The numbers aren’t in for 2025 yet, but 2024 was a pivotal year for Drupal users.
Thousands of businesses have completed their Drupal migration to Drupal 10 or 11, marking a major shift in how organizations manage website security, performance, and sales.
But what if your business stayed on Drupal 7? How would that impact your website’s performance and ability to attract customers? Sticking to an outdated platform might seem cost-effective at first, but the long-term risks are costly, frustrating, and completely avoidable.
Migrating to Drupal 10 or 11 sidesteps these pitfalls. It ensures ongoing security, a better user experience, and access to cutting-edge features that drive growth and scalability.
I’m Ian Whelehan, a Senior Account Manager with over nine years of experience in client services, digital marketing, and web development. My career has spanned industries like retail, energy, and education, where I’ve helped clients align business goals with impactful digital solutions.
At OPTASY, I work with businesses to ensure their web strategies are innovative, scalable, and tailored to their needs.
This article covers:
- Why migrating from Drupal 7 is critical in 2025
- The benefits of upgrading to Drupal 10/11 for security, performance, and sales
- The risks of maintaining outdated Drupal versions
- How OPTASY’s free migration audit helps businesses transition smoothly
The Benefits of Drupal Migration to 10/11 Versions
Upgrading to Drupal 10 or 11 keeps businesses competitive, secure, and future-ready.
Enhanced features, improved security, and a strong community ecosystem make the upgrade essential for organizations that want to scale their digital presence while safeguarding their data.
Enhanced Security and Ongoing Support
Drupal 7 has reached the end of its life. Businesses that don’t migrate face security vulnerabilities. In contrast, Drupal 10 and 11 receive continuous security updates and dedicated community support. This keeps websites compliant with modern security standards and reduces the risk of data breaches.
A 2023 IBM report found the average cost of a data breach reached $4.45 million. Outdated systems are prime targets. Drupal’s Security Team regularly releases patches to counter new threats, giving businesses peace of mind.
Migrating also ensures compatibility with modern third-party tools. Drupal 10 and 11 integrate with Symfony 6, offering better reliability and stronger security. This makes them vital for businesses in healthcare, finance, and education, where data protection is non-negotiable.
Failing to migrate could mean non-compliance with GDPR or HIPAA, exposing businesses to legal risks and hefty fines. Drupal 10 and 11 help businesses stay ahead by ensuring compliance while benefiting from a trusted community.
Improved Performance and Scalability
Speed matters. Studies show 53% of mobile users abandon a site if it takes more than three seconds to load. Drupal 10 and 11 solve this with performance optimizations that deliver faster load times and a smoother user experience.
Here’s what you get with Drupal 10 and 11:
- Faster page load times. Built-in caching and optimized architecture boost SEO and user engagement. Faster websites convert 35% more visitors.
- Better mobile responsiveness. Over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile. Drupal 10 and 11 improve accessibility and usability across devices.
- Reduced downtime. These versions handle high traffic without crashes or slowdowns..
Personalization and Scalability for Better Conversions
Drupal 10 and 11 enable personalized user experiences through tools like Layout Builder and enhanced media management. Businesses can:
- Tailor content based on user behavior
- Deliver personalized recommendations
- Create visually compelling designs with ease
A 2022 report found that 66% of customers expect brands to understand their needs. Drupal’s advanced integrations with marketing tools and CRM systems make this possible.
Increased Sales and Conversions
A well-optimized Drupal 10/11 website improves engagement, search rankings, and revenue.
SEO benefits include:
- Improved Core Web Vitals: Faster sites rank higher on Google. Even a one-second speed improvement increases mobile conversions by 27%.
- Structured Data Integration: JSON-LD in Drupal 10/11 helps search engines understand and rank content.
- SEO-Friendly Features: Built-in metadata tools and URL aliasing enhance search visibility.
Users stay and convert on websites that are easy to navigate. Drupal 10 and 11 offer:
- Interactive Landing Pages: Drag-and-drop tools simplify custom page creation.
- Enhanced Accessibility: Built-in WCAG support ensures inclusivity.
- Frictionless User Journeys: Streamlined navigation reduces bounce rates.
These versions also integrate with top marketing tools and analytics platforms, helping businesses optimize lead generation.
Key marketing benefits:
- Marketing Automation: Integrates with HubSpot, Marketo, and Pardot for personalized campaigns.
- AI-Powered Personalization: Delivers targeted recommendations to increase upsells.
- Advanced Analytics: Google Analytics 4 integration provides real-time user insights.
Personalized experiences boost conversions by 80%. A Salesforce study found 57% of consumers are willing to share data in exchange for tailored experiences. Drupal 10/11 makes that personalization seamless.
The Risks of Not Migrating from Drupal 7
Failing to migrate before Drupal 7’s end of life comes with serious risks. Businesses face security vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and rising costs.
Security Vulnerabilities
Without updates, Drupal 7 sites become easy targets for hackers. Verizon’s 2023 report found that 83% of data breaches are financially motivated, and outdated systems are prime targets.
For industries like healthcare and finance, non-compliance with GDPR or HIPAA adds further risk. Outdated websites also struggle to meet modern security standards, like HTTPS encryption, which erodes user trust.
Regulatory Non-Compliance
Many industries require businesses to meet strict security and accessibility regulations. Drupal 7 makes this nearly impossible.
- GDPR: Non-compliance can lead to fines up to €20 million or 4% of annual revenue.
- HIPAA: U.S. healthcare providers risk penalties up to $1.5 million per violation.
- WCAG Standards: Non-accessible websites face lawsuits, with ADA cases increasing each year.
Drupal 10 and 11 help businesses meet these regulations through built-in compliance features.
Increased Costs Over Time
Delaying migration might seem like a money-saver, but it backfires.
Hidden costs include:
- Custom Development: Without official support, businesses must hire developers to patch issues—costing thousands annually.
- Compatibility Issues: Older systems struggle to integrate with modern tools, leading to expensive workarounds.
- Technical Debt: Aging systems become harder to maintain, draining resources.
McKinsey found businesses using outdated tech spend 40% more on maintenance. These costs quickly surpass any short-term savings from avoiding migration.
OPTASY can help with a FREE Drupal 11 Migration Audit – For a limited time only!
Take the First Step Towards Your Drupal 11 Migration! We’re offering a FREE Drupal 11 Migration Audit to help you understand how your site can benefit from an upgrade. Our experts will assess your current Drupal 7 site and provide a plan for migrating to Drupal 11.
Our Higher Education client, Tyndale University, has shared their amazing experience with a 5-star review on Clutch for their Drupal Upgrade with OPTASY! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
"OPTASY delivered a custom module, which worked seamlessly on both our Drupal 7 and Drupal 10 sites. The team not only completed the project ahead of schedule but also responded promptly to our needs and concerns. Despite time zone differences, they ensured meetings were held during our typical work day." - Andy Smith, Manager, Website Strategy & Development
Your Next Steps:
- Sign Up for a Free Migration Audit – Contact us today to schedule your no-obligation Drupal 11 migration audit.
- Audit Your Current Site – We’ll evaluate your website’s readiness for migration and provide recommendations, a timeline and a quote for your project.
- Migrate with Confidence – With our End of Life Security Support for Drupal 7 and expert guidance, your migration to Drupal 10 or 11 will be smooth and stress-free.
