WordPress.com vs WordPress.org, Plus the Best WordPress.org Hosting for Bloggers
One of the most confusing aspects of starting a blog is understanding WordPress.com vs WordPress.org and which of these blogging platforms will best fit your needs. In addition, choosing the best WordPress.org hosting provider can feel overwhelming.
After all…..
What's a blogging platform and how do I choose one?
What are the differences between a hosted and a self-hosted platform?
How does WordPress play a role in this whole enchilada?
And what in the world is a hosting company and how do I know which WordPress.org hosting provider is the best one for me?
Do any these questions sound familiar?
If so, then you my friend are in the right place because today I will save you from this computer and blogging terminology lingo madness.
In this article we will cover what is WordPress and which of its two options (com vs org) you should choose for your new blog or website.
We will also be discussing some of the best WordPress.org hosting providers for bloggers.
Now, before we get to WordPress, let's first understand some basic components.
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A platform is an operating system where software applications can run.
When it comes to blogging, a platform is what allows for interaction between a user, a computer, and an application.
It is programmed and customized by developers with computer language which they call code. In the blogging world, they are known as web hosting platforms.
Because websites need a place to “live”, a host or hosting provider will grant you that space.
A host provides the services and technologies necessary to have and run a website on the internet. In other words, your web host will rent you space (on their computer servers) to house your site.
There are two types of web hosting platforms to consider when starting a blog: hosted and self-hosted.
HOSTED PLATFORMS
Hosted platforms are the kind of platforms which already include the hosting service. In other words, they tend to be an all-in-one shop. They provide you the server space to run your site (host), a domain or subdomain, and the ease of website building.
Hosted Platform Pros
Hosted platforms typically come with built-in customizations for quick and easy use.
Hosted platforms don’t require any updates because they take care of all of the software updates for you.
They tend to be free of charge for basic functionally, however service fees may apply for additional functionality and personalization.
Hosted Platforms Cons
You have very little control over your site. You aren’t free to customize your site to its full potential because customizations are limited.
You don’t get to install plugins.
Plugins are extra bits of functionality that enhance the capabilities of your site. For example, the Askimet plugin protects your site from spam in your comment section and the Yoast SEO plugin helps optimize your blog so that search engines can find you.
You are not free to place ads on your site, instead they place their own ads at their own terms.
Hosted platforms have the power to shut your site down at any given time and if their hosting services shutdown so does your site. In other words, they practically “own” your blog/website.
Hosted platforms are ideal for hobby blogger who aren’t looking to scale their blog and audience, and for business owners who are looking for an easy and effected way to build a professional looking website.
For example, musicians, photographers, artists, and other creatives who want to showcase their work while also having the ability to blog in the same platform.
Examples of popular blogging web hosted platforms include WordPress.com, Blogger, Squarespace, and Wix.
SELF-HOSTED PLATFORMS
Self-hosted platforms require you to have your own hosting company, and then later downloading the content software (WordPress) with one click (more on WordPress in a minute).
Self-hosted Platforms Pros
Self-hosted platforms allow for full customization of your site and its features.
With thousands of plugins and themes both free and paid, the options are endless.
You have full control and ownership of your site. If at any point you are unhappy with your hosting company, you are free to change while leaving your site intact.
Most importantly, self-hosted platforms give you free range to monetize your site. Whether it be through ads, affiliates links, eCommerce store, or a PayPal shopping cart, all profit belongs to you.
Self-Hosted Platforms Cons
Unlike hosted platforms, self-hosted platforms typically require a monthly a fee typically ranging from $35-$200 a year. But, for as little as $3.95/month you can own your website.
You are responsible for your own updates, although with WordPress it happens with the click of a button.
An example of a self-hosted platform is WordPress.org, which also happens to be the best and most popular option.
Now that you have a better understanding of hosted and self-hosted platforms, let’s go over the power of WordPress.
WORDPRESS
WordPress is the best and most popular content management system (CMS) in the world, currently housing 27% of all online websites worldwide.
A content management system allows you to manage and control your website’s content without much technical knowledge or training.
From personal blogs to major magazines and news organizations such as the Wall Street Journal, Google, Walt Disney, and The New Yorker, WordPress takes the cake.
WordPress is a free software, which means you can download it and modify it as you wish.
It is also an open source software (or software with source code), which makes it available to anyone interested to study, modify, and enhance it.
It is for that reason that WordPress currently has the biggest support community out there and an outstanding 55,000+ plugins and 2600+ WordPress themes ready to install and use in your blog/ website.
With the click of a button you can update your plugins and themes from your administrator WordPress dashboard.
WordPress is also SEO (Search Engine Optimization) friendly, which means search engines such as Google and Bing recognize it as a trusted and authentic source.
Furthermore, you can install a WordPress SEO plugins which enhances the SEO of your blog even more.
WordPress offers both hosted and self-hosted options, but make no mistake they are both completely different, and where most of the confusion comes from.
Next, we will discuss in detail both WordPress.org (self-hosted) and WordPress.com (hosted).
WORDPRESS.ORG
WordPress.org Pros
WordPress.org it is hands down the best way to go about it if you are looking to start a blog and make money blogging.
With WordPress.org you have the monetization freedom to have your own eCommerce store, run your own ads, and sell your own products.
With WordPress.org you also have full control over the design and customization of your site.
In addition, you have unlimited access to over 53,000+ WordPress plugins which add a multitude of functionality to you website.
One of the most important aspect of WordPress.org is that it provides you with full analytics and SEO control.
