WordPress.com vs WordPress.org
WordPress provides solutions for all of your website requirements, whether you need a site to manage your e-commerce business, want to create a blog, or need a landing page to collect leads. If you’re thinking about using WordPress to develop your website, you’ve probably come across two sorts of WordPress sites: WordPress.com and WordPress.org. We’ll go over the key features so you can decide which one is right for you.
An Overview
Hosting: WordPress.com is a fully hosted platform, meaning that the hosting is taken care of by Automattic, the company behind WordPress. You don’t need to worry about finding a web host.
Ease of Use: It’s user-friendly and requires minimal technical skills. Setup and maintenance are straightforward.
Cost: Offers free and paid plans. The free plan includes a WordPress.com subdomain basic themes, and limited storage. Paid plans unlock custom domains, additional storage, premium themes, and other features.
Customization: Limited compared to WordPress.org. You can choose from pre-installed themes and plugins, but custom code and third-party themes/plugins are restricted unless you opt for the more expensive plans.
Maintenance: All technical aspects, such as updates, backups, and security, are handled by WordPress.com.
Monetization: Options are limited on free plans. Paid plans offer more monetization features, but you are still subject to WordPress.com’s terms and conditions.
Advertising: Free plans display WordPress.com ads. Higher-tier plans allow you to remove these ads and run your own.
Hosting: WordPress.org is self-hosted, meaning you need to find and pay for your own web hosting provider. You have full control over your server environment.
Ease of Use: Requires more technical knowledge compared to WordPress.com. Installation and maintenance are your responsibility, although many hosting providers offer easy WordPress installation.
Cost: The software itself is free, but you need to pay for hosting, domain registration, and any premium themes or plugins you choose to use.
Customization: Highly customizable with the ability to install custom themes, plugins, and modify the code. You have full control over your website’s functionality and appearance.
Maintenance: You are responsible for maintenance tasks such as updates, backups, and ensuring security. However, plugins and services are available to automate these tasks.
Monetization: Complete freedom to monetize your website as you see fit. You can use any advertising network, e-commerce platform, membership system, and more without restrictions.
Advertising: No default ads are imposed by WordPress.org. You can choose to display ads and monetize your site however you like.
A Comparative Overview
Choosing the best platform
- Use WordPress.com if :
Â- You prefer a hassle-free, all-in-one solution.
- You don’t want to handle technical aspects like hosting, updates, and security.
- You are okay with limited customization options.
- You want a free or low-cost option to start a blog or small website quickly.
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- Use WordPress.org if :
- You want full control over your website’s design and functionality.
- You are comfortable with or willing to learn some technical aspects of website management.
- You need extensive customization and the ability to use custom themes and plugins.
- You plan to monetize your site without any restrictions.
Cost and features of managed eCommerce
WordPress.com offers an e-commerce service that costs INR 4,911.28 ($59) a month. With this option, customers may interface with shipping providers, take payments from over 60 countries, and have access to superior design options. Using plugins, WordPress.org users may select themes that are ideal for online sales and link their website with e-commerce platforms.