The WordPress vs. Drupal debate is a lot like the Coke vs. Pepsi debate. People tend to be fiercely loyal to either one side or the other, and there’s little you can say to make them change their minds.
However, unlike soft drink preferences, most people have to choose between WordPress or Drupal as their content management system before they even have a chance to fully experiment with other flavors. How can you know which web development tool to use to get your website off the ground?
Both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of the most important factors to bear in mind as you make the final call:
- Customization: Both WordPress and Drupal have a dizzying array of customization options for website development, and most people will find either one flexible enough to accommodate their website design needs. However, when it comes down to it, Drupal offers more backend customization opportunities than WordPress — that is, at least, for web designers who know what they’re doing.
- Ease of Use: That leads into the next point, which is that WordPress offers more handholding experiences for the user to guide through development and content creation. Drupal’s more open and hands-free layout can be intimidating for less experienced developers.
- Security: WordPress has about 10 times as many users as Drupal, which makes it a more popular target for hackers. There are also some gaps in the WordPress security system that Drupal doesn’t have. In fact, one of Drupal’s most attractive features for big-name business is its high level of security. Even the White House’s web page is run on Drupal.
- SEO: Search engine optimization is crucial in a web world where 12 billion searches are conducted every month in the U.S. alone. The CMS itself won’t have a direct impact on your search rankings, but the quality of content you’re able to produce through the system will, so it’s best to choose the system best suited to your needs.
In the end, the WordPress vs Drupal showdown doesn’t have a clear winner. Just like with soda brands, it’s more about simply what you prefer. When you’re just starting out, it can be beneficial to experiment with both content management systems to get a feel for its possibilities and how it might mesh with your web development goals.
