Migration from Joomla to WordPress: 12 Easy Steps

Well, if you are running a Joomla site, after some time, you will definitely find it to be very difficult to manage. The high learning curve and limited available plugins make it much tougher to customize ideas on this platform. Therefore, site management slows down over time, consequently degrading user experience.

If these problems persist, maintenance costs could increase, security vulnerabilities might arise, and general flexibility might decrease. The use of Joomla makes scaling your website difficult. The lack of optimization on-site structure and performance could affect SEO rankings. So, what is the solution? A WordPress migration.

In this blog, we’ll understand why you should migrate from Joomla to WordPress. We’ll learn how to migrate from Joomla to WordPress. Plus, we’ll dive into the tasks a professional WordPress development service provider carries out after the migration is completed. So, let’s get started!

What to do Before Migrating from Joomla to WordPress?

A proper preparation is necessary to ensure that Joomla is successfully transferred to WordPress. Here are some Important steps to be carried out before completing the migration process:

1. Backup Your Joomla Website

Back up your complete Joomla site before any modifying alterations. This means all files, databases, and configurations lose data in case some would go wrong. You can use backup tools like Akeeba Backup or even manually download files through FTP.

2. Set Up a WordPress Installation

Creating a fresh WordPress installation on your hosting account is the first step, and you should do this before migration. In fact, one-click WordPress installation is not absent in almost all hosting accounts. Update your WordPress version to the latest for maximum compatibility.

3. Choose a Migration Method

Decide whether to manually migrate or to utilize an automated migration tool. Manual migrations are time consuming and technical, whereas plugins like FG Joomla to WordPress make the process much simpler. The right method saves time and prevents errors.

4. Analyze Your Joomla Website Structure

Check the content of your Joomla website, review its menus, categories, and URL structure. This ensures that you will find internal unused pages or old content that will help in efficiently migrating your pages. It would help also, in correctly mapping the critical pages into WordPress.

5. Gather Joomla Database Credentials

You will need the database information for Joomla, specifically the name, username, password, and host for the database. These details are essential for  migration tools access and transfer data. This information can be found in the Joomla configuration.php file.

6. Plan for SEO and Redirects

SEO rankings can also be affected by Joomla and WordPress’ different URL structures. In planning any potential migration, set up 301 redirects to ensure that old Joomla URLs redirect to the correct WordPress pages. This ensures the preservation of WordPress SEO rankings as well as a smooth user experience.

7. Choose a WordPress Theme

Select a template that fits your Joomla site design or prepare for redesign. You may check WordPress for thousands of free and premium themes that you could further customize for your site. Make sure that the theme you choose is responsive design template and speed optimized.

8. Setup Staging Environment

Create a staging environment if possible. Use it to test the migration first. This helps find issues early. You can fix problems before going live. A staging site ensures a smoother transition. It reduces potential downtime.

With these steps stated, downtime is minimized, data is not lost, and the Joomla to WordPress migration is easy.

How to Migrate from Joomla to WordPress?

Migrating from Joomla to WordPress involves a series of steps to ensure a smooth transition. By following the below mentioned steps you can move your website while preserving its content and functionality.

1. Set Up a WordPress Environment

Prior to beginning the migration, it is necessary to have a WordPress environment in place; that includes picking a hosting provider and installing WordPress.

Step 1: Choose an excellent hosting that does WordPress installations.

Step 2: Register a domain name if you haven’t already done so.

Step 3: Use that host’s tools to put WordPress up onto your server.

Step 4: Start configuring site title, permalink structure, and everything else that determines how WordPress is set up for your site.

Step 5: Check that WordPress is operating well because having a WordPress installation, which is smooth and functional, is conducive to migration.

Having a functional WordPress setup is required for a smooth migration process.

2. Backup Your Joomla Site

Coming up with a complete backup of your Joomla site means you can always restore the site in case something goes wrong during the migration.

Step 1: One should install a backup extension like Akeeba Backup, so as to have a complete backup of the site.

Step 2: Save the backup file to the local computer or cloud location for security reasons.

Step 3: Access phpMyAdmin via the hosting control panel and export the Joomla database as an SQL file.

Step 4: Manually download all images and media from the media folder of your Joomla site.

Step 5: Enumerate all of your essential Joomla page URLs, so that they may be redirected once migration occurs.

Step 6: Double-check that the backup contains all necessary files and database tables.

A full backup ensures you can restore your Joomla site if anything goes wrong.

