Content management systems (CMS) have made website building extremely convenient. Gone are the days when you had to learn – and memorize! – HTML programming so that you can come up with a static bare-bones website.
In contrast, today’s generation of web developers in every skill level make use of CMS to focus less on the platform and more on functionality and web design.
Two of the biggest and most popular names in CMS are Drupal and WordPress. Today, let’s witness a head-on match of Drupal vs WordPress, as we compare these two CMS platforms and list down their strengths and weaknesses.
Ease of Installation
Before you even think of putting design elements and creating amazing content, check first if the web platform is easy to install on the first go. Never choose a CMS that requires a steep learning curve or extensive programming experience.
WordPress
This particular CMS boasts of its famous 5-minute installation process, which sounds quick but may need an above-average knowledge of MySQL, PHP, and access to the web hosting platform (such as cPanel).
Fortunately, most web hosting companies offer a one-click install feature that lets any user install WordPress in – yes, you guessed it – one click.
Drupal
If you think WordPress is already tough to install, Drupal may be one step more challenging. Looking at the installation instructions, you may think that it’s similar to WordPress. However, its installation script contains a number of sub-instructions that an average user may not be familiar with.
SEO
A lot of companies and website owners are fighting for the top spot in search engine results to this day, and that’s why SEO will always remain to be a priority. The platform needs to be SEO-friendly right out of the gate.
WordPress
Here’s where WordPress shines the brightest. Aside from using a relatively light code skeleton, it’s also compatible with SEO plugins such as WordPress SEO by Yoast and All-In-One SEO Pack. What’s more, improving your site’s SEO is easy with WordPress.
Drupal
Make no mistake: Although WordPress is popular in terms of SEO, Drupal’s own SEO map is also effective and easy to pull off. This platform allows the user to create an XML sitemap, boost site speed, and edit URL structures.
To make things easier to monitor, the user may check out the built-in Drupal SEO Checklist.
Security
No website is exempt from security breaches or online attacks, and the same goes with any CMS platform. That’s because most CMS are open-source, which opens itself up to potential threats as a result of the viewable code.
WordPress
Although casual users may not get into the backend due to the built-in admin interface, hackers know a lot better. A 2017 report by Sucuri discovered that 83 percent of infected websites run on WordPress, which may result from two things: the sheer number of people using this platform, or its low security strength.
Either way, WordPress users should keep up with security threats. There are a lot of plugins that boost site security, which may include changing default admin profiles or prohibiting access to sensitive pages.
Drupal
Drupal has had its share of cyber threats, the most notable of which was back in 2014. This massive incident prompted the CMS company to roll up its sleeves and strengthen its backend security.
As a result, Drupal has become one of the most secure CMS platforms available today.
Cost
For some users, it all boils down to how much they will be spending on the website platform.
Fortunately, this is not going to be a problem for both Drupal and WordPress. You can have a website up and ready even if you don’t shell out anything (save for web hosting and domain name). Of course, you can always enhance your website by buying premium themes and plugins if you want.
Drupal vs. WordPress: Which CMS Platform is Better?
There’s no clear cut answer to this question, because it will ultimately depend on your needs. In a nutshell, though, WordPress is great if you’re looking for a CMS that is easy to install and use. Meanwhile, choose Drupal if you need stronger security in your site.
