Self Hosted WordPress.org vs. WordPress.com

WordPress is the most popular content management platform as it powers nearly 40 percent of all websites on the internet. Despite its popularity, many beginners still aren’t aware that WordPress.com and WordPress.org are not the same things, which can lead them to pick the wrong platform for their needs. 

To help you make the right decision, this article will explain the differences between WordPress.org and WordPress.com. You’ll also learn their pros and cons, along with the steps to starting a website on each platform. 

The Core Differences of WordPress.org vs. WordPress.com 

The main difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com is who hosts the website. 

WordPress.org is a self-hosted platform, meaning you host your own site and have the freedom to arrange it. Since it doesn’t come with a web host, you should purchase a hosting plan, like WordPress hosting, before setting it up. 

On this platform, you’ll also have to take care of the maintenance and make sure the website works as intended. 

Meanwhile, WordPress.com is easier to start with because you just choose a plan that meets your needs and budget – it can be free – and WordPress will prepare the features. 

However, WordPress.com doesn’t give you complete control over your site in many terms, including storage and monetization. 

WordPress.org

Although WordPress.org gives you more flexibility, it also has some cons to consider. Let’s see whether this platform is suitable for you and how you can use it to build a website. 

Pros:

• Complete control of your website. You’re allowed to build any type of website you like and install various software and plugins. 
• Customizability. Get access to many themes and third-party installations. Also, you can create completely custom designs and integrate unique stylistic elements, like parallax effects and 3D visuals. 
• Freedom of monetization. Monetize your site however you like, such as building an online store, running ads, or offering a membership. 

Cons:

• Self-maintenance. It’s you who has to manage all maintenance tasks, like taking care of crashes, backups, and updates. To tackle those tasks, you need advanced technical knowledge. 
• Higher cost. You can spend more when using WordPress.org due to having to purchase a domain name, a hosting plan, and premium plugins. Another possible expense can be hiring a website designer or developer.

When to Use WordPress.org 

WordPress.org is the best platform for website owners, such as businessmen or professional bloggers. 

It’s also a perfect choice for building an eCommerce site because of the total control and customizability. Even though WordPress.com provides an eCommerce plan, the features and its terms of service may still limit you.  

Get Started with WordPress.org

Before registering to WordPress.org, make sure you’ve purchased a domain name and a hosting plan. 

Although the process may not seem easy, it’s still beginner-friendly, especially if you choose a web host offering a WordPress auto-installer. 

Log in to its control panel and search for the one-click install button. Choose WordPress and add installation details, like your email address and domain name. 

After that, access the WordPress admin dashboard, and you’re ready to go.

WordPress.com

Below are the pros and cons of WordPress.com, along with step-by-step instructions to get started.

Pros 

• A free plan with hosting and subdomain. The storage space is free for up to 3 GB of use. If you need more storage, consider choosing other plans, like Personal or Premium.

• Newbie-friendly. No need to worry about buying a hosting plan or maintaining your website. The system will handle the security, updates, and backups. 

• Various pricing plans. You can choose from a variety of different plans based on your needs. The complete plan (eCommerce) is $540 per year and comes with advanced features similar to WordPress.org, such as SEO tools, plugin installation, and customizable themes. 

Cons 

• No full control of your site. There are many limitations with the cheaper plans – Free, Personal, and Premium. The storage, monetization, and customization are very limited. If you want to unlock these features, you have to select a Business plan that costs $300 per year. 

• Ads. WordPress puts ads on free websites. Your visitors will see them, but you won’t make money from them. To eliminate them, upgrade your plan starting from $48 per year. 

When to Use WordPress.com

Choose WordPress.com if you just use it as a casual hobby and prefer an easy-to-use platform. When choosing this option, It’s also worth noting that you shouldn’t mind sacrificing the customizability in return for the simplicity.

If you feel the features aren’t enough, consider investing in paid plans on WordPress.com or migrate to WordPress.org. 

Get Started with WordPress.com

Follow these steps to create a website on WordPress.com. 

1. Go to WordPress.com and sign up by clicking Get Started on the top right of the page.

2. Type in your email address, username, and password. 

3. Choose what kind of site you’re building: Blog, Business, Professional, or Online Store. 

Different options will direct you to different pages. For example, when you choose Blog, WordPress.com will ask what your blog is about and provide the relevant templates. 

4. Finally, enter the blog’s name. If you already bought a domain name, just type it. Or you can choose the available free version containing the WordPress domain, like yourblog.wordpress.com.

Conclusion

I hope you will find this article helpful in understanding the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. Both of these platforms are similar yet different at the same time. 

I recommend looking at the pros and cons again before deciding which one is best for you. In short, pick WordPress.com if you look for simplicity, and go with WordPress.org if you want freedom and control of your site.