A few days ago, a friend called me out of the blue and asked, “Hey, what services do you provide?” I replied confidently, “We offer Joomla services, among other things.”
What followed was a moment of surprise on his end: “Wait, do people still use Joomla?”
Not only that, but he continued with another question: “Why are people still using Joomla when WordPress and Shopify seem to dominate?”
These questions aren’t new, but they sparked an important conversation. While Joomla’s market share may have declined in recent years, it still holds a special place in the CMS landscape. Let’s take a positive spin on Joomla and explore why it’s still relevant and worth considering in 2024.
Joomla: A Legacy of Excellence
First, let’s remember what Joomla has accomplished. Since its launch in 2005, Joomla has powered millions of websites, from small personal blogs to large-scale enterprise portals. It’s been trusted by organizations like the United Nations, IKEA, and Harvard University.
Here’s why Joomla earned its reputation:
- Multilingual Out of the Box: Joomla supports over 75 languages natively, making it a global favorite.
- Advanced Customization: With its modular design, you can create websites tailored to your exact needs.
- Open-Source Community: Joomla’s community-driven approach ensures constant innovation and support.
Even today, these strengths make Joomla a go-to choice for users who need flexibility and scalability.
Why Are People Still Using Joomla?
If you’re wondering why developers and businesses continue to rely on Joomla, the answer lies in its unique capabilities:
1. Flexibility for Complex Projects
Joomla excels in handling complex websites with specific requirements. Its robust framework allows developers to build custom features without limitations.
From e-commerce platforms to educational portals, Joomla’s flexibility is unmatched in certain niches.
2. Built-In Multilingual Support
Unlike many CMS platforms that require plugins for multilingual functionality, Joomla offers it right out of the box. If your business operates globally, Joomla simplifies the process of managing multiple languages.
3. Security and Stability
Joomla has faced criticism in the past for security vulnerabilities, but today, it’s one of the most secure CMS platforms. Regular updates, an active security team, and built-in two-factor authentication make Joomla a solid choice for those prioritizing safety.
4. A Thriving Developer Community
The Joomla community remains active and dedicated, continuously improving the platform. Whether you need support or are looking for the latest extensions, the community has your back.
5. Affordability
As an open-source CMS, Joomla is free to use. This makes it a cost-effective solution for businesses and developers who want advanced functionality without hefty licensing fees.
Joomla in 2024: What’s New?
Joomla isn’t standing still. In fact, the release of Joomla 5.0 in late 2023 introduced several game-changing updates:
- Improved Performance: Faster load times and optimized back-end processes make websites more efficient.
- SEO Enhancements: Automatic Schema.org data integration improves search engine visibility without the need for additional plugins.
- Accessibility Features: Dark mode, keyboard navigation, and compliance with accessibility standards ensure inclusivity.
- Modern Compatibility: Full support for PHP 8.1 and Bootstrap 5.3.2 keeps Joomla on par with modern development standards.
These updates prove that Joomla is committed to staying competitive and addressing the needs of today’s users.
Who Should Choose Joomla?
While platforms like WordPress and Shopify are great for certain use cases, Joomla shines in specific scenarios:
1. Developers Who Value Control
If you’re a developer who wants full control over your website’s design and functionality, Joomla provides the tools to make it happen.
2. Businesses with Global Reach
Joomla’s built-in multilingual support is a major advantage for businesses targeting international audiences.
3. Organizations Needing Custom Solutions
For educational institutions, nonprofits, or large corporations with unique requirements, Joomla’s flexibility is unparalleled.
Why Joomla Deserves a Second Look
If you’ve written off Joomla in the past, it’s time to reconsider. While it may not dominate the market like WordPress, it offers a level of customization, security, and scalability that many platforms can’t match.
Reasons to Give Joomla Another Chance
- It’s Free and Open-Source: Unlike proprietary platforms, Joomla gives you complete ownership of your website.
- It’s Continuously Improving: With updates like Joomla 5.0, the platform is addressing its past shortcomings.
- It Has a Supportive Community: From forums to user groups, help is always available.
The Future of Joomla: Bright or Bleak?
Joomla’s future depends on how well it adapts to a changing market. The good news? Recent updates show that Joomla is evolving in the right direction.
To thrive, Joomla should focus on:
- Simplifying the User Interface: Attract beginners with a more intuitive design.
- Expanding Marketing Efforts: Educate users on Joomla’s strengths to combat the perception of being outdated.
- Fostering Developer Engagement: Encourage more developers to create extensions and templates.
Final Thoughts: Is Joomla Still Worth It?
Absolutely. Joomla remains a powerful CMS that caters to users with specific needs, especially those requiring advanced customization and multilingual capabilities.
If you’re someone who values control, scalability, and security, Joomla is still one of the best options available in 2024.
If you’re looking for expert Joomla services or want to explore how Joomla can work for your next project, let’s connect! Drop your questions below or reach out to get started.