3. Install the FG Joomla to WordPress Plugin

To simplify migration, use the FG Joomla to WordPress plugin, which automates content transfer.

Step 1: Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.

Step 2: Navigate to Plugins and click on Add New.

Step 3: Search for FG Joomla to WordPress in the plugin repository.

Step 4: Click Install Now next to install the plugin.

Step 5: After installation, click Activate to enable the plugin.

With this plugin installed, you’re ready to start the content migration.

4. Retrieve Joomla Database Parameters

To import content, you’ll need specific details from your Joomla database.

Step 1: In the Joomla dashboard, navigate to System > Global Configuration.

Step 2: Click on the Server tab to check the server settings.

Step 3: Find the database settings.

Step 4: Take note of the type of database, host, name of the database, username, and password. 

Step 5: Make sure those details are correct, as they will be used in the course of import.

Accurate database information is crucial for a successful content import.

5. Import Joomla Content into WordPress

With the necessary details at hand, you can now proceed to import your Joomla content.

Step 1: In WordPress, navigate to Tools > Import > Joomla (FG).

Step 2: Enter the Joomla database parameters you retrieved earlier.

Step 3: Test the database connection. Make sure it’s working.

Step 4: Select the Joomla content you wish to import (e.g., introtext, posts, categories).

Step 5: Once completed, click on Save setting and then Start/Resume the import.

Your Joomla content should now be present within your WordPress site.

6. Modify Internal Links and Media Paths

Adjusting internal links and media paths ensures that all content functions correctly in WordPress.

Step 1: Within the FG Joomla to WordPress plugin settings, locate the option to modify internal links.

Step 2: Execute the link modification process to update URLs.

Step 3: Check the media files for correct linking.

Step 4: Manually adjust any links or media paths that were not automatically updated.

Step 5: Check a sample of pages and posts to verify that links and media are correctly displayed.

Properly functioning links and media enhance user experience on your new site.

7. Choose and Install a WordPress Theme

Select an appropriate WordPress theme and install it. A theme is vital for the appearance and functionality of your WordPress site.

Step 1: Navigate to Appearance > Themes in your WordPress dashboard.

Step 2: Click Add New Theme to browse available themes.

Step 3: Use filters to find a theme that matches your site’s niche and design preferences.

Step 4: Preview potential themes to see how they’d look on your site.

Step 5: Click Install and then Activate your chosen theme.

Step 6: Customize the theme settings under Appearance > Customize.

A well-chosen theme enhances both aesthetics and usability.

8. Install Essential WordPress Plugins

Plugins extend the functionality of WordPress, ensuring your site runs smoothly.

Step 1: Navigate to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard.

Step 2: Search for essential plugins like SEO, security, caching, and backups.

Step 3: Install plugins such as Yoast SEO, WPForms, and Wordfence Security.

Step 4: Activate each plugin after installation.

Step 5: Configure plugin settings to optimize functionality.

With these plugins installed, your WordPress site will be secure, fast, and SEO-friendly.

9. Configure WordPress Menus and Widgets

Setting up menus and widgets ensures your site is user-friendly and well-structured.

Step 1: Go to Appearance > Menus in your WordPress dashboard.

Step 2: Create a new menu and assign it to a display location.

Step 3: Add pages, categories, and custom links to the menu.

Step 4: Save the menu and check its appearance on the site.

Step 5: For widgets, go to Appearance > Widgets and add elements to the main sidebar or footer.

A well-structured menu enhances navigation and user experience.

10. Set Up SEO and Permalinks

Optimizing SEO and permalinks improves search engine rankings and user experience.

Step 1: Navigate to Settings > Permalinks.

Step 2: Select the Post name structure for cleaner URLs.

Step 3: Install and configure an SEO plugin like Rank Math.

Step 4: Set up XML sitemaps and meta descriptions.

Step 5: Submit your site to Google Search Console for indexing.

SEO optimization ensures your WordPress site ranks well on search engines.

11. Test Your Website and Fix Issues

Before launching, test your website to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Step 1: Check all pages and posts for formatting errors or missing content.

Step 2: Test internal links, menus, and media files.

Step 3: Ensure that contact forms and comment sections work properly.

Step 4: Run speed tests using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights.

Step 5: Check mobile responsiveness and browser compatibility.

Thorough testing ensures a smooth user experience before launch.

12. Launch Your New WordPress Site

Once testing is complete, it’s time to make your site live.

Step 1: Point your domain name to the new WordPress hosting.

