THE BEST WEBSITE DESIGN PLATFORM: WORDPRESS.ORG VS. WORDPRESS.COM? 

What if we told you that WordPress.com and WordPress.org are two completely distinct platforms for website design?

Beginners frequently mix up WordPress.com and WordPress.org, resulting in them selecting the incorrect web design platform for their purposes. Even those who recognize the two are unaware of the distinctions.

Our users frequently ask us which platform is better: WordPress.com or WordPress.org. We’ve put together the most comprehensive comparison of WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org to help you decide.

Because choosing the right platform is so important for your website’s development, we’ve put together the most comprehensive WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org comparison available.

 Our objective is to help you understand the fundamental differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org so you can pick the best platform for your needs.

 

 Okay, let’s compare the differences between WordPress.org website design and WordPress.com.

 

WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org: What’s the Difference?

Note: This article contrasts the strong self-hosted WordPress.org platform with the free WordPress.com platform. By upgrading to WordPress.com’s paid service, you can have access to more features. We’ve also highlighted those features.

Comparison of WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org 

Examining each platform without bias is the best approach to grasp the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. 

 

WordPress.org

WordPress.org, known as “the actual and most used WordPress,” is a popular web design platform. 

It is an open-source software. Getting started, you only need a domain name and web hosting. It’s known as self-hosted WordPress as a result of this.

The benefits and drawbacks of choosing self-hosted WordPress.org to create your website are listed below.

 

Benefits of WordPress.org

Not only does WordPress offer amazing web development services, you also have complete control over your website. You have complete freedom to do whatever you want with it and to personalize it as much as you want.

Here are some of the advantages of using WordPress.org to create your website, as well as why we think it’s the ideal web design software.

• WordPress is a free, open-source, and extremely user-friendly blogging platform. 
• You are the sole owner of your website and all of its content. WordPress will not take it down because it violates someone’s terms of service (as long as you are not doing something illegal). You have complete control.
• You can change the style of your website as needed. Additionally, can use any of its custom web design themes, whether it’s free or paid. However, users can also make fully unique designs or make changes to anything you like.
• You can truly generate money from your WordPress site if you run your advertisements without sharing the profits with anyone.
• For specific statistics and tracking, you can use powerful tools like Google Analytics.
• You can use self-hosted WordPress to set up an online store, collect credit card payments, and distribute/ship the things straight from your website.
• You may also build an online community around your website by creating membership sites and selling subscriptions for premium content, courses, and other services.

Technical Resources

• A wealth of technical resources: If you ever have any troubleshooting problems with your website or blog, many volunteers and experts can help you out. In case of any technical issues, you can always contact them through the WordPress support forum. 
• Simple security Setup: Creating/Designing your website is the first step. But, also updating your website’s security is a continuous effort that ensures a responsive web design. You can easily work hand-in-hand with the WordPress volunteer to resolve security issues. 

 

Cons of WordPress.org

The use of a self-hosted WordPress.org site has only a few drawbacks.

• You’ll require web hosting, just like any other website. Initially, the price ranges between $3 and $10 each month. However, if your website expands and receives more traffic, the cost of your web hosting plan will rise as expected, but you will be able to afford the expenditures.
• You’ll need to download and install WordPress. The majority of popular WordPress hosting companies, fortunately, provide one-click WordPress installation.
• Updates are your responsibility. It isn’t difficult to update your WordPress site by simply clicking the update button (one click); therefore, it’s not a lot of work.
• Backups are your responsibility. Fortunately, there are a slew of WordPress backup plugins that let you set up automatic backups.

The exact cost of a WordPress.org web design package is determined by the type of site you wish to build (simple blog, portfolio website, eCommerce store, etc.). Other considerations include free vs. premium templates, free vs. premium plugins, and so on.

You can establish a website for as little as $46 per year if you’re on a tight budget. 

Our recommendation for 99 percent of users is to utilize WordPress.org

 

 WordPress.com

Automattic, the firm founded by WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg, established WordPress.com as a hosting service. WordPress.com is frequently confused with the popular WordPress.org software due to the same founder.

The WordPress.com hosting service offers six different website development pricing options:

• Free – Quantities are extremely limited.
• Premium – $96 per year Personal – $48 per year
• $300 per year for a business.
• $540 per year for e-commerce
• Starting at $5000 a month, you can become a VIP.

Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of WordPress.com.

 

Benefits of using WordPress.com

For recreational bloggers and those creating a blog for their families, the free WordPress.com platform is a fantastic option. Some of the advantages of using WordPress.com are as follows:

• It’s completely free for up to 3GB of storage. After that, if you want extra storage space, you’ll have to upgrade to a premium subscription. (A Personal plan for $48/year provides 6GB of storage, a Premium plan for $96/year offers 13GB of storage, and a Business plan for $300/year offers 200 GB of storage.)
• Uncomplicated maintenance: With wordpress.com, you can sit back, relax and let the platform do the work for you. You won’t have to buy WordPress.com developers and supporters. 
• Various Customer Support Channels: Customer support channels are readily available to answer your questions, whether you are using a free or premium plan. Also, you can access a more personalized support system via email or contact, depending on the plan you are using. 
• Built-in security packages: WordPress.com already has a closed secured system by default. You don’t need to focus on cyber security or malware attacks. Everything is well taken care of so you can focus on creating content for your target audience. 

