Self hosted website via WordPress.org vs WordPress.com hosted website
When you think of starting your own website or a blog post, you would need a space where you can upload your content easily and reach out to the prospective audience. Here you have two choices, a readily available platform like WordPress.com, where you register your domain name and get started. Or, a self hosted website for installing the software through WordPress.org. Depending on the needs and requirements, you can decide which option to choose from.
WordPress the CMS
WordPress is an open source content management system. It is application software which works as a framework within which you can upload your content in the form of a website. This framework is used to eliminate the effort of writing the repetitive code for each and every web page in each and every website. You can use themes and plug-ins within this framework to add features fulfilling your needs. It is the most popular blogging platform.
Self Hosted Website
WordPress.org is a website from where you can download the WordPress application software and install it as a CMS on a self hosted website. You will have to purchase a domain name for your website and then purchase a web hosting service for hosting your website making it go live. With this setup, you will get access to the backend and the core files of your website including the database. You will also have the freedom to choose any theme for the layout of your website. It could be a free or a premium theme. Additionally, here you will be allowed to install as many plugin-ins as you would need to enhance the features of your website. These again could be free or premium plug-ins depending on your needs and requirements.
Website Hosted via WordPress.com
WordPress.com is a readily available platform, on which you can host your content and reach out to your prospective audience. You have the options to host a website or a blog for free or take a premium plan, depending on your website needs and requirements. You can even opt for a free domain name, or purchase a custom domain name for your website. Whatever domain name you choose, your website will be hosted on the WordPress’ web server. You will have to work within the limitations of the features available to you, depending on the plan you choose. As of 2018, WordPress.com is offering 4 Plans.
Free, Personal, Premium and Business. All the plans come with different features. But in any of the plans you will not get access to the CPanel i.e. the backend of your website. You will only be able to administer the website through the GUI (Graphical User Interface) based dashboard that is provided by WordPress. Hence, you will not be able to access the core files, not even the database. The details of the registered users on your website will be saved as a list and you will be allowed to download that list.
Depending on the plan that you choose, you might get the freedom to customise the look and feel of your website. If your plan allows you could be allowed to use a theme to specify the layout. Additionally, you may also get the rights to install some plug-ins for add-on features to your website.
Differences between hosting a website via
WordPress.com and WordPress.org
WordPress.com
|
WordPress.org
|
| Do Not have to install the WordPress software | Will have to download and install the software |
| Can have free or custom (paid) domain name | Need to purchase a domain name |
| Do not have to pay for hosting the website | Need to purchase a hosting plan |
| Limitations on using a theme for custom layout depending on the plan | No limitations on using a free or premium theme for custom layout |
| Limitations on using a plug-in depending on the plan | No limitations on using a free or premium plug-in |
| Get extra traffic because of WordPress network. | Need to promote your website in order to get extra traffic. |
| Connect with other bloggers, search via tags and follow them through reader section. | No network is available since it is an independent website. |
| Do not have full control over monetization via Adverts or for their placement. | Have full control over monetization via Adverts and their placement. |
Website hosting through WordPress.com and WordPress.org might seem different but the interface remains the same. The dashboard for both the interfaces is pretty similar. The programming language is the same. The themes and plug-ins that are available are the same. Just that what can be used and cannot be used depends on the nature of hosting. The admin page to login to your WordPress Dashboard is the same:
<domain name>/wp-admin
Example: www.abc.com/wp-admin
Where abc.com would be replaced by your domain name.
As a beginner you can start with a free domain over WordPress.com. Once you get familiar with posting the content, using media, checking out commenting on blog posts and more, you can gradually move on to self hosted website for more freedom and flexibility. But remember, “Freedom comes with responsibility”. A self hosted website would be more demanding.