Migrating from Joomla to WordPress is a smart move for website owners seeking better flexibility, a wider range of themes and plugins, improved SEO features, and a more user-friendly content management experience. If you’re planning to switch platforms, this guide will walk you through the Joomla to WordPress migration process step by step—no guesswork, no hassle.
Why Move from Joomla to WordPress?
Here’s why WordPress outshines Joomla for many users:
- Ease of Use: WordPress has a simpler admin dashboard and content editor compared to Joomla’s more technical structure.
- Theme Options: Access thousands of free WordPress themes, including responsive WordPress themes for purchase.
- Plugin Ecosystem: WordPress supports 60,000+ plugins for SEO, performance, security, forms, and more.
- Better SEO Tools: WordPress provides advanced SEO plugins like Rank Math and Yoast, improving your site’s visibility.
- Customization Freedom: Build anything from a blog to an eCommerce store using premium multipurpose WordPress themes and custom WordPress themes.
How to Migrate from Joomla to WordPress
Step 1: Prepare WordPress Hosting and Install WordPress
- Choose a reliable host (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround, Hostinger).
- Install WordPress using their 1-click installer.
- Select a theme that matches or improves your Joomla design (e.g., business website themes, premium blog WordPress themes).
Step 2: Set Up the FG Joomla to WordPress Plugin
- In WordPress, go to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for FG Joomla to WordPress and install it.
- This plugin automates the migration of content, including:
- Articles and categories
- Images and media
- Users (optional)
Step 3: Get Your Joomla Database Credentials
From your Joomla control panel or configuration.php file, locate:
- Database host
- Database name
- Username
- Password
- Table prefix
You’ll enter these in the plugin during setup.
Step 4: Run the Import Process
- In WordPress, go to Tools > Import > Joomla (FG).
- Enter your Joomla database info.
- Click Start/Resume the Import.
- The plugin will pull your content into WordPress, including:
- Posts
- Pages
- Images (embedded correctly)
- Meta descriptions (optional)
Pro version of the plugin allows importing of custom Joomla modules, menus, and users.
Step 5: Set Up URLs and Permalinks
- Go to Settings > Permalinks and choose a structure like
/post-name/. - Set up 301 redirects from old Joomla URLs to the new WordPress ones using a plugin like Redirection to preserve SEO.
Step 6: Rebuild Your Website Layout
- Recreate menus, widgets, and sidebars.
- Use page builders like Elementor or WPBakery if you want to visually match the Joomla site—or start fresh with a modern WordPress theme.
- Use advanced WordPress templates or professional WordPress templates for high-end layouts.
Final Touches for Your New WordPress Site
- Install Key Plugins:
- SEO (Rank Math or Yoast)
- Caching (WP Rocket or LiteSpeed Cache)
- Security (Wordfence or Sucuri)
- Backup (UpdraftPlus)
- Test Everything:
- Review all imported posts and pages
- Ensure internal links work
- Optimize site speed and mobile usability
Benefits of Migrating to WordPress
- Full control over your site’s code and structure
- Access to premium website builders
- More scalable and customizable platform
- Lower development and maintenance costs
- Enhanced SEO and marketing options
Conclusion
Switching from Joomla to WordPress opens the door to unlimited design and functionality options. With the help of migration tools like FG Joomla to WordPress and a wide range of exclusive WordPress themes, you can build a powerful, modern, and SEO-friendly website that’s easier to manage and update.
Whether you’re running a personal blog or a corporate site, WordPress is the long-term solution for growth and performance.