WordPress & Drupal are content management systems (CMS), implements which allow individuals and companies to design and manage their websites. Both have excellent qualities, but are in constant competition to be the primary holder of the consumers’ affections. The management systems, even though released a couple of years apart, continue to battle for the top position.
One of the best points about Drupal is its ability to be “everything to everyone”, effectively making itself useable by anyone for most any CMS need. The more known and popular WordPress, while enjoying the limelight of being downloaded nearly 150 million times, consists of strengths all its own. Both CMS programs have their own strong points, the option you choose is going to depend on the individual needs and desires of your organization or company. There are a few points which differ between the two, ranging from easy of use to the availability of themes and colors in design; there are other points which differ as well, so before you make a decision regarding which of the two, WordPress or Drupal, would be best for your needs be sure to do your homework extensively. The question is, how does one determine the best CMS for the needs of their business? If you want only the best management system for your needs you must first determine the needs of the website you have. You will also want to consider any needs that may arise in the future of your website, determining of those potential requirements can be met by either of the management systems above. Below we will discuss both content management systems, thereby assisting you in making a determination regarding the best CMS for your business and its needs.
Is your company concerned about what a CMS may cost?
When it comes to things like plug-ins and other extras, going with Drupal can really end up costing more. WordPress does not require the purchase of most of additional plug-ins to provide you with the capabilities you need. Drupal, on the other hand, provides none of the most needed plug-ins for free. Drupal’s plug-ins, called “modules” with this CMS, are the main asset of the management system, making it a preferred choice, but the problem is the fact that the consumer has no ability to use most of them without paying for.
Another problem which poses itself when using Drupal is the fact that no varieties of themes are offered. This fact alone puts the user in the position to need help with personalization of the sight, which requires the hiring of a professional, and this can be a very costly hire.
If you opt not to hire assistance, it will cost you about the same just taking the time to learn how to operate everything available.
Drupal is a difficult system to manage. It takes a lot of time and effort to learn and operate, and plenty of trial and error to perfect. It can safely be said, regardless, that the end result makes the trouble all worthwhile.
Are you worried the CMS you purchase will be hard to use ?
WordPress is not only very easy to learn, it is even easier to use, and WordPress makes an extensive amount of plug-ins available to the user, making it easy to personalize or make appropriate changes whenever needed because of all the options available. Designed with a comprehension of CSS and HTML and all of the other extras needed to make your site exactly what it needs to be, WordPress has remained one of the simplest CMS programs available to the business world for website building and maintenance. It is its ease of use and more than ample provision of extras which has made it the program of choice.
Are you in need of a CMS your developer can really work with ?
Drupal is designed for use by developers, and is very easy for the skilled developer to use. If you are working with a developer Drupal is your best option because the things your developer can do to provide you with what you want and need are limitless; they can even implement their own creativity and fresh ideas! Keep in mind the fact that the layman is still going to experience trouble using Drupal, as it is simply engineered in a manner which is easier for a professional developer to use.
Are your website needs SEO focused ?
Both content management systems are exceptional when it comes to search engine optimization capabilities. Depending on the way you are going to be building and maintaining your website, as well as the other needs you have in this arena, you could safely go with either Drupal or WordPress for premium SEO options.
Do you need something with flexibility?
Drupal has a solid reputation for providing companies with the ability to create mind-blowing sites, but it can also handle the small, simple stuff quickly and efficiently. If your site is being created for the purpose of listing products or calendar events, or if you are using it for blogging or posting articles, Drupal will do the job just the way you want it done. WordPress can give you everything you need if you require simple designs, storefront options, portfolio displays, or blog-spots, but in the end it simply doesn’t hold a candle to Drupal if you are trying to impress.
Can the CMS handle a lot of content?
Having quality content on your website is essential to SEO purposes and getting the attention you desire. If your company is content and SEO focused Drupal is going to be your best choice. It handles large amounts of content with great ease.
Do you need great design?
As we touched base on earlier, WordPress comes ready with an abundance of plug-ins and accessories which allow you to provide yourself with an attractive and affordable website which you can maintain and update yourself. Drupal has the capability to make your site perfect for your needs and desires, but can be costly. Consider the needs of your organization and the budget you have available to you for this purpose, and make your decision accordingly.
Is your company enterprise based?
If the organization you are focusing on is an enterprise, Drupal is your go-to choice. It will easily handle every aspect of your website and allow it to be tailored perfectly for your needs. Because you can afford it, you should go no other direction when choosing a CMS.
Will a lot of people in the company contribute to the site ?
If so, WordPress is going to be your best bet, handling multiple authors and contributors with ease, particularly if your business is not too large in size. You want to have a CMS that is easy to understand and use for everyone who will need to use it.
What about security ?
The fact is, WordPress may not be your best option if you are focused on security. Because there are so many uses of this product, security issues are inevitable. If you want to ensure you are getting the best, most secure site possible Drupal is the CMS of choice, as they not only generate security reports for those who use it, but they cover all of your security bases above and beyond expectations. If you decide you still want to use WordPress for any reason you should remember that it is not compatible with a variety of plug-ins, and you are taking a risk. Check into your best security option for both by conducting thorough research.
If you want to have a website that is effective in its purpose, Drupal and WordPress, while competitors, are two great options. Be sure to take the needs of your business into consideration before choosing a CMS, and make sure it meets all of those needs. Make your site all it can be today!