If you’re running a Joomla site and finding it increasingly difficult to maintain, scale, or update, you’re not alone. Many site owners are making the switch to WordPress for its larger community, easier content management, and more extensive plugin options. This guide walks you through the complete Joomla to WordPress migration process, from initial planning to post-launch optimization.
Summary
- WordPress offers a more intuitive interface, larger plugin ecosystem, and better SEO capabilities than Joomla
- Pre-migration planning includes backing up your site, auditing content, and selecting appropriate WordPress hosting
- The migration process involves setting up WordPress, transferring content, recreating site structure, and redirecting URLs
- Extension handling requires finding WordPress equivalents for Joomla components and rebuilding custom functionality
- Post-migration testing ensures all content, features, and integrations work correctly before going live
- Ongoing maintenance includes regular updates, security monitoring, and performance optimization
Why Migrate From Joomla to WordPress?
Joomla served its purpose for years, but the platform landscape has shifted significantly. WordPress now powers over 43% of all websites, creating a massive ecosystem of developers, themes, and plugins that Joomla simply can’t match.
Larger Developer Community and Support
WordPress’s market dominance translates to better support. When you encounter an issue, thousands of forum threads, tutorials, and developers are available to help. Joomla’s smaller community means longer wait times for solutions and fewer third-party resources.
More Plugin and Theme Options
WordPress offers over 60,000 free plugins and thousands of premium options. Whether you need advanced SEO tools, e-commerce functionality, or membership features, WordPress has multiple solutions for every need. Joomla’s extension directory, while functional, provides far fewer choices.
Better SEO Capabilities Out of the Box
WordPress includes SEO-friendly permalinks, better content structure, and plugins like Yoast and Rank Math that simplify optimization. Joomla requires more technical knowledge to achieve similar SEO results, making WordPress the preferred choice for content-driven sites.
Now that you understand the benefits, let’s examine how these platforms stack up side by side.
How Does WordPress Compare to Joomla?
Both platforms are free, open-source content management systems, but they serve different user bases and use cases.
| Feature | WordPress | Joomla |
| Ease of Use | Intuitive dashboard, minimal learning curve | Steeper learning curve, more technical |
| Extensions | 60,000+ plugins, 10,000+ themes | 8,000+ extensions, 1,000+ templates |
| Community Size | 43% market share, massive community | 2% market share, smaller community |
| Content Management | Simple editor, built for content creators | More complex, better for multi-language sites |
| Customization | Easy with plugins, some code knowledge helpful | Requires more technical expertise |
| Security | Regular updates, many security plugins available | Strong security core, fewer security plugins |
User Experience and Learning Curve
WordPress wins on accessibility. Most users can publish content within minutes of setup. Joomla’s interface, while powerful, requires training and technical understanding that makes it less approachable for content teams.
Development and Maintenance Costs
Finding WordPress developers is easier and typically more affordable due to the platform’s popularity. Joomla developers are less common, which can drive up costs for custom work or troubleshooting.
With these differences in mind, proper preparation becomes essential before starting your migration.
Joomla to WordPress Migration Pre-Migration Checklist
Rushing into a migration causes problems. A thorough pre-migration audit saves time and prevents data loss.
Complete Site Backup
Create a full backup of your Joomla site, including files, database, and media. Use your hosting control panel or a backup extension to download everything locally. Store backups in multiple locations.
Content Audit and Organization
Review your existing content structure:
- Identify which articles, categories, and tags you want to migrate
- Document custom fields or metadata you’re using
- List any complex content types that need special handling
- Note content that can be archived or removed
Choose WordPress Hosting
Select hosting that meets your site’s requirements. Consider these factors:
| Hosting Type | Best For | Price Range |
| Shared Hosting | Small sites, low traffic | $3-10/month |
| Managed WordPress | Growing sites, hands-off management | $15-50/month |
| VPS/Cloud | High traffic, custom configurations | $20-100+/month |
| Dedicated | Enterprise sites, maximum control | $80-500+/month |
Document Current Features and Functionality
List every feature your Joomla site currently offers. Include contact forms, galleries, membership areas, e-commerce functions, and any custom components. This inventory helps you find WordPress equivalents during migration.
