Drupal review : The ultimate guide in 2024
Drupal is a versatile, open-source CMS for creating and managing complex websites. Explore its features, from easy theme customization to robust security .
Our Verdict
Our Verdict
Drupal is an open-source content management system (CMS) used to build and manage websites. It is particularly known for its flexibility and scalability, making it suitable for everything from small personal blogs to large, complex enterprise sites. Drupal is built on PHP and can be extended with modules, themes, and custom code, allowing developers to create highly customized and feature-rich websites.
Pros
- Security
- Community support
- Content management
- Multilingual capabilities
- Advanced user roles and permissions
Cons
- Smaller market share
- Limited ready-to-use themes
Starting price
$5 to $10 per monthAdvanced user roles and permissions
YesMultilingual capabilities
Drupal has built-in support for creating and managing multilingual websitesDrupal is an open-source web content management system that's free to use. Built on PHP and licensed under the GNU General Public License, Drupal provides a robust back-end framework for a diverse array of users worldwide. Impressively, it powers about 13% of the top 10,000 websites globally. Users of Drupal span from corporate enterprises to personal blogs, as well as political and government organizations. Its versatility makes Drupal an ideal choice for a wide range of services and products, making it a popular option for both individuals and web developers this year.
Key factors for choosing a great Content Management System
When selecting a tech-savvy, user-friendly web content management system, several important factors should be considered. Below are some key aspects to look for:
User-friendliness
It's crucial to choose a content management system that simplifies the process of updating, adding, creating, and editing content. Systems known for their ease of use often feature a drag-and-drop interface, allowing users to effortlessly add unique elements to their pages. In addition to being user-friendly, the CMS should enable quick and straightforward updates to your site and content after publishing. This is particularly important for larger businesses that frequently update their web content throughout the day.
Variety of design options
A quality content management system should offer a wide range of design options, as each business has unique needs and preferences. Access to a variety of website design templates is essential. The platform should also allow for easy customization of these design options to meet your specific requirements. For further enhancement, you can incorporate code, which may involve enlisting the help of a web developer.
Data portability features
An excellent content management system should include a range of tools that provide easy access to data for users or web developers. These features should also allow the option to export data and move it to a different location. If the company or individual decides to switch to a different platform or hosting provider in the future, these tools will make the transition much smoother.
Expandability with extensions
Not all websites have the same needs, which is why a variety of CMS platforms are available—no single solution fits everyone. However, the ability to add extensions and add-ons can bridge this gap, allowing users to enhance and expand the functionality of their existing CMS.
So, what are add-ons and extensions? These are separate pieces of software that can be installed on your CMS, similar to how apps work on your phone, but specifically for your content management system.
Cost-effectiveness
Some content management systems, like Drupal, are completely free to use, while others may charge a monthly fee. Even with free platforms, there can be additional costs for third-party extensions, web hosting services, add-ons, and custom design templates.
Before choosing a platform, it’s wise to consult with a web developer about these potential costs, sharing your budget and long-term goals to avoid any unexpected expenses.
Comprehensive Drupal review
Drupal is often regarded as one of the most comprehensive CMS platforms available today. Its unique script, which provides a highly specialized programming environment, is frequently described as a web developer’s platform rather than just a simple CMS. As an open-source solution, Drupal is a popular choice among programmers worldwide, especially those who have outgrown simpler systems like WordPress.
Ease of use
Drupal offers a range of advanced yet user-friendly functionalities, including robust menu management, graphic editing tools, poll management, and user management, among others. These features make it straightforward to create both simple and complex websites, discussion forums, blogs, social networking sites, and various other digital offerings.
Templates and design options
A good CMS platform should offer a variety of website design templates tailored to different products, services, and industries. Drupal excels in this area, allowing users to customize these templates to create a unique online presence, often without needing to write code. For those seeking further customization, a web designer can help develop an even more tailored site.
Content types
Drupal is well-known for its ability to let users and developers create and manage various content types, including text, videos, blogs, polls, podcasts, statistics, and more. This flexibility makes it a powerful tool for diverse content management needs.
User management
While many CMS platforms strive to make website creation as easy as possible, there are times when users may need assistance. Drupal addresses this with a comprehensive support system, including FAQs, customer service via online chat, portals, email, and phone. Additionally, active support communities are available 24/7.
Drupal also features advanced user management capabilities, allowing administrators to create new user accounts and define specific permission rights. Users can be grouped and assigned tasks, which can be tracked and approved throughout a project or website build. This is particularly beneficial for web developers managing multiple aspects of a site.
