Why Switching to WordPress Can Benefit Your Website
If you currently use Joomla as your Content Management System (CMS), you may be considering alternatives that offer more advantages. While Joomla has its own strengths, many users eventually make the transition to WordPress. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the benefits of migrating your website from Joomla to WordPress and provide a step-by-step process to ensure a smooth and effortless transition.
Understanding the Advantages of WordPress over Joomla
Although both Joomla and WordPress are open-source CMS platforms, WordPress surpasses Joomla in terms of power, flexibility, and user-friendliness. Joomla is known for its complexity and limited options for extensions and design. On the other hand, WordPress is recognized as the most popular website builder globally, offering simplicity, a vast library of extensions, and a wide range of design possibilities. To gain a clear understanding of the differences between Joomla and WordPress, refer to our detailed comparison guide.
Self-Hosted WordPress vs. WordPress.com: Choose Wisely
It is important to distinguish between self-hosted WordPress.org and WordPress.com. While WordPress.com provides a hosted solution with limited functionality, most users prefer self-hosted WordPress.org due to its extensive control and flexibility. To maximize the potential of your website, always opt for self-hosted WordPress.org. If you want more information about the differences between the two options, consult our comprehensive comparison guide.
Step-by-Step Guide: Migration from Joomla to WordPress
1. Acquire a Domain Name and WordPress Hosting Account
Prior to using WordPress, you need a domain name and a WordPress hosting account. If you already have these for your Joomla site, you can use them for your WordPress site as well. If you are considering a new hosting provider, we recommend Bluehost. As an officially recommended WordPress hosting provider, Bluehost offers a great discount to WPBeginner readers, including a free domain name and SSL certificate. Starting at just $2.75 per month, it is an excellent choice. Visit Bluehost to establish your hosting account.
2. Install WordPress
Installing WordPress is a simple process. Many reputable WordPress hosting companies offer automatic installation. Alternatively, you can find 1-click WordPress installers within your hosting account dashboard. If you have chosen Bluehost, WordPress will be installed automatically. Simply click the “Log into WordPress” button in your hosting account dashboard, and you will be directed to the WordPress admin panel. For detailed instructions, follow our complete WordPress installation tutorial.
3. Import Content from Joomla to WordPress
Once you have WordPress up and running, you can import content from your Joomla site. Begin by installing and activating the FG Joomla to WordPress plugin. For step-by-step instructions, refer to our guide on installing WordPress plugins. Once activated, go to the Tools » Import page in your WordPress dashboard. You will find a list of import tools available for your WordPress installation. Locate the “Joomla (FG) importer” and click the “Run Importer” link. The Joomla (FG) importer script will prompt you to provide your Joomla website information. Enter your Joomla website URL and its corresponding database settings, available in your Joomla website’s admin area. Follow the provided instructions, and the importer will start fetching content from your Joomla website. Once the import is successful, you will receive a confirmation message.
4. Check and Correct Internal Links
After importing your content, it is crucial to ensure that all internal links now direct to your new WordPress site instead of the old Joomla one. The Joomla FG importer offers an easy fix for this. Scroll down to the bottom of the importer page and click on the “Modify Internal Links” button. This action will update all internal links on your WordPress site to the new URLs.
5. Set Up Permalinks and Redirects
Since your Joomla website may have had a different URL structure, it is important to establish custom permalinks and redirects in WordPress to prevent any 404 errors for visitors and search engines. To do this, go to the Settings » Permalinks page in your WordPress dashboard. Under the “Common Settings” section, select the “Post Name” option and save your changes. Next, install and activate the Redirection plugin, which will handle URL redirection from Joomla to WordPress. Follow our plugin installation guide for detailed instructions. Once activated, configure the plugin by visiting the Tools » Redirection page. Enter your old Joomla URL as the “Source URL” and your new WordPress URL as the “Target URL.” Ensure you select the “301 – Moved Permanently” option for a proper redirect. Save your changes. Repeat this process for any additional pages or posts. Test the redirects to ensure they are functioning correctly. Alternatively, you can use All in One SEO (AIOSEO), which provides advanced redirection capabilities and additional SEO features.
6. Choose a Theme for Your WordPress Website
WordPress offers a wide selection of themes that control the appearance and design of your website. While there are numerous free and paid themes available, not all of them will suit your specific needs. To simplify the selection process, we have curated theme showcases featuring the best options for various website types. Explore our theme showcases to find the perfect theme for your website. For assistance with theme installation, refer to our beginner’s guide on how to install a WordPress theme.
7. Enhance Your Website with Plugins
One of WordPress’s standout features is its extensive collection of plugins, which expand your website’s functionality in various ways. Whether you require assistance with backups, security, caching, eCommerce, SEO, or any other aspect, you will find thousands of free and paid plugins in the WordPress plugin directory. To narrow down your options, consult our ultimate guide on how to choose the best plugins for your website. To get you started, here are a few recommended plugins:
- Yoast SEO: A comprehensive SEO plugin to optimize your website for search engines.
- Akismet: Filters out spam and protects your site from unwanted comments.
- WooCommerce: Ideal for managing products and sales if you have an eCommerce store.
- UpdraftPlus: Enables easy website backups and restores.
Discover even more plugin recommendations in our list of essential WordPress plugins.
8. Utilize WPBeginner Resources for Success
WPBeginner is your go-to resource if you are new to WordPress or need guidance along the way. As the largest WordPress resource site, we offer a wealth of free content designed to help you succeed. Here are a few resources you can find on WPBeginner:
- Beginners’ guide to WordPress
- WordPress video tutorials on our YouTube Channel
- Tips for managing and growing your WordPress site
- Free business email address setup guide
- Selection of useful tools for your WordPress site
Remember, many users find answers on WPBeginner through Google by simply adding “wpbeginner” to their search terms.
Wrapping Up
By following this comprehensive guide, you can seamlessly migrate your website from Joomla to WordPress. WordPress offers a user-friendly and powerful platform that unlocks endless possibilities for your website. If you found this guide helpful, consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel for more WordPress tutorials. Stay updated by connecting with us on Twitter and Facebook. We are here to support your WordPress journey!