After completing your checklist, you’re ready to begin the actual content migration.
What Are the Steps to Migrate a Joomla Site to WordPress?
The Joomla to WordPress migration process involves several technical steps that require attention to detail.
Step 1: Install WordPress
Set up a fresh WordPress installation on your hosting account. You can install WordPress through your host’s control panel (cPanel, Plesk) or manually via FTP. Keep your Joomla site live during this process by installing WordPress in a subdirectory or staging environment.
Step 2: Export Joomla Content
Joomla doesn’t offer a native export tool that WordPress recognizes. You’ll need to:
- Access your Joomla database through phpMyAdmin
- Export relevant tables containing articles, categories, and users
- Save exports as SQL or CSV files for easier processing
Alternatively, use the FG Joomla to WordPress plugin, which automates much of this process by connecting directly to your Joomla database.
Step 3: Import Content to WordPress
Install the FG Joomla to WordPress plugin from your WordPress dashboard. The plugin handles:
- Article migration (becomes WordPress posts or pages)
- Category and tag transfer
- Media file migration
- User account import with role mapping
The plugin provides a step-by-step wizard that guides you through database connection and import options.
Step 4: Recreate Site Structure
WordPress and Joomla organize content differently. After import:
- Review your menu structure and rebuild navigation in WordPress
- Check category hierarchies and adjust as needed
- Verify parent-child page relationships
- Ensure your homepage and blog page are correctly assigned
Step 5: Migrate Media Files
Images and documents need special attention. The FG plugin handles basic media migration, but verify:
- All images display correctly in posts and pages
- File paths are updated to WordPress’s media library structure
- Alt text and captions transferred properly
- No broken image links remain
Step 6: Set Up 301 Redirects
URL structures differ between platforms. Create 301 redirects to preserve SEO value:
- Map old Joomla URLs to new WordPress URLs
- Use a plugin like Redirection or Yoast Duplicate Post
- Test each redirect to ensure proper routing
- Monitor 404 errors in Google Search Console after launch
Once content is migrated, you’ll need to address Joomla-specific functionality.
How Are Joomla Extensions and Components Handled During Migration?
Joomla extensions don’t transfer to WordPress. You’ll need to find equivalent plugins or rebuild custom functionality.
Finding WordPress Plugin Equivalents
Most Joomla extensions have WordPress counterparts:
| Joomla Extension Type | WordPress Alternative |
| K2 | Advanced Custom Fields, Toolset |
| JoomGallery | NextGEN Gallery, Envira Gallery |
| VirtueMart | WooCommerce, Easy Digital Downloads |
| Community Builder | BuddyPress, Ultimate Member |
| JCE Editor | Classic Editor, Gutenberg blocks |
Search the WordPress plugin directory for options and compare features before selecting replacements.
Rebuilding Custom Components
Custom-built Joomla components require development work. Options include:
- Hire a WordPress developer to recreate functionality
- Use plugin combinations to achieve similar results, such as WordPress hubspot integration for marketing automation Build custom plugins if functionality is business-critical
- Build custom plugins if functionality is business-critical
- Consider whether the feature is still necessary
Handling Joomla Modules
Joomla modules become WordPress widgets or shortcodes. Common conversions include:
- Login modules → WordPress login widgets
- Custom HTML modules → HTML widgets or Gutenberg HTML blocks
- Menu modules → WordPress navigation menus
- Search modules → WordPress search widgets
Test each converted module to ensure it works as expected in your new WordPress theme.
After rebuilding functionality, thorough testing prevents launch problems.
How Is Testing and Quality Assurance Handled After Migration?
