Moving your site from Joomla to WordPress can seem overwhelming, though it is easier than it looks. Many web admins make this transition because WordPress is more straightforward, more flexible, and well-supported, owing to its big online community.
Joomla is a great tool, although it is hard and complex for a non-tech person or a beginner. WordPress is a great alternative if you have been struggling with using Joomla or want more freedom for your site.
Also, WordPress allows for easy content updates, page edits, and functionality extensions. Thousands of themes and plugins give your dream site a platform for your dream website without ever needing to write code.
And WordPress is more search engine-friendly, so your website can be well-ranked in search engines.
This guide will take you through the entire process step by step.
Why Move from Joomla to WordPress?
While Joomla is a wonderful platform, it isn’t easy, especially for a beginner unfamiliar with its structure. Most website owners find adding new pages and making content adjustments difficult, which is more complicated than anticipated.
Furthermore, it is split between categories, articles, and modules, which is too complicated for users who want a straightforward system for maintaining a website. If you have ever been annoyed using Joomla, there is nothing wrong with you. Many users find Joomla challenging, so they choose a Joomla to WordPress migration for a straightforward, easier-to-manage experience.
Remember, WordPress is all about keeping it simple. Its straightforward interface allows users to make hassle-free adjustments, write posts, edit pages, and alter their style.
While different, WordPress includes free and paid themes to redesign your site in minutes. Your site can be professionally elegant in a non-coder.
Another advantage of WordPress is its plugin system. With over 50,000 various options, there is nothing your site can’t achieve using zero code. WordPress makes it a breeze to employ when a contact form, an online business, or enhanced SEO functionality is required.
Contents
1. Preparing for the Migration
Before you start your migration, it is imperative to have everything in place. Appropriate planning makes your content, images, and other vital data migrate flawlessly and error-free.
The first step is to back up your Joomla website. This is a necessary step in case of a problem in the migration process, as your site can be restored using a backup.
You can back up your entire website using a Joomla extension, such as Akeeba Backup. Store it in a secure place with a backup, such as an external hard drive or in a cloud.
Next, WordPress will be installed on your hosting server. Most businesses have a one-click WordPress install if you have a hosting provider. If none, opt for a well-known provider that is WordPress-friendly.
2. Using a Migration Plugin
The easiest way of migrating your site is using a plugin. Manual migration is complicated and time-consuming, but a plugin simplifies it. One of the best-known examples is FG Joomla, compared to WordPress. This automatically makes your content, posts, pages, images, and categories, so it is not your job to do it all by hand.
Install the WordPress plugin for FG Joomla via the WordPress admin interface. Go to “Plugins” and click “Add New” to search for the plugin. Choose it, click on “Install” and then click on “Activate”
You must provide your Joomla database credentials once your plugin is activated. The credentials can be found in your Joomla configuration file. The plugin will use this data to access your Joomla site and start the migration process.
When your plugin is activated, you can start your migration. Go for the import option, and your plugin will migrate your content from Joomla to WordPress. This may take a few minutes, depending on your site size.
3. Fixing Design and Formatting Issues
When you migrate your content, your new WordPress website won’t necessarily look similar to your current Joomla website. This is a result of differences in content organization between WordPress and Joomla.
Some of these, like menus, widgets, and sidebars, can have adjustments made so your new site is similar in layout to your old one. The first item to inspect is your website’s menu. Joomla employs a menu system different from WordPress, so your navigation may have to be recreated by hand. Head to your WordPress dashboard, click “Appearance,” and click “Menus.” This is where your navigation can be organized and your menu items set.
A second common issue is image location. Some images may not display as desired after migration, so go through your posts and pages and ensure all images display as expected. If an image is missing, it may be necessary to re-upload it.
4. Redirecting URLs and Final Checks
Before your new WordPress website is released, creating redirects and performing a last-minute check is imperative. Redirects assist visitors and search engines in finding the correct pages on your new website.
If your new WordPress URLs diverge from your existing Joomla URLs, you must make 301 redirects. The 301 redirect automatically sends visitors from an old URL to a new URL. You can create these quickly using a plugin like Redirection.
Have your redirects in place, and test your site heavily. Go click-by-click through each page and make sure everything is happening as it should. Test your images, your videos, and your links for functionality. If your site contains forms, such as a contact form, test these so they work too.
Final Thoughts
Moving your content from Joomla to WordPress can seem overwhelming, but it is a straightforward process when handled in a particular manner.
WordPress is a more effortless experience, customizable, and search engine-friendly, making it a great solution for anyone who desires a better website. With these steps, you can successfully transition to your site without compromising on valuable content.
