WordPress has a 43% share of all websites worldwide, compared to Joomla's 2%. This large gap in their shares has led many site users to consider moving to WordPress.
The move from Joomla to WordPress is an apparent improvement. WordPress has a more straightforward layout and is equipped with various plugins and better SEO tools. The platform's variety makes it the best choice for both newbies and pros when making beautiful websites.
This guide will help you move your Joomla site to WordPress without data loss. We will go through every step of the process to ensure that your site's data, style, and functions will stay the same as before the process.
How to Convert Your Joomla Site to WordPress
1. Things to Do Before Moving
Back up your Joomla site completely before starting any move. What you need to do is:
Create a Full File Backup
Save all server files, including Joomla core files, themes, plugins, and media. Use Akeeba Backup for regular backups, or move files directly through FTP.
Export Your Database
Export your database through phpMyAdmin to back up all your content, including articles, user info, and groups. Make sure to include all SQL tables.
Store Backups Safely
Keep your saves in two places — on your computer and in cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox. This saves your info if one backup fails.
Test Your Backups
Test your files in a test setting to prove that they work. This ensures that you can restart your site if needed.
Set Up WordPress
Pick a trusted WordPress server with good help and speed
Install a fresh copy of WordPress
Check your server settings match WordPress needs
Set up proper RAM limits and caching
These steps ensure an easy transfer process, whether going from Joomla or trying to migrate from Drupal to WordPress.
2. Ways to Move Your Site
There are two main ways to move your site: using an automatic tool or doing it directly. Let's explore the automatic choice of using the FG Joomla to WordPress script.
To start, add the plugin through your WordPress dashboard. Go to Plugins, click Add New, search for "FG Joomla to WordPress," and start it after installation. Take pictures of this process to help with fixing it later.
Next, you'll need your Joomla database details. Find your configuration.php file through FTP or your server manager. Look for your database host, name, login, password, and table title. Enter this information carefully in the plugin settings.
The tool helps you match your content layout between platforms. Before starting, plan how you want your groups, users, and other content grouped in WordPress.
The tool moves your articles, modules, and video files during the download. It also updates internal links to work with your new WordPress layout.
Manual transfer offers more control for skilled users who are comfortable with databases but require technical knowledge of SQL and custom tools.
3. After Migration Cleanup
After moving your content to WordPress, you must fix a few things to ensure everything works perfectly.
First, set up your website links properly. Go to your WordPress settings and change how your page names look. Make them match your old Joomla links to keep your search scores and prevent mistakes. For example, if your old links used groups, set up WordPress to do the same.
Next, check for broken links. Use a tool like Broken Link Checker to find dead links from your old site. Then, a reroute tool will send people from old addresses to new ones. This keeps both users and search engines happy.
Finally, make sure all user accounts work properly. Test that everyone can log in with their usernames and passwords. If there are login problems, you might need to ask people to change their passwords. Check that people have the right permissions and can access everything they need.
Take time with these steps — they're crucial for a smooth move to your new WordPress site.
4. Make Your WordPress Site Better
The right apps make your WordPress site work better and keep it safe. Here are the essential tools you need:
For SEO: Install Yoast SEO or Rank Math to improve your search results. These tools help you write better content and handle how your site shows in search results.
For Security: Add Wordfence or Sucuri to protect your page from hackers and malware. These apps check for risks and keep your site safe.
For Speed: Use WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache to make your pages load faster. They save copies of your pages and lower server load.
For Images: Try Imagify to lower picture sizes without losing quality. This helps your pages load faster.
Choose a style that matches your brand and works well on all devices. Page makers like Elementor help you create unique styles without code.
5. Final Setup and Website Launch
Prior to the start of your new site, ensure all features are appropriately tested:
Check All Functions
Verify every page, form, and engaging function manually. Ensure the contact forms, search boxes, and special features work properly.
Run Technical Checks
Opt for website scanning tools like the Screaming Frog to search for broken links, missing tags, and similar content. This method helps you find secret problems.
Test on All Devices
Observe the website you made from different browsers and devices to ensure compatibility.
Launch Steps:
Update your domain's DNS records to the new WordPress hosting
Schedule traffic-light times to be less sensitive to the loss of speed when moving
Limit the time for DNS changes to 48 hours
After Launch:
Follow the growth of the site using Google Analytics and Search Console
Inspect the speed of the site through tools like GTmetrix very often
Conduct a user feedback poll to understand what needs to be changed on the site
Keep up with normal backups and plan security checks
Monitor these areas closely to keep a healthy, successful website.
Conclusion
Moving from Joomla to WordPress allows your website to grow in different ways. These steps must be followed in order; first, you need to back up all your data, then pick the correct transfer method, and finally, you should test everything after the move.
By using the power of WordPress site building with plugins, themes, and a good community, you can move your growth rate even higher. Thus, your website can safely deal with an online store or a club area, for example. So, begin your WordPress journey and build your website without marketing.