The benefits of migrating to WordPress from Drupal 7: Act now

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and businesses need to adapt their websites to keep up with security standards, user expectations, and functionality. With support for this widely used version is coming to an end in the next few months, the urgency to transition for those still using Drupal 7 has never been higher.

Want to learn more about why migrating from Drupal 7 to WordPress can be a strategic move and why staying on an outdated version of Drupal is risky? Read on!

The impending end-of-life for Drupal 7

Drupal 7 has been a popular choice among developers and organizations for over a decade. However, as with any software, there comes a point when support must end to focus on newer versions. The official end-of-life (EOL) for Drupal 7 is set for January 5, 2025, marking a pivotal change for those who haven’t already upgraded or migrated.

You can see Drupal 7’s rise and eventual fall over the last decade below. As you’ll recognise, Drupal 7 (red) was THE version until more recently, but it’s also worth recognising that no other single version has risen to take the top spot. What was one has now fragmented into many, and from the overall downward trend we think that spells disaster for the next decade.

Drupal Usage

With the end of support:

  • No more security updates: Drupal 7 will no longer receive security patches or updates, leaving sites highly vulnerable to cyber-attacks and data breaches.
  • Outdated technology: Without updates, core technologies and modules will gradually become obsolete, impacting both performance and compatibility with modern web standards.
  • Limited community support: While Drupal’s community is known for being active and helpful, most contributors and developers will shift their focus to supporting newer versions, making assistance for Drupal 7 increasingly scarce.

Why staying on an outdated version of Drupal (or any CMS) is dangerous

Running a website on an unsupported version of Drupal introduces significant risks:

  • Increased security vulnerabilities: Cyber attackers are always on the lookout for outdated software, which becomes an easy target once support ends. Without security patches, your site becomes an attractive entry point for hackers, leading to potential data breaches, defacement, or even complete site takeovers.
  • Compliance issues: Websites often need to meet various security and data protection standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA). Using unsupported software can put organizations at risk of non-compliance, leading to legal and financial repercussions.
  • Reduced performance: Over time, compatibility issues with hosting platforms, server software, and other integrations will cause performance lags and broken functionalities.
  • Diminished trust: Visitors expect fast, secure, and reliable websites. Operating on an outdated platform can damage user trust and result in higher bounce rates.

Why WordPress is a strong alternative

Migrating to WordPress is an excellent solution for those looking for stability, user-friendliness, and flexibility. And crucially, with WordPress there’s just one version – the latest. You don’t have to worry that your installation reaches end-of-life like Drupal 7, you just keep your WordPress install patched and up-to-date over time. Aside from this, here’s why we think making the switch makes sense:

1. User-friendly interface WordPress is renowned for its intuitive user interface, which makes content management simple even for non-technical users. While Drupal offers powerful capabilities, it comes with a steeper learning curve. By moving to WordPress, organizations can empower a wider range of team members to manage content without specialized technical skills.

2. Extensive plugin ecosystem WordPress boasts over 60,000 plugins that cater to nearly any functionality a site could need, from SEO and analytics to e-commerce and social sharing. Drupal’s module system is robust, but WordPress offers more options that are often easier to install and configure.

3. Strong security measures While any CMS can face security challenges, WordPress has significantly improved its security architecture over the years. The key to maintaining a secure WordPress site lies in choosing reputable plugins, keeping software up-to-date, and leveraging security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri.

4. SEO-friendly features Out of the box, WordPress is structured to facilitate effective SEO. Built-in features like permalinks, title tags, and various SEO-focused plugins such as Yoast SEO allow even non-experts to optimize their site for better search engine visibility.

5. Scalability and customization WordPress isn’t just for small blogs; it powers some of the world’s biggest and busiest sites. With its extensive theme library and customizable nature, businesses can create unique, scalable websites that align with their branding and operational needs.

6. Active and supportive community WordPress has a massive, engaged community ready to offer assistance through forums, blogs, tutorials, and social media channels. This collective knowledge ensures that users can find solutions quickly, unlike what may become a dwindling pool of support for Drupal 7.

How do you migrate from Drupal 7 to WordPress?

Migrating from Drupal 7 to WordPress involves a few critical steps to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Plan the migration Create an inventory of existing content, user roles, and any custom features or functionality in your Drupal 7 site. This will help you determine what needs to be replicated or adjusted on WordPress.

2. Choose the right tools There are migration plugins and tools available to facilitate the move. Some popular options include the FG Drupal to WordPress plugin, which simplifies the data migration process.

3. Map your content Ensure that all content types, taxonomies, and metadata are properly mapped during the migration process so that the new WordPress site maintains its structure.

4. Test and optimize After migration, thoroughly test your new site for broken links, missing images, and layout inconsistencies. Use this opportunity to optimize performance and SEO settings.

5. Secure your site Implement security best practices, including SSL certificates, firewalls, and regular updates to keep your WordPress site safe.

We can help!

Migrating from Drupal 7 to WordPress is not just a smart move; it’s essential for ensuring the security, functionality, and growth of your online presence.

At Luminate, we specialize in making this transition seamless and stress-free. Our team of experts can manage every step of the migration process, from content mapping and data transfer to custom design and development tailored to your brand’s needs.

If you’re looking to build a completely new site, Luminate can also craft a modern, fully optimized WordPress site from the ground up. Whether you need to migrate existing content or start fresh with a custom build, our comprehensive services ensure your website is future-proof, secure, and ready to grow with your business.

Let us help you take the next step toward a more robust and user-friendly digital platform. Reach out today to learn how we can guide you through this essential upgrade.