Step 2: Perform a final backup before making the switch.

Step 3: Monitor site performance and fix any issues if found.

Once everything is checked your WordPress site will be live.

Following these steps will allow for a smooth transition from Joomla to WordPress, with the least disruption to your site’s structure and SEO value.

If you find the process of migrating a Joomla website confusing, consult with our WordPress development company, and we will undertake the migration from Joomla to WordPress with a view toward maximum uptime for your website.

Things to do After Joomla to WordPress Migration

Once your website is successfully moved from Joomla to WordPress, it requires a variety of post-migration checks. Here is your checklist:

Set Up Permalink Structure

To set up user-friendly and SEO-optimized URLs in WordPress, this is how you configure your permalinks: Go to your WordPress dashboard and click on Settings > Permalinks. Choose the type of URL structure you want; for instance, ‘Post name’.

Check for Broken Links

After the migration, some internal links could be broken. Using plugins such as Broken Link Checker will help identify any broken links and fix them to ensure that all internal navigation is working fine.

Set Up 301 Redirects

For search engine optimization rankings and enhanced user experience, implement 301 redirections from old URLs from Joomla to new URLs in WordPress. This ensures correct navigation and page alignment for both the visitors and search engine crawlers.

Submit Sitemap to Search Engines

Create a new XML sitemap and submit it to search engines such as Google and Bing. This will ensure the expedient indexing of your new WordPress website by search engines.

Monitor Site Performance

Monitoring website performance should be performed on a regular basis, using tools such as Google Analytics and Search Console. This will help to identify errors and provide feedback on user behavior and site metrics. 

By working on these post-migration tasks, you will make the transition from Joomla to WordPress smooth.

Why Migrate from Joomla to WordPress?

For website owners who want to add flexibility and functionality to their site, migrating to WordPress is a must. Following are the key advantages of the process of migration:

User-Friendly Interface

WordPress is simple and straightforward, being beginner-friendly in the management of content and resource. Joomla has a little steeper learning curve with more technical knowledge needed to customize it. WordPress just makes adding pages, posts and media easy even for non-technical users.

Better Customization and Flexibility

WordPress offers thousands of free and paid themes and plugins that can allow you to customize your site. That means you can pretty much customize your site without having to write complex coding. Joomla has fewer extensions, and configuration is often done manually.

Strong SEO Capabilities

WordPress is actually as SEO friendly as can be, which makes it easier to rank high in the search engines. With plugins like Yoast SEO and Rank Math, site owners can optimize content even better, making visibility high. Joomla, on the other hand, needs more work put into manual SEO, with not-so-powerful tools.

Easier Content Management

WordPress is a block-based editor that lets you build pages visually. Joomla, on the other hand, is technical and less forgiving for beginners. In terms of content creation, drag-and-drop builders like Elementor make it easier with WordPress.

More Affordable and Scalable

WordPress is a highly cost-effective solution, and its wide array of free plugins and themes is often better than Joomla. On the other hand, Joomla nearly always requires some custom development, meaning considerable expense. As your site would grow, WordPress would be surely far more scalable with advanced hosting options.

Regular Updates and Security

WordPress keeps getting updated for improving security and performance. Security plugins like Wordfence, Sucuri, etc., help even in further securing the site from threats. On the other hand, the updates in Joomla are not often and are generally implied for manual security settings.

Easy eCommerce Integration

WooCommerce is the leading plugin for online store creation in WordPress. It is extensible and thus easy to configure and manage as a shop. Compared to that Joomla’s VirtueMart is harder to use and features less.

Larger Community and Support

WordPress powers over 43% of all websites, which makes for a huge supportive community. There are endless forums, tutorials, and experts for troubleshooting. Joomla, however, has a smaller user base, making it more difficult to find resources and support.

If you want a more user-friendly, SEO-optimized, and flexible website, WordPress is one of the best options.

FAQs About Joomla to WordPress Migration

Let’s Summarize

Migrating from Joomla to WordPress may seem like a complex task, but with the right approach, it becomes simple. Before migrating your site, backing up your data and choosing the right migration method ensures content, media, and SEO rankings remain as it is.

After the migration, optimizing permalinks and checking internal links is required to create a fully functional WordPress website. Taking the time to change design and functionality with plugins and themes further enhances the user experience. A well-planned migration simplifies website management and enables you to build scalable web solutions.

If you want us to migrate your Joomla site to WordPress or need help with customization, get in touch with us today!