Never launch a migrated site without comprehensive testing. Issues caught pre-launch are easier and cheaper to fix than problems discovered after going live.
Content Verification
Check every critical page:
- Review text formatting (headings, lists, bold, italics)
- Verify images load correctly and aren’t distorted
- Test embedded videos and audio files
- Confirm links point to correct destinations
- Check that tables and forms display properly
Functionality Testing
Test all interactive elements:
- Submit contact forms and verify receipt
- Test e-commerce checkout if applicable
- Verify user registration and login processes
- Check that search functionality returns relevant results
- Test any membership or gated content areas
Cross-Browser and Mobile Testing
Your migrated site must work across devices:
- Test in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge
- Check responsive design on phones and tablets
- Verify touch interactions work correctly
- Test page speed on mobile connections
- Ensure no horizontal scrolling issues exist
SEO and Performance Checks
Use tools to identify potential issues:
- Run Google PageSpeed Insights to check load times and implement WordPress website speed without plugin optimization techniques
- Verify meta titles and descriptions migrated correctly
- Check that XML sitemaps generate properly
- Test structured data with Google’s Rich Results Test
- Confirm robots.txt file is configured correctly
Creating a testing checklist ensures nothing gets overlooked. Consider using a WordPress maintenance plan to streamline ongoing quality checks.
Once testing is complete, you’re ready for the transition phase.
What Happens After the Joomla to WordPress Migration Is Complete?
The work doesn’t end when your WordPress site goes live. Post-migration activities ensure long-term success.
Launch Planning and DNS Changes
Coordinate your launch carefully:
- Schedule the switch during low-traffic periods
- Update DNS settings to point to your WordPress installation
- Allow 24-48 hours for DNS propagation
- Keep your Joomla backup accessible for at least 30 days
Monitoring and Issue Resolution
Watch for problems during the first week:
- Monitor Google Search Console for crawl errors
- Check analytics for traffic drops or unusual patterns
- Set up uptime monitoring to catch outages immediately
- Review server logs for 404 errors and fix them promptly
Training Content Editors
WordPress’s interface differs significantly from Joomla. Provide training on:
- The Gutenberg block editor for content creation
- Media library management and image optimization
- Menu and navigation updates
- Plugin usage for forms, SEO, and other functions
Ongoing Optimization
Continue improving your site:
- Install caching plugins to improve page speed
- Implement CDN for faster global content delivery
- Optimize images with compression tools
- Regular security updates and backups
- Monitor WordPress performance metrics to identify bottlenecks
Understanding how WordPress handles databases helps optimize performance over time.
Before committing fully, evaluate if WordPress truly fits your needs.
Is WordPress the Right Replacement for Joomla?
WordPress works well for most use cases, but it’s not universally perfect.
When WordPress Makes Sense
Choose WordPress if you need:
- Straightforward content management for blogs, corporate sites, or portfolios
- E-commerce functionality through WordPress ecommerce development services.
- Large plugin ecosystem for added features
- Easy-to-find developers and support
- Strong SEO capabilities with minimal technical knowledge
When to Consider Alternatives
WordPress might not be ideal if you require:
- Complex multi-language sites with granular permission controls (consider Drupal)
- Highly customized content types that change frequently
- Government or enterprise environments with specific compliance needs
- Applications requiring extensive custom programming
Long-Term Maintenance Considerations
WordPress requires regular attention:
- Core, theme, and plugin updates every few weeks
- Security monitoring and backup management
- Performance optimization as traffic grows
- Occasional troubleshooting of plugin conflicts
Budget time and resources for ongoing maintenance or consider managed WordPress hosting that handles technical upkeep.
If you’re uncertain about managing the migration yourself, professional help is available.
Do You Need Expert Help With Joomla to WordPress Migration?
Complex sites benefit from professional migration services that prevent costly mistakes.
