In this post I would like to expand on some ideas touched on in my last post, How to Choose a CMS, which gave a brief overview of the top three content management systems: Joomla, WordPress, and Drupal. Here I will go into a more in-depth comparison between Joomla and WordPress.

Roles

Joomla and WordPress both have user permissions or roles with certain capabilities assigned to each role, managing whether they can perform certain tasks. In both core systems these capabilities are rigid, but there are extensions/plugins which allow you to modify them.

SEO

Out of the box, WordPress probably outperforms Joomla in SEO, but Joomla has made enough strides to address this that the difference is minimal. Both create fully-customizable SEF urls. There are extensions/plugins for both systems which dynamically create meta keywords, descriptions, titles, etc.

Blogging

WordPress has the advantage here because it is the core purpose of the software. Its AJAX interface, drafts, and revisions are something I would love to see in Joomla soon. However, Joomla can be used as a blog with little to no effort as well - we at Aqua Blue Marketing are obviously using Joomla for this blog, and it has performed in every way we needed it to.

Custom Components

Joomla has the clear advantage here because of the fact that WordPress is primarily a blogging software, where Joomla is a true CMS. However, WordPress does make it possible to add custom components into pages as well - it just takes a little more ingenuity (and time) on the developer's part.

Usability

Being as it is a simpler system overall, WordPress is naturally easier to use. This is not to say that WordPress isn't also designed to be more usable (it is), but Joomla does not take much longer to learn (if at all). The difference in usability between these two systems is, in my opinion, minimal, but it is a tough comparison since they are designed in two completely different manners.

Flexibility

Joomla is without a doubt the more flexible CMS. It is designed to have multiple purposes and handle all different kinds of functionality. WordPress has come a long ways in this regard, but it still trails Joomla by a good margin.

Themes

This one is a toss-up. Both Joomla and WordPress have hundreds or thousands of ready-made templates or themes (free and paid) which plug into your site in minutes. It is safe to say that whichever system you choose, you should be able to find a template that will suit your needs with relatively minimal effort.

Community Support

This one is also a toss-up. Both communities are very helpful in all aspects of learning and setting up a website. Both have thousands of free (and paid) extensions and plugins to add almost any functionality you can imagine to your site. And if you want to develop custom functionality, there are developers for both Joomla and WordPress (such as myself) who would be glad to assist.

Conclusion

If you want a very quick, very simple site, use WordPress. If you want multiple functionalities, use Joomla. Joomla has a stronghold on most non-blogging components, where WordPress would take a considerably longer amount of time to implement well (ex: e-commerce). The truth is, an advanced user could use either system to fulfill the vast majority or their website needs. But for the majority of businesses, Aqua Blue Marketing recommends Joomla. Because of its power and flexibility, you can make Joomla do anything.

Which CMS do you use or recommend? Leave a comment!