If you get a request from a client to create a new website with some basic ecommerce functionality, you generally tell them that WordPress is the best choice. As a matter of fact, most people will suggest WordPress is the solution for any client project. It’s powerful and standard, right?
Well, WordPress is not always the right choice when determining which content management system (CMS) to use for your client. Drupal, in fact, may better meet your needs. While Drupal has less market share, Drupal has made great strides recently in improving ease of use to cater to a beginner’s learning curve.
So, when should you choose WordPress and when should you choose Drupal? Let’s summarize when each makes sense.
Why Choose WordPress over Drupal?
WordPress is often the choice for small to medium businesses, e-commerce stores, startups, and nonprofits. If you need a site that has a very basic layout and no complex backend, then WordPress is the right option.
- E-commerce – WordPress is perfect for an e-commerce site because it fits perfectly with WooCommerce, a well-rounded e-commerce solution. WooCommerce has a ton of free and paid add-ons that make integrating a breeze.
- Easy to Use – WordPress is easy to use and makes it easier for non-technical people to make changes without consulting a web team. Most people without any technical background can quickly launch a site using WordPress.
- It is generally cheaper because it has such a low-cost setup time and has a ton of starter themes that are free.
- There are 1000’s of plugins that can enhance your WordPress site that are free and easy to set up.
- Be careful, though. A plugin is not some sort of magic pill that can solve any problem. Sometimes a plugin doesn’t fully suit your needs or can cause other issues, and you must consult with the web team to come up with a more rounded solution.
Why Choose Drupal Over WordPress?
Drupal is the choice for those launching a more complex website with the need for more controlled access to content.
- Often for large more complex environments and project needs.
- Most government sites are creating in Drupal.
- Drupal is the best option if you have complex content needs beyond your typical blog or news article. For instance, if you need to control the user experience through user roles, etc.
- Drupal has a built-in configuration management system to control unwanted bugs post-launch and to enable you to revert a change quickly.
- Drupal is better suited for complex web applications.
Undecided? Get a Free Consultation
If a salesperson listens to your needs and says WordPress is your magic pill, make sure you mention Drupal. Ask if Drupal would be a better choice. We’ve built hundreds of websites using both CMS. A free consultation may help you determine which one best suits your needs (and your budget).
Consider how complex the system needs to be. Sure, you can always make WordPress work with some effort, but would Drupal provide features out of the box that WordPress does not handle? Would it be more expensive to use WordPress if you must jump through hoops (and added development hours) to get complex requirements working within the WordPress framework?
A web design firm should be well-versed in using both. Our sales team is ready to start a conversation today to help you choose WordPress or Drupal.