Signs You Should Hire Professionals
Consider expert assistance if your site includes:
- Thousands of pages or posts requiring migration
- Custom-built Joomla components without clear WordPress equivalents
- Complex user permission structures
- E-commerce functionality with active transactions
- Multi-language content and regional variations
- Tight deadlines with no room for downtime
What Professional Migration Services Include
Expert teams typically provide:
- Complete pre-migration audit and planning
- Automated and manual content transfer
- Custom plugin development for unique functionality
- URL mapping and redirect implementation
- Post-launch monitoring and support
- Training for your content team
Cost Expectations
Migration pricing varies based on complexity:
- Simple sites (under 100 pages): $500-2,000
- Medium sites (100-1,000 pages): $2,000-8,000
- Complex sites (1,000+ pages, custom features): $8,000-25,000+
Investing in professional services often costs less than fixing problems after a failed DIY migration.
Conclusion
Migrating from Joomla to WordPress opens access to better tools, larger communities, and easier content management. Success requires careful planning, thorough testing, and attention to SEO preservation through proper redirects. Whether you handle the Joomla to WordPress content migration yourself or work with experts, following a structured process ensures your site transitions smoothly without losing traffic or functionality.
Ready to make the switch? Our WordPress development services team specializes in complex WordPress migrations and can handle everything from content transfer to custom plugin development.
Key Takeaways
- WordPress’s larger ecosystem provides better long-term support than Joomla’s declining market share
- Pre-migration planning, including content audits and hosting selection, prevents data loss and downtime
- The FG Joomla to WordPress plugin automates most content transfer but requires manual verification
- Finding WordPress plugin equivalents for Joomla extensions requires research and testing
- Post-migration monitoring catches issues before they impact users or search rankings
FAQs
Does Anyone Use Joomla Anymore?
Yes, approximately 2% of all websites still use Joomla, down from over 9% in 2013. The platform maintains an active community but has lost significant market share to WordPress and other modern CMS options.
Is WordPress Better Than Joomla?
WordPress is better for most users due to its easier learning curve, larger plugin selection, and stronger community support. Joomla offers advantages for complex multi-language sites but requires more technical expertise to manage effectively.
Can I Transfer My Existing Website to WordPress?
Yes, you can transfer any website to WordPress regardless of the current platform. The process involves exporting content from your existing CMS, importing it to WordPress, and rebuilding features using WordPress plugins or custom development.
Is Joomla Still Relevant in 2026?
Joomla remains functional but less relevant than competing platforms. Its market share continues declining as developers and agencies migrate to WordPress, making it harder to find support, extensions, and modern themes for Joomla sites.
What Are the Disadvantages of Joomla?
Joomla’s main disadvantages include a steeper learning curve, smaller extension marketplace, declining developer community, and fewer modern themes. These limitations make content management and customization more difficult compared to WordPress or other contemporary platforms.
Is Joomla SEO Friendly?
Joomla can be SEO friendly but requires more configuration than WordPress. Built-in SEO features are basic, and achieving optimal results often requires extensions and technical knowledge that WordPress handles more intuitively through plugins like Yoast.
Which Is Better, Joomla or Drupal?
Drupal is better for enterprise applications requiring complex permissions and custom content types. Joomla sits between WordPress and Drupal in complexity, making it suitable for mid-sized sites but less ideal than either alternative for most projects.
What Companies Use Joomla?
Organizations using Joomla include Harvard University, Linux.com, The Hill newspaper, and various government agencies. However, many large organizations have migrated to WordPress or Drupal as Joomla’s market share has declined over the past decade.
What Is the Old Name of Joomla?
Joomla was originally called Mambo before the development team forked the project in 2005. The name “Joomla” derives from a Swahili word meaning “all together,” reflecting the platform’s community-driven development approach.
How Much Does Joomla Cost?
Joomla is free, open-source software with no licensing fees. However, costs include hosting ($3-100+ monthly), premium templates ($30-100), paid extensions ($20-200 each), and development services ($50-150+ hourly) for customization and maintenance.
