When referring to “WordPress,” it can be confusing because it can refer to two different things. Firstly, it can refer to WordPress.com, which is a blog/website builder designed for profit. Secondly, it can refer to WordPress.org, which is the source of the free open-source WordPress software that can be installed on your own Hosting.
So, what is the difference between the two, and which one should you choose for your website? This post will answer both questions.
Introduction to WordPress.com vs WordPress.org.
Let’s just start with a general introduction to the differences between these two popular blogging platforms.
WordPress.com is a for-profit blog and website builder that is designed to be easy to use for beginners. It offers free and paid plans with limited customization options. It is a fully hosted platform, meaning that WordPress.com takes care of the hosting, backups, and security of your website.
With WordPress.com, you don’t have to worry about any technical aspects of running a website. It is a great option if you are looking to create a simple personal blog, a small business website, or an online portfolio. However, if you are looking for more control over your website, then WordPress.org might be a better option.
WordPress.org is the home of the free open-source WordPress software that you can install on your own hosting. It offers complete flexibility and control over your website. With WordPress.org, you have access to thousands of free and paid themes and plugins, which can be used to customize your website to your liking. You can also use your own custom domain name.
With WordPress.org, you are responsible for your own hosting, backups, and security. This means that you need to have some technical knowledge or hire someone to manage these aspects for you. WordPress.org is a better option if you are looking to create a more complex website or blog, or if you have some coding skills and want to customize your website further.
What is the reason for using the same name
WordPress.com and WordPress.org use the same name because they are both related to the same software, WordPress. The WordPress software was created by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little and released in 2003 as an open-source project. The software is free to use, modify, and distribute.
WordPress.org is the home of the WordPress software, where users can download the software for free and install it on their own web hosting servers. This is called self-hosted WordPress because the user is responsible for hosting and maintaining their own website.
WordPress.com is a commercial service owned by Automattic, which offers users the ability to create a website or blog using the WordPress software. However, users do not have to worry about hosting or maintaining their website because WordPress.com takes care of these aspects for them. In exchange, users pay a fee for the service or choose from various subscription plans.
The reason for the confusion between WordPress.com and WordPress.org is that both are based on the same software, but they are different in terms of how they are used and who is responsible for hosting and maintaining the website.
What are the primary distinctions between WordPress.com and WordPress.org on a broader level?
The high-level differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org can be summarized as follows:
- Hosting: WordPress.com provides hosting for your website, whereas with WordPress.org, you need to find your own hosting provider.
- Cost: WordPress.com offers a range of plans, including a free option, but most plans require payment. With WordPress.org, the software is free, but you need to pay for hosting and any additional themes or plugins.
- Customization: WordPress.com has limited customization options, especially for free users. WordPress.org allows complete customization of your website with access to the code and the ability to add custom themes and plugins.
- Monetization: With WordPress.com, there are limitations on how you can monetize your website, and WordPress.com takes a percentage of any revenue generated. With WordPress.org, you have complete control over how you monetize your website and keep all revenue.
- Support: WordPress.com offers customer support, but it may not be as personalized as with WordPress.org. With WordPress.org, you have access to a vast community of developers and users who can provide support and assistance.
What are the practical distinctions between WordPress.com and WordPress.org?
There are several practical differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org, which can impact your website building experience. Here are a few key differences:
- Hosting: With WordPress.com, your website is hosted on their servers, while with WordPress.org, you need to find and pay for your own hosting provider.
- Customization: WordPress.com offers limited customization options compared to WordPress.org. With WordPress.com, you can choose from a set of pre-designed themes and limited plugins, whereas with WordPress.org, you have complete control over your website’s appearance and functionality.
- Cost: WordPress.com offers a free plan, but it comes with limitations. To access more features and customization options, you will need to upgrade to a paid plan. On the other hand, WordPress.org is free to use, but you will need to pay for hosting and any additional plugins or themes.
- Monetization: WordPress.com has strict rules regarding monetization, and you cannot use your website for commercial purposes on the free plan. With WordPress.org, you have complete control over how you monetize your website.
- Maintenance: WordPress.com takes care of website maintenance and updates automatically. With WordPress.org, you will need to handle maintenance and updates on your own or pay someone to do it for you.
What is the preferable option, WordPress.com or WordPress.org?
Deciding whether to use WordPress.com or WordPress.org depends on your specific needs and goals for your website.
If you want a simple and user-friendly platform to create a basic blog or website without any technical knowledge, and you are willing to sacrifice some flexibility and control, then WordPress.com might be the right choice for you.
On the other hand, if you want complete control over your website, the ability to customize it fully, and access to a wide range of themes and plugins, then WordPress.org is likely the better choice. However, this option requires a bit more technical know-how and the responsibility to manage your website’s security, updates, and backups.
Overall, it’s important to consider factors such as your budget, technical skills, website goals, and desired level of control before choosing between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.
In general, my suggestion would be for most individuals to opt for WordPress that is self-hosted (WordPress.org).
What is the distinction between WordPress.com and WordPress.org? Which one should you choose? is a post from ShoutToWorld - Let's Learn Let's Shout - Helping bloggers and developers.