With the use of powerful plugins you can optimize search engine capabilities and get detailed insights on your traffic.
WordPress.org Cons
Considering all of WordPress.org benefits, its cons seem to be pretty insignificant.
WordPress.org requires a hosting provider. You can get WordPress.org for as little as $3.95/month. If you need help, here is a step-by-step guide on how to start a blog using BlueHost (one of the top WordPress.org hosting providers).
Lastly, with WordPress.org you are responsible for any updates, backup, optimization, SPAM control, and a few other minor details.
However, all of these tasks are very easy to implement.
For instance, updates will pop up on your WordPress dashboard as they become available. All you have to do is click “update” and within seconds your plugins will be updated.
For backup, most hosting providers automatically back up your data, otherwise there are WordPress Plugins that can help with that (such as Updraft).
Plugins can also help with SPAM control (such as Askimet) and with Search Engine Optimization (such as YOAST).
WORDPRESS.COM
WordPress.com Pros
WordPress.com is a hosted platform and free to use. No need for maintenance and updates because they will take care of it for you.
WordPress.com Cons
With WordPress.com there isn't freedom to monetize your site (no eCommerce or ads).
WordPress.com gives you the ability to choose from one of their themes, but you cannot customize them.
WordPress.com has “plugin like” capabilities built-in to its platform, but does not allow you to upload any plugins of your choice (unless you sign up for their paid business plan).
And lastly, with WordPress.com you have limited SEO control. They have built in stats, but don't allow for third-party companies which are far better.
Here is a infographic summary for easy comparison. Feel free to Pin it if you find it helpful
As you can see WordPress.ORG offers the most freedom and functionality to make your blog flourish, despite how big or how small it gets to be.
In my humble opinion and that of almost anyone you ask in the blogging world, WordPress.ORG is the way to go for starting a blog, especially if you are planning on growing and monetizing your site.
In order to use platforms such as WordPress.org, you must first register your domain name, and sign-up with a hosting provider.
All 3 WordPress.org hosting providers we will discuss next, will give you the option to register a new domain with them, so no worries.
What's more, some hosting providers will register your domain for free when you sign up with their hosting services.
BEST WORDPRESS.ORG HOSTING PROVIDERS FOR BLOGGERS
The following WordPress.org hosting companies are the only three officially (as of this writing) listed on WordPress.org as their recommended options. They all offer a one-click WordPress installation.
This is what WordPress.org has to say about their choices:
“There are hundreds of thousands of web hosts out there, the vast majority of which meet the WordPress minimum requirements, and choosing one from the crowd can be a chore. Just like flowers need the right environment to grow, WordPress works best when it’s in a rich hosting environment. We’ve dealt with more hosts than you can imagine; in our opinion, the hosts below represent some of the best and brightest of the hosting world.”
BlueHost
BlueHost is the current hosting company of more than 2 million users. Besides its great reputation and reliability, it is a very affordable hosting provider to start a WordPress blog with.
Coming in at just $3.95 per month through this link, when you commit to 36 months of hosting. Their 36 month plan it’s their best value, and completely risk free.
If you choose to end services, they will reimburse the remainder balance in your account. They also offer a 30-day money back guarantee.
What’s more, with BlueHost you can register your Domain for FREE.
Here is a step-by-step tutorial on starting a blog with BlueHost and choosing what to blog about.
SiteGround
SiteGround is the new cool kid in the block of hosting.
Having gained enormous popularity in the blogging community in the recent years by their record braking up-times, latest web hosting speed technology, site hack protection, and excellent 24/7 customer service, SiteGround is a powerful contender.
If you are looking to start a self-hosted blog, SiteGround is definitely an excellent option.
Their recent reviews are impeccable and their users swear by its reliability.
SiteGround is definitely a top contender when choosing a WordPress.org hosting provider.
Here is a step-by-step tutorial on starting a blog with SiteGround.
DreamHost
As another good hosting option, DreamHost comes in with almost 10 years of hosting and contributing with WordPress and its community.
DreamHost is an overall hosting provider excelling in customer service, knowledge, and functionality and price.
They also offer a 97-day money back guarantee, which shows how confident they are in their services.
Additional Resources
Blogcabulary Plus
You can save yourself weeks and month of blogging research and overwhelm.
All with this one resource…
Blogcabulary Plus: The Ultimate Blogging, Reference, and Resource eBook
- 340+ Terminologies
- 200+ Images
- 50+ Popular Services, Tools, and Resources
- 7 Blogging How-To’s Step-by-Step Tutorials
- How to Start a Profitable Blog Step-by-Step
- Bonus: 40 Blogging Facebook Groups and 20 Pinterest Group Boards you can join
If you are thinking about staring a blog or if you have already started one but feel overwhelmed with all there is to learn, I urge you to take a look at Blogcabulary Plus.
I cannot stress enough the difference in time and mental sanity that this kind of resource will bring you.
Start a Money Blog- FREE 7-Day email Course
If you are looking to start a blog (and make money from it), but have no idea where to begin, I’ve put together this FREE email course which will walk you through all the important aspects of starting a profitable and thriving blog and how to monetize it.
Best Blogging Tools and Resources
Lastly, I have also put together a list of the very best blogging resources I have come across to get you grow and monetize your blog.
Takeaway
Ultimately, it all comes down to your needs and expectations for your new blog/ website.
If you are looking to start a blog with room for growth (make money, full customization and design control, no limitations, etc.), then self-hosted WordPress.org is the way go.
Just pick a WordPress.org hosting provider, install WordPress with one click, and off you go.
The best of luck on your new journey my friend.
