Are you considering migrating your website from Joomla to WordPress? If so, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make the move using a free plugin called FG Joomla to WordPress.
Before we dive into the process, let’s take a moment to understand the differences between Joomla and WordPress. While both are content management systems, they were originally designed with different target markets in mind. Joomla started as a CMS, while WordPress began as a simple blogging platform. As a result, their admin interfaces and website content structures differ.
Now, let’s get started with the migration process. There are three ways to migrate your website: manually, via a tool or service, or by hiring a professional. Since you’re reading this article, we’ll assume you want to do it yourself. The manual option is best suited for experienced developers, so we’ll focus on using a plugin.
Before you begin, it’s essential to back up your website. You can use the Joomla Akeeba extension or back up your site manually. It’s also a good idea to test the migration on a local development server. You can install WordPress locally by following our guide or use a new folder if you already have a local setup for Joomla.
Once you have your local test site set up, it’s time to install the FG Joomla to WordPress plugin. This free plugin is specifically designed to migrate content from Joomla to WordPress. Simply log in to your local version of WordPress, go to the plugins screen, search for the FG Joomla to WordPress plugin, and install and activate it.
Now that you have the plugin installed, go to the Tools > Import section and click on the “run importer” link under the Joomla (FG) heading. Use the function to “empty all WordPress content” and clear all WordPress data on the plugin screen. Fill out the URL of your site and all related database information, testing the database connection.
Next, customize the settings according to your needs. For example, choose to import meta keywords as tags. Note that the free version of the plugin does not export contact form information, but you can easily create a contact form using another plugin.
Once you’ve configured the settings, click on “start/resume import” and let the plugin work its magic. The duration of the migration will depend on the size of your site. If successful, you’ll receive an “Import completed!” message.
If you have internal links in your content, be sure to click on the modify internal links button after the migration. Additionally, if you use featured images in Joomla, be aware that the plugin may assign the first image of each post as the featured image. You can manually update your posts in the new WordPress version if needed.
Moving modules to widgets can be a bit tricky due to the difference in how Joomla and WordPress handle them. However, most themes have widget areas in sidebars and footers, making it fairly simple to add similar functionality. You can also install plugins for modules not readily available as WordPress widgets.
For other areas like logos, header images, and contact forms, you’ll need to rely on plugins to replicate the functionality. For example, you can use the Contact Form 7 plugin to create and manage contact forms.
If you’re looking for an alternative plugin to migrate your Joomla website to WordPress, consider using the Automated Joomla to WordPress data migration plugin developed by CMS2CMS. This premium service-based plugin allows you to preview migration results before signing up and offers customization options.
In conclusion, migrating your website from Joomla to WordPress may seem like a daunting task, but with the help of plugins like FG Joomla to WordPress or CMS2CMS, it becomes more manageable. The long-term benefits of using WordPress, which is steadily gaining market share, make the migration worthwhile. If you have a complex or custom Joomla website setup, it’s advisable to consult a professional for assistance.
We hope this guide has been helpful in walking you through the process of migrating from Joomla to WordPress. If you’re currently in the process or have any questions, feel free to let us know in the comments below.
