Was your site built using Drupal 7? If so, you’re hopefully aware that its end-of-life is not too far off… January 5, 2025 – to be exact. What does this mean for sites using Drupal 7? You basically have 2 options – upgrade to a newer version of Drupal or migrate your site to another content management system.
Sound stressful? Don’t think of it as another task on your ever-growing to-do list – think of it as an opportunity to reimagine your website’s performance, design, and user experience. Here’s why we think moving to WordPress is a smart choice – and how it might save you time, effort, and resources.
The Hidden Costs of Staying with Drupal
Upgrading your site from Drupal 7 to newer versions like Drupal 9 or 10 is not just a simple update — it’s a site rebuild. Why? Drupal’s complex architecture and outdated modules make upgrading to newer versions time-consuming and technical. It’s not just about updating software — it’s about overhauling the entire structure of your site.
- Module and Theme Compatibility: Many of the modules and themes designed for Drupal 7 are no longer supported or compatible with newer versions.
- Custom Code: If your site uses custom code, upgrading might require rewriting or reworking parts of that code to fit the new version.
- Content Migration Is Complex: Moving all of your content, especially large amounts of content, is an intricate task.
- Cost and Time Required: Upgrading to a newer version of Drupal could take more time and cost more money than you anticipate.
While upgrading to the latest version of Drupal is certainly an option, it’s often easier, faster, and more cost-effective to switch to WordPress.
Why WordPress Is the Upgrade Your Website Deserves
While Drupal has its strengths, WordPress has long been one of the most popular website platforms for businesses of all sizes – and, in our humble opinion, for good reason. Here’s why switching makes sense:
1. User-Friendly Interface
WordPress is known for its intuitive, user-friendly interface. Don’t have technical expertise to manage your content? There’s no need… Add new posts, update pages, and manage media all from a single, easy-to-navigate dashboard.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
Migrating to WordPress can often be more affordable than upgrading to the latest version of Drupal. Since WordPress is open-source, you can keep costs down on both development and maintenance while still getting a powerful, feature-rich site.
3. More Flexibility, Less Complexity
WordPress offers the perfect balance between flexibility and ease of use. Whether you’re running a small business blog or a robust e-commerce store, WordPress can accommodate your needs without the steep learning curve associated with Drupal.
4. Better SEO Features
WordPress offers built-in tools and plugins (like RankMath) that make it easier to optimize your content for search engines. With Drupal, the process of improving SEO can be more technical and requires additional modules and configurations.
5. Security Updates and Support
With regular updates and a massive community of developers, WordPress ensures your site is secure and supported. Once Drupal 7’s official support ends, security updates will become harder to come by, leaving your site more vulnerable.
Is WordPress Your Perfect Match?
We may be a little biased when it comes to determining if WordPress is the best fit for your business. So here are some things to consider when deciding if it’s the best fit for your new site. WordPress is an excellent choice for:
- Organizations seeking a cost-effective and user-friendly platform.
- Businesses looking for flexible design and functionality that doesn’t come with a hefty development price tag every time you’re ready to add a feature or functionality.
- Site owners prioritizing ease of maintenance and seamless updates.
For most Drupal 7 users, WordPress provides the opportunity to simplify site management while modernizing their web presence.
Ready for a Smooth Transition to WordPress? We’ll Do the Heavy Lifting.
The clock is ticking on Drupal 7’s official support, and the longer you wait to upgrade, the more vulnerable your site becomes. Let us help you make the transition to WordPress now and ensure your site is future-proof, secure, and easier to manage.
Ready to make the switch? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you migrate from Drupal 7 to WordPress smoothly, securely, and efficiently.