WordPress vs Joomla

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Admittedly, at first glance, there don’t appear to be significant differences between the two content management systems. Except that WordPress is clearly ahead in terms of popularity. Both Joomla and WordPress can be used to build websites, and there is no notable difference in usability: both CMSs are highly user-friendly and can be operated without prior knowledge. But as the saying goes: sometimes, a small but subtle difference can make a big impact. Let’s dive into the search!

 

Battle of the Content Management Systems

As mentioned earlier, just ask the World Wide Web, and you’ll find that everyone loves WordPress! We can’t argue with that, because it is the most popular CMS on the market. Not only in terms of usability, but also due to the wide range of themes and plugins that allow users to customize all websites. However, a look at the backend reveals that WordPress, originally launched as a blogging platform, still follows that structure. Posts and pages define the framework of the CMS, making WordPress still particularly well-suited for blogs.

Joomla, on the other hand, is designed for creating larger websites with more complex structures. Especially for websites that require a high level of user interaction, Joomla provides more complex structures that can handle more pages and content. If you need not just a single landing page but several subpages, Joomla is the better choice.

  • Advantages and disadvantages of WordPress
    The advantages of WordPress are definitely its cost-effectiveness and its broad range of features. WordPress makes the content management system available to its users free of charge. You only have to pay for hosting and the domain. When it comes to themes and plugins, you can choose from a wide range of paid and free modules. Thanks to helpful tools such as Elementor or WP Builder, you can create a wide variety of websites in no time at all. However, the downside of the popularity of WordPress is evident in its disadvantages: Not only users, but above all hackers have their eye on the CMS, which is why you must ensure security with sufficient plugins and close gaps in the firewall. Speaking of plugins: While the selection may be extensive, even basic elements like the contact form are typically not included in most themes and need to be added by installing additional plugins. This might seem like a minor issue, but if you assume that every WordPress theme includes the basics, we’re sorry to disappoint you.
  • Advantages and disadvantages of Joomla
    In terms of security, it’s advantageous for users that Joomla not only flies under the radar of competitors but also of hackers. As a result, Joomla is definitely at a lower risk for cyber-attacks. And, contrary to what you might expect, the CMS offers more functions compared to the all-star WordPress. It is also available free of charge and impresses with its high degree of user-friendliness. Good to know: Unlike WordPress, Joomla offers built-in multilingual support. This allows you to make your website accessible to a wider audience in multiple languages without needing to install an additional plugin. Sounds almost too good to be true, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, the lengthy training period brings you back down to earth. One drawback of the open-source system is its extensive scope, which cannot be fully explored and mastered in a single day. If you’re considering using Joomla as a blogging platform, we cannot recommend it: The CMS lacks a comment function for blog posts, which limits both community engagement and communication opportunities.
Conclusion

Joomla or WordPress – that is the question. But let’s address the elephant in the room: in comparison, Joomla falls short of WordPress in some areas. This is largely due to its complexity and the numerous hurdles that must be overcome to fully utilize the content management system in all its facets. If you require a complex system for your content and are aiming for a structure with multiple subpages, then Joomla is the perfect choice for you.

For all other requirements, we highly recommend WordPress, where the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages. It provides a solid foundation for beginners and a versatile playground for professionals. Do you still have questions about WordPress? If so, give us a call! As experienced WordPress web developers, we can provide detailed insights into the advantages of the content management system and offer guidance from project planning to the implementation of your WordPress website.

Which CMS is recommended? WordPress or Joomla

  • Current distribution
    WordPress powers 63% of world's websites since 2003 launch by Matthew Mullenweg. 44.18M blog posts published 2024. Joomla 2nd place with 3% websites, 5.4% CMS market share, 100M+ downloads, 8000 extensions despite smaller scale vs WordPress dominance.
  • User-friendliness and accessibility
    WordPress auto-install + intuitive interface enables immediate content creation. Customizer offers code-free theme personalization. Drag-drop plugins for landing pages. Joomla needs category structure first, complex backend learning curve despite auto-install. Joomla page builders help but WordPress simpler start.
  • Extensions, plugins, templates, and more
    WordPress: 54K+ plugins, 5K+ free themes + premium. Joomla: 8K+ extensions, no official template directory but abundant premium templates via Google search. Both systems offer extensive customization through add-ons covering functionality and aesthetics equally well.
  • Security
    Both core systems secure. WordPress needs security plugins + plugin monitoring. Joomla advantage: lower market share = fewer hacker attacks. Joomla emphasizes SSL certificates, 2FA. Both require maintenance but Joomla inherently less targeted due to smaller user base.
  • The ability to migrate from one system to another
    WordPress→Joomla complex for beginners. Joomla→WordPress easy via WordHerd migration service. Professional team handles preparation, data transfer, post-migration checks. Seamless switch possible both directions but WordPress destination significantly simpler.
codafish – Your WordPress partner for all digital applications

We get it, you get it – it’s tough for any CMS to rival the widespread dominance of WordPress. It’s been around since 2003, and its global reach continues to expand. WordPress powers over 40% of the internet, and for good reason! Its versatility, vast array of plugins and themes, and open-source nature make it the go-to platform for everyone from hobbyists to enterprise-level businesses.

But don’t let the market dominance of WordPress intimidate you! It’s more than just a blogging platform – it’s a full-scale content management system that’s constantly evolving with new features, customization options, and seamless integration with third-party tools. Whether you’re looking to build a robust eCommerce store, a sleek portfolio, or a comprehensive corporate site, WordPress has the power and flexibility to get it done.

Of course, the choice is yours! Here’s our tip: dive into WordPress and explore its extensive functionalities for yourself. There’s no better way to find out if WordPress is the best fit for your digital vision.

Still not sure, or leaning toward WordPress? Your free consultation is just a call away! As WordPress specialists, we’ll review your needs and show you the right plugins, themes, and customization options to turn your website dreams into reality. Let’s build something great together with WordPress!

FAQ

  • Who is Joomla suitable for?
    Joomla is suitable for all small and medium-sized companies that need a flexible and, above all, multilingual platform.
  • Is WordPress still current?
    In a CMS comparison and when considering whether WordPress is still relevant, it’s worth looking at the numbers: Even today, the classic platform powers 63% of all websites worldwide. At the same time, the large community of developers and users ensures that the CMS is constantly improved and, most importantly, regularly updated to address security vulnerabilities.
  • What is the best CMS?
    Determining the best CMS isn’t straightforward, as the choice should be based on the website’s needs, existing knowledge, and goals. WordPress is recommended for building a website independently and for managing blogs. If you need to scale large amounts of data or integrate a store, Pimcore would be the best choice for a CMS.
  • What does WordPress cost per month?
    WordPress is a free content management system. However, there are monthly costs for hosting and plugins, which can range from €30 to €100.
  • Is Joomla really free?
    Yes, Joomla is truly available for free with no license fees or subscription costs. The only ongoing expenses are for hosting and domain, just like with other CMSs.

Let's get in touch

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