Why Joomla Websites Are Now Rare Compared To Other Platforms?

Joomla, once a popular choice for web developers and site owners, has seen a gradual decline in popularity compared to other content management systems (CMS) and platforms. While Joomla still has a dedicated user base, it is now considered a rarity in the web development field.

 In this blog, we will explore the reasons why Joomla websites are becoming a rarity and how it compares to other platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Shopify.

The Early Rise of Joomla

Joomla was first released in 2005 as a fork of the Mambo CMS, and quickly gained popularity due to its open-source nature and strong community support. It provided users with a powerful and flexible platform to create websites with a high level of customization. In its early days, Joomla was one of the preferred platforms for creating dynamic websites, especially for those who wanted more control than WordPress offered at the time.

A Changing CMS Landscape

As the Internet grew and website development became more accessible to non-technical users, the demand for simpler, more intuitive platforms increased. Joomla, while powerful, is struggling to adapt to this change. Over the past decade, new platforms have emerged that provide more user-friendly experiences, ultimately leading to a decline in Joomla's popularity.

WordPress: A Powerhouse Contender

WordPress, which also started as a blogging platform, has become the most popular CMS in the world. Its simplicity, combined with a huge library of plugins and themes, makes it accessible to both beginners and professionals. WordPress powers over 40% of the websites on the Internet today, and this dominance has contributed significantly to Joomla's shrinking user base.

Ease of Use

One of the main reasons why WordPress has overtaken Joomla in terms of popularity is its ease of use. WordPress is designed to be user-friendly, allowing even those with little technical knowledge to create websites with minimal effort. Joomla, on the other hand, requires a steep learning curve, especially for users who are not familiar with coding or web development.

Plugin Ecosystem

While Joomla has a large number of extensions and plugins, WordPress has a much larger and more diverse ecosystem. The WordPress repository offers thousands of plugins that can extend website functionality with just a few clicks. This ease of customization makes WordPress more attractive to a wide range of users.

The Rise of Drag-And-Drop Builders

Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify have gained immense popularity due to their drag-and-drop interfaces. These platforms allow users to create websites without any coding knowledge, making them ideal for small business owners, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who need a website quickly. These platforms have edged out Joomla, as they meet the growing demand for simple and fast website development.

Wix and Squarespace: Simplifying Website Building

Wix and Squarespace are perfect examples of platforms that have taken advantage of the demand for simplicity. With its drag-and-drop interface, users can create stunning websites without requiring any technical skills. In comparison, Joomla's complexity is a major drawback for users looking for a hassle-free experience.

Shopify: Dominating the E-Commerce Sector

When it comes to e-commerce, Shopify has established itself as a leader. Shopify offers an intuitive, all-in-one solution for online store owners. Its intuitive interface, combined with powerful e-commerce tools, has made it the platform of choice for businesses that want to sell products online. Although Joomla has e-commerce extensions, it can't compete with the ease and efficiency provided by Shopify.

Joomla's Complexity: A Double-Edged Sword

The complexity of Joomla is one of its major selling points for developers, as it offers greater control over website customization and functionality. However, for the average user or small business owner, this complexity can be a hindrance. Joomla requires a high level of technical knowledge to effectively manage and maintain a website. This has made it less attractive to individuals and businesses looking for a quick and simple solution.

Customization Vs Simplicity

Joomla is often praised for its ability to create complex and highly customized websites. However, this level of customization comes at the cost of user-friendliness. While platforms like WordPress and Wix allow users to customize their websites with minimal effort, Joomla requires more technical knowledge to achieve the same results. This is one of the main reasons why Joomla has lagged behind in the CMS race.

Lack of Marketing and Brand Awareness

Another factor contributing to Joomla's decline is its lack of aggressive marketing. Unlike WordPress and Shopify, which have strong marketing strategies and huge online communities, Joomla has not lagged behind in terms of brand awareness. This has led to the perception that Joomla is outdated or no longer relevant, even though it is still a viable platform for some types of websites.

Community Factors

WordPress has one of the largest and most active online communities, providing support, resources, and frequent updates. Joomla's community, although still active, is much smaller in comparison. The lack of a vibrant, thriving community has made it more difficult for Joomla to remain relevant in the rapidly changing web development landscape.

Security and Updates

Security is a major concern for any website owner. WordPress has made significant strides in improving security over the years with its large user base. Frequent updates and a large community of developers help keep WordPress secure. Joomla, while secure, does not see frequent updates or the same level of developer engagement. This has led some users to switch to platforms that rely on a larger community of developers for more regular security updates and support.

Joomla Extension Vulnerabilities

One of the challenges faced by Joomla is the vulnerability of its extensions. While Joomla itself is secure, third-party extensions can sometimes pose security risks. WordPress has faced similar problems, but has implemented better systems to ensure that plugins and themes are regularly updated and secure.

Future of Joomla

Although Joomla has declined in popularity, it is not obsolete. Joomla is still a powerful CMS, especially for developers who want to create highly customized websites. However, it is clear that Joomla will likely remain a niche platform, catering to a smaller, and more niche user base. The growing demand for simplicity and ease of use will continue to push Joomla into the background as platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Shopify dominate the market.

Joomla's Role in Specific Markets

Joomla will likely remain a strong choice for certain types of websites, especially those that require advanced functionality and customization. For example, Joomla is still used by some government websites and large organizations that need a high level of control over their content. However, for the average user or small business owner, the complexity of Joomla is a major barrier to entry.

Conclusion: Is Joomla Right For You?

While Joomla websites are now rare compared to other platforms, it still has a place in the world of web development. For users who need advanced customization and have the technical expertise to manage it, Joomla can be a powerful tool. However, for most individuals and businesses, platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Shopify provide more user-friendly and efficient solutions.

If you are considering creating a Joomla website or need help managing your existing Joomla site, Shriji Solutions can help you with all your Joomla needs. From installation to customization, Shriji Solutions provides expert support to ensure that your Joomla website runs smoothly and securely. Contact Shriji Solutions today for a consultation!