This is not the first time we discuss CMSs and the importance of choosing the right Content Management System that suits your needs. In fact, we already have two blogs on the subject: Top Things Final Users Check When Considering Their Next CMS and Factors to Keep in Mind When Implementing SEO in a CMS. We suggest you read them before diving into this one.
A CMS framework is the heart and soul of your online platform. Choosing the wrong one can prevent you from establishing a strong online presence that positively impacts your offline business. With many (and we mean many) different CMS options available, today, we will focus on the two biggest platforms: Drupal and WordPress.
Why Are CMS Frameworks So Important?
Before we dive into the specifics of these two platforms, let’s first understand why picking the right CMS is crucial. As mentioned earlier, a CMS is the core of your online platform, i.e., your website. It’s where you post and edit content for others to see—hopefully future clients!
A great CMS framework should:
- Be customizable: It should include all necessary features that allow you to personalize your website and the content you plan to publish.
- Be easy to update: Since CMS platforms often require updates to function correctly, the one you choose should allow for easy updates without disrupting your regular schedule.
- Offer strong security: We’ll dive deeper into this later, but know that any CMS should have robust security features to protect your website from hacking or malware.
- Adapt to Google’s algorithm: Your CMS is a crucial tool for implementing your SEO strategy. Without one that optimizes your content for Google’s algorithm, you may face significant challenges.
In short, CMS frameworks are essential because they allow us to build the web solutions we need, keeping our websites functional and helping us reach a broader audience.
Drupal vs. WordPress: Top Factors to Consider
When looking at statistics, WordPress and Drupal are the most popular CMSs available, with millions of users worldwide. In this comparison, we’ll evaluate these platforms based on four key aspects: Installation, Features, Support, and Security—factors you should consider when choosing your CMS.
1. Installation
Whether you’re an expert developer or a novice, everyone appreciates a CMS that’s easy to install. Both Drupal and WordPress offer straightforward installation processes, allowing you to set up your system within minutes.
- WordPress provides a quick and easy installation process. For those who prefer more control, there’s also an option for manual installation to customize the CMS from the start.
- Drupal also offers a simple installation process. You can download it directly from its official page, ensuring you get the framework from a secure source.
2. Features
Features determine how user-friendly and functional a CMS platform is. This is where WordPress and Drupal start to diverge.
- WordPress is known for its simplicity, offering just the right tools for beginners in an intuitive, user-friendly interface. It’s considered the perfect blogging platform because of how straightforward it is to post content.
- Drupal, on the other hand, provides a more comprehensive set of features, making it ideal for users who seek a more advanced online experience. While Drupal’s interface is still clean and usable, its added complexity allows for building more robust, multi-faceted websites beyond basic blogs.
3. Support
The importance of support depends on the type of website you want. If you’re looking to build a simple blog site, support might not be a top priority. However, if you need a well-structured website with multiple sections and pages, support becomes essential.
- Both WordPress and Drupal have active online communities where users share help and information.
- Additionally, both platforms offer official customer support, so you’ll always have access to assistance when needed.
4. Security
Security is crucial when choosing a CMS, as it safeguards your entire online platform from potential threats.
- WordPress released 21 updates in 2017, with 33% being security updates (Teach Advisory). However, these updates have sometimes caused issues like plugin incompatibility, slow page loads, and altered functionality. Despite increasing security updates since 2014 (Pronto Marketing), WordPress remains the CMS most affected by hacks, according to the Sucuri report.
- Drupal is known for its security, ranking as one of the most secure CMS platforms. Drupal’s security team constantly monitors and addresses vulnerabilities, fixing issues quickly and alerting users through its official site. Among the major CMSs (WordPress, Joomla, and Magento), Drupal has the lowest percentage of security incidents, with only 1.6% of websites affected compared to WordPress’s 83% and Joomla’s 13.1% (Sucuri report). This makes Drupal an excellent choice for those prioritizing security.
So, Which One is Best for Me?
If you’re looking for a simple experience and don’t need a full-fledged online platform, WordPress is a great option. However, if you want a customizable, secure, and versatile website, Drupal is the CMS framework for you. We guarantee it will provide a strong foundation for your online presence.
