Drupal is a robust CMS often used for complex web projects. However, Wordpress offers a more user-friendly environment, greater community support, and easier content management. Reasons for migration may include:
Easier administration for users without technical knowledge.
Greater availability of themes and plugins.
Lower development and maintenance requirements.
Better SEO optimization and customization.
1. Preparation for Migration
Before starting the migration, a thorough analysis of the current website is necessary:
Map the content: List pages, posts, taxonomies, and multimedia files.
Identify key features and modules: Check which modules are used in Drupal and how they can be replaced in WordPress.
Backup data: Create a complete backup of the database and files.
Hosting: Test hosting compatibility with WordPress.
2. Exporting Data from Drupal
To export content, you can use modules such as Drupal-to-WordPress Exporter or perform a manual database export using SQL scripts.
Export posts, pages, taxonomies, and user data.
Check the data format for compatibility with WordPress.
3. Importing Data into WordPress
After exporting the data, it needs to be imported into WordPress:
Use the FG Drupal to WordPress plugin, which automates the content import.
For manual import, load the files into the WordPress database using MySQL.
Address links, internal linking, and multimedia files.
4. Setting Up Themes and Design
Migrating content is just the beginning; adjusting the website’s visual appearance is necessary:
Choose a suitable WordPress theme that matches the original design or create a new look.
Customize content layout using the block editor or page builder (e.g., Elementor).
5. Configuring Plugins and Functionalities
WordPress does not offer the same architecture as Drupal, so replacing modules with equivalent plugins is necessary:
SEO: Yoast SEO or Rank Math.
Forms: Contact Form 7 or WPForms.
E-commerce: WooCommerce.
Multilingual support: WPML or Polylang.
6. SEO and URL Redirection
To maintain organic visibility, preserving SEO value is crucial:
Use the Redirection plugin to redirect old URLs to new ones.
Check meta descriptions, headings, and link structures.
Test website speed and optimize it using a caching plugin (e.g., WP Rocket).
7. Testing and Launching the Website
Before publishing the website, thorough testing is essential:
Check the functionality of forms and interactive elements.
Ensure correct display on mobile devices.
Verify proper redirection of pages.
Test compatibility with different browsers.
Migrating from Drupal to WordPress can be a complex process, especially if the website is large and contains specific functionalities. It is essential to carefully plan each step to ensure the transition does not negatively impact SEO or user experience. If you lack experience with migration, hiring an expert is recommended to ensure a smooth transition to WordPress.