 

Migration options

•  Seamless migration option: If you want to grow your website into a self-hosted platform. WordPress won’t be distraught with your plan; rather, it will aid it. Using a free plan, you can access a built-in website design tool that’ll compress your website  into a single downloadable file. You can do the transfer alone, or you can let WordPress.com assist for a small fee. Completing the transfer is easy, as you click the import button in your new self-hosted WordPress dashboard to have your files move into your new home. 
• Basic personalization: WordPress gives you enough room to customize your website to your taste, even with a free plan. There are numerous free themes to choose from, so you can pick those that reflect your style. It also has built-in features like  social sharing buttons, comments, third-party plugins, etc. 

 

Cons of using WordPress.com

Free WordPress.com has a few constraints that set it apart from WordPress.org. The following are some of the drawbacks of using WordPress.com:

• They run advertisements on all free designed websites. If your users don’t want to view your adverts, you can subscribe to a paid WordPress.com plan (beginning at $48 per year).
• You are not permitted to sell advertisements on your website. Hence, severely limiting options for monetization. If you have a high-converting website, applying for their WordAds advertising program allows you to split earnings. Moreover, WordAds is immediately available to Premium and Business plan subscribers.
• Meanwhile, users on the Business plan can choose from a list of compatible plugins ($300 per year). The VIP program on WordPress.com allows you to install plugins and costs $5000 per month.
• Custom themes are not available for download. Users on the free plan can only use the restricted number of free themes available.  Subscribers to the premium and business plans can also choose from a variety of premium themes. The free edition includes a limited set of customization options. Custom CSS is available to Premium and Business plan users.

Further Cons Explained

• You won’t be able to use Google Analytics or any other advanced tracking tool. Business plan users can install Google analytics.
• A WordPress.com branded subdomain (e.g., https://yourwebsite.wordpress.com) is included with all free WordPress.com sites. To get a custom domain name g.e.g. https://www.yourwebsite.com), you’ll need to upgrade to a premium plan.
• If they believe your site breaches their terms of service, they have the right to remove it at any moment.
• A WordPress.com link will appear on your site. Please upgrade to the Business plan to get rid of it.
• WordPress.com does not have any eCommerce functionality or connected payment methods unless you upgrade to the eCommerce package.
• The creation of membership websites is not supported by WordPress.com.

 

As you can see, the WordPress.com hosting platform is greatly limited when using free, personal, or premium plans. It would be best if you were on the Business ($300 per year) or VIP ($5000 per month) plan to access some more advanced features.

Frequently asked questions

Below, we’ve attempted to answer the most frequently asked questions:

 

Which is better for small businesses website designs?

It all comes down to profit and passion. If you’re a personal blogger who doesn’t care about making money from your website, WordPress.com is a good option. Its simplicity allows you to utilize content creation without worrying about technical management. Sign up for a free account and have your website/blog ready in minutes. 

We recommend using self-hosted WordPress.org if you are a small business or a blogger who wants to make money from your website. It provides you with the freedom and flexibility to develop your website in any way you see fit. Download WordPress to customize your website on your terms. 

 

While the WordPress.com Business plan ($300 per year for each website) offers some sophisticated capabilities, a self-hosted WordPress site, which costs $46 per year, can stretch that money considerably further.

The preferable platform, in our opinion, is WordPress.org. Every professional blogger, small company owner, and even big-name businesses like Disney use this platform.

 

Is it possible to monetize your free WordPress.com website?

On free WordPress.com websites, you are not permitted to display advertisements. You can join their WordAds program and share your ad money with WordPress.com if you have a high-traffic website.

You can add a few affiliate links to your site, but that’s it.

On a WordPress.com website, you have very few options for monetizing content.

You have complete control over the content management system with WordPress.org, which allows you to monetise your new website in an unlimited number of ways.

 

Which is better for e-commerce?

WordPress.org is the most user-friendly platform for creating an eCommerce website. You can use WooCommerce or one of the many other WordPress eCommerce, membership, and LMS plugins to create your store.

WordPress.com also has an eCommerce package that starts at $540 per year, which is a significant investment if you are starting out. In terms of features, it’s still limited, and you’ll be adhering to WordPress.com’s terms of service for your eCommerce business.

 

How do I design or manage a wordpress.org website?

A domain name and WordPress hosting are required to launch a self-hosted WordPress website design.

A domain name is the internet address for your website, such as google.com or wpbeginner.com. 

Firstly, web hosting refers to the location on the internet where your website files are hosted.

We recommend utilizing Bluehost, as they are recognized globally. They’re also a recommended site host by WordPress.org. The WordPress blog setup is functional.

 

Is it possible to switch from WordPress.com to WordPress.org?

Users who are unfamiliar with the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org typically start with the free WordPress.com development service. They want to switch to “the Real WordPress,” meaning WordPress.org, once they understand the platform’s limitations.

Yes, you can go from WordPress.com to WordPress.org and move all of your material very effortlessly.

 

Summary of WordPress.org vs. WordPress.com

Comparing renting vs. owning a property is the easiest way to understand the distinctions between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.

Renting a property on WordPress.com is similar to renting a house. 

Having a WordPress.org account is similar to having a home. No one can kick you out if you have complete control, and you can do whatever you want.

 

Final thoughts

For newcomers, the confusion caused by similar domains, such as WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org, is problematic. 

Gladly, we hope this post has helped you understand the differences between WordPress.org and WordPress.com.

At somethingelse, we believe that every business should have a digital footprint on the world wide web. We’ve created an affordable website design plan to meet each sage of your business journey.

Whether it’s a homepage design or landing page design, we’ve got you covered. Join us today, and emerge as a creative industry leader!