing wrong with running with the top dog. However, it does not mean that you should completely ignore the others. After all, the perfect solution can come from anywhere.