Script access
Drupal’s script offers thousands of plugin variants, all accessible through its website. As an open-source platform, Drupal allows users and developers to create and customize unique plugins using code, which can be done manually. The script also includes a wide range of design capabilities, enabling users to edit themes and templates to craft both simple and complex page layouts.
Security
In the digital realm, security is paramount, and Drupal takes this seriously. The platform undergoes rigorous testing by specialists to ensure top-level security. Data stored on Drupal sites is regularly transmitted securely, and passwords are encrypted, contributing to Drupal’s reputation as one of the safest CMS platforms available.
Community
Drupal is one of the most widely used CMS platforms today, favored by a diverse range of industries, including large corporations, government agencies, non-profits, and several Fortune 500 companies. Currently, over 1,738,777 websites globally are built on Drupal, with countless professionals endorsing its capabilities and reliability.
How to build a Drupal website
Before diving into building a Drupal website, it’s beneficial to do some research. Fortunately, there are plenty of step-by-step guides available. Here’s an overview of the process:
1. Find web hosting for your Drupal site
Before you start building your website, you need to secure a web hosting service. Unlike standard marketing websites, you’ll need a hosting provider that supports Drupal to store your web content.
2. Install Drupal
There are two main methods for installing Drupal: manually downloading and setting it up, or using a web hosting provider that offers an easy "quick install" option. The latter is often simpler and more convenient.
3. Familiarize yourself with the user interface
After installation, you’ll encounter the Drupal user interface. Take some time to explore and understand how the platform works and how your website will look and function.
4. Customize your website’s theme
One of Drupal's strengths is its ability to customize themes. You can tailor the look of your website to match your business or services. Start by updating the default theme. Go to the ‘Appearance’ tab and click ‘Install New Theme’ to select and apply a new theme.
5. Configure your theme
Once your chosen theme is installed and activated, configure it to fit your needs. Most themes come with various configuration options available under the ‘Settings’ tab. You can access these settings by clicking on the ‘Settings’ tab at the top of the screen and selecting the theme you wish to customize.
By following these steps, you can effectively set up and personalize your Drupal website to meet your specific requirements.
6. Create a new front page
With your site’s initial setup done, it's time to create a front page that will serve as the first impression for most visitors. This is especially important for users who come to your site organically. Customize this page to represent your site’s main focus and make it engaging.
7. Add more pages
After setting up your homepage, begin creating additional pages such as ‘About Us,’ ‘Contact Us,’ or a ‘Products and Services’ section. The possibilities are endless. Design and populate these pages with relevant content to provide a comprehensive view of your site.
8. Set up a blog and start posting
A blog complements your website by keeping content fresh and engaging. Once your website is ready, create a blog section and start posting. Use this space to share updates, news, product information, and insights about your team or business.
9. Manage content
Learning how to upload, edit, and delete content is crucial. Whether it’s a simple image upload or creating a new page, Drupal makes these tasks straightforward. Navigate to the ‘Content’ menu to view and manage all content on your site.
10. Activate or deactivate pages
Sometimes you might need to prepare content for future release or temporarily remove pages. Use Drupal’s activation and deactivation features to manage when and how content appears on your site.
11. Add modules
Beyond the default modules provided by Drupal, there are numerous third-party add-ons and extensions available. These modules can enhance and personalize your site further, similar to installing themes. Adding modules allows you to expand functionality according to your needs.
12. Utilize blocks
Once your site structure is in place, you can add blocks to include additional features like sidebars or custom content areas. Blocks can be positioned, styled, and configured to fit your site’s design and control where they appear on different pages.
13. Manage existing blocks
You can easily update and reposition existing blocks on your site. Use the drop-down menu under the ‘Region’ tab to move blocks to different areas, or drag and drop them to a new location on your page.
14. Create custom blocks
Creating custom blocks is straightforward, but for advanced customizations, you might consider hiring a Drupal developer. Custom blocks can be used to display specific information in designated areas, such as a social feed or a ‘latest news’ section.
15. Use the block editor
Similar to other CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal features a Block Editor known as the ‘Layout Builder.’ This tool allows for detailed content design and customization. It can be added to your Drupal platform to enhance how you manage and design your website’s layout.
Final thoughts
While Drupal’s core structure and taxonomies may have a steep learning curve, mastering them or enlisting a Drupal developer can be highly rewarding. Drupal is often the preferred CMS for enterprise-level web applications and websites, making it an excellent choice for developers seeking a robust platform with extensive user permission options.
In summary, Drupal offers more complexity and power compared to WordPress, making it a superior option for those needing a more advanced and versatile CMS.
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