Content management systems are applications that allow you to create content, edit the content, and publish it all in one place. They also allow multiple people to contribute at one time.
The content is stored in a way that is similar to a database, but it is presented in line with a template and custom design to make a website.
If you are looking for a content management system, then you will most likely be considering WordPress and Joomla.
Both of these content management systems are very popular and have been established for at least a decade. They are both open-source content management systems that are self-hosted.
But which one is better? What are the similarities between the two? And which one should you choose?
We have put together this useful guide to help you decide whether WordPress or Joomla will best suit your needs. Keep reading to find out more about the two content management systems.
What Is A Content Management System?
A CMS (Content Management System) is an application that allows you to add, modify, and delete content on a website.
It is usually used to manage static pages such as blog posts, articles, and web pages. Some content management systems can even be used to build eCommerce websites.
A CMS is different from other types of software because it does not require any programming knowledge. This means that anyone can use it without having to learn how to code.
You do need some technical skills though. For example, if you want to change the look of your website, you will need to know HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
If you don’t know anything about coding, then you may struggle to get started.
But there are many benefits to using a CMS over building a website manually. The main benefits are:
Cost- There is no need to hire developers to build a website for you, so you will be able to save money.
Simple – Content management systems are easy to use, update, and maintain. You can add new features, create new pages or edit old ones, and change the layout whenever you want to.
Versatile – Content management systems are more flexible than traditional websites, with lots of custom options available.
Secure – Many people find that using a CMS is more secure than using a traditional website, giving them peace of mind.
Open Source – There are options for templates and upgrades that cost money, but most features of a CMS are usually free because the source code is freely available.
What Is WordPress?
WordPress is a content management system that was first released in 2003. Since its release, it has become one of the most popular CMSs in the world.
It is currently owned by Automattic, which provides support, hosting, and training for WordPress.
WordPress is based on PHP and MySQL, making it compatible with almost every server.
In addition, WordPress is completely customizable, meaning that you can change everything about it.
This makes it perfect for creating unique websites.
The popularity of WordPress comes from its ease of use and flexibility. It is also highly scalable, meaning that you can easily increase the number of visitors to your site.
There are many reasons why you might want to consider using WordPress instead of another CMS. Here are just a few:
Easy to Use – WordPress is very user-friendly and intuitive. You can quickly set up a basic website and start adding content.
Scalable – As mentioned above, WordPress is highly scalable, allowing you to expand your audience at any time.
Ease Of Maintenance – Because WordPress is open-source, you can always access the source code and make changes yourself. This gives you complete control over your website.
Free Support – WordPress offers free support through its forums and documentation. They also offer premium services, which include helpdesk tickets, phone support, and live chat.
Security – WordPress uses a security framework called WordFence that helps protect against common attacks like SQL injection and XSS.
What Is Joomla?
Joomla! is an open-source CMS developed by Joomla! Ltd. It was created as a way to share information between users.
Today, it is used all around the world for both personal and commercial purposes.
Joomla! is written in PHP and MySQL, making this platform compatible with almost every server out there.
As well as being open-source, Joomla! is also very customizable, meaning that you have full control over how your website looks and functions.
The popularity of Joomla! comes from its versatility and scalability.
It is also extremely reliable and stable, meaning that you will rarely experience problems when running a Joomla! powered website.
There are several reasons why you might want to choose Joomla! over other CMSs. Here are some of the main ones:
Easy To Set Up – Joomla! is easy to set up. All you need is a web host that supports PHP and MySQL databases. Once you’ve done that, installing Joomla! is as simple as uploading a zip file.
Scalable – As mentioned before, Joomla! scales incredibly well. If you ever find that your website starts to grow too large, simply add more extensions or modules to keep things under control.
Reliable – Joomla! has been tested extensively and proven to be rock solid. There are no known vulnerabilities within the core of the software.
Security – The same security framework that protects Joomla! also ensures that your data remains safe. Your files are encrypted and stored securely on your server.
Which Is Better – WordPress Or Joomla?
Now that you understand more about each content management system, how do you decide which one is best?
WordPress is a more established system as it has been around for a few years longer and has a larger market share.
It has a choice of over 5000 free themes and over 54,000 free plugins to use which allows you to create a unique website that meets all of your needs.
Joomla has around 8000 extensions but the exact number of templates is not known.
WordPress is very easy to use – you can get a basic website up and running within a few hours.
Even if you have very little experience with content management, you can watch a few tutorial videos and quickly become familiar with how to get started on WordPress.
Once you become more confident, there are a lot of more technical things you can do to make your website stand out and function well.
Joomla requires a bit more effort and dedication to get to grips with.
The basics are fairly easy to grasp, but if you want anything more interesting then you will need to do your research and spend some time getting to grips with the system to create a good website.
Both content management systems are equally secure as long as they are kept updated.
If you fall behind on your updates then you are leaving your website open to being hacked. Joomla sites are particularly vulnerable to this, though it does affect both systems.
Whilst both systems are open-source, Joomla requires a monthly payment whereas WordPress does not.
This is in part due to the large community of web developers that use WordPress and offer their help and assistance on community forums etc.
Joomla does not have the same level of client base, so needs funding from its customers to pay for the technical support that they provide.
However, you will need to do your research in terms of what you intend to create with the content management system.
Not all of the features on WordPress are free, so it could end up costing you more in the long run.
When it comes to search engine optimization, both systems perform well.
WordPress is perhaps easier to get to grips with in terms of SEO functionality, as there are some simple plug-ins available that make it very simple to achieve great results.
Joomla takes a bit more effort, but if you are willing to put some time into SEO then you will certainly reap the benefits.
It seems there is no straightforward answer as to which content management system is best- it depends on what your individual needs are. They are both highly rated and have some excellent features.
Summary – Which One Should You Choose?
If you are struggling to choose between the two content management systems, then you need to consider your experience level and your needs.
WordPress is much better for beginners or people with limited experience in website building and content management.
It is simple to use yet produces excellent results. There is the option for more complex elements if you feel comfortable experimenting with them.
If you are already experienced in content management systems and you have complex requirements then perhaps Joomla would be more suitable.
It is not as easy to operate, but you have endless options open to you in terms of what the content management system is capable of.
Whichever system you choose, you will not be disappointed. Both WordPress and Joomla are market-leading content management systems.
Hello, my name is Matthew Jacobs and I have made a living on various blogs and websites. But, trust me, I haven’t always been able to say that with such confidence.
Hopefully this website can teach others and help you in getting your blog out there, capitalizing on it as much as you can, and can serve as the kind of resource I wish I had had. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and make a name for yourself!
