WordPress.com v WordPress.org – how to decide.
These are two versions of the famous blogging software.
WordPress is a wonderful asset for writers who blog or create websites to promote their own books and stories.
The software provides everything you need to create your own site – including pages, posts, comments, email service and many other useful facilities.
It is free and very easy to learn.
What is the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com?
The major difference between the two is hosting.
With WordPress.com the hosting service is included and free. With WordPress.org you need to find a provider to host your site and pay their monthly or yearly fee.
Before you decide you need to consider how exactly you intend to use your site. If you are not sure I suggest you read this post about building a website.
WORDPRESS.COM – 3 THINGS TO CONSIDER
If you go with WordPress.com the hosting service is provided free but there are some restrictions.
1.
You are not allowed to carry advertising so this would be prohibitive if you wanted to make some money by hosting adverts.
It is something to think about because a lot of bloggers, me included, carry a few adverts to defray the costs of our sites.
2.
If you go with WordPress.com you will have to include their address at the end of your domain name ie. www.fredbloggs.wordpress.com
Some people feel it is more professional to keep their domain names specific to their own name or business name.
This is very much a personal choice but well worth thinking about before deciding.
3.
You are limited to using their themes and plugins as well as the amount of space available. They also retain the right to advertise on your site – unless you pay to remove them.
WORDPRESS.ORG – 3 THINGS TO CONSIDER
1.
With wordpress.org you have access to any free or commercial themes and plugins you want.
2.
You can place your own adverts and affiliate links and will have full control over your own content with no advertising – unless you choose to!
3.
The service is free but hosting is not. So, you will need to find a hosting service for your site – this will incur a cost.
However, there are lots of providers out there and you should have no problem finding one that suits your budget and your own range of skills.
For help choosing a hosting service – click here.
Making a decision – WordPress.com v WordPress.org
I personally chose to go with WordPress.org because I wanted to be able to choose my own advertising, carry my own domain name without the wordpress tag on the end and I wanted access to a wider range of themes.
This meant I had to find hosting and after a making a mistake with one provider whose support left a lot to be desired I decided to go with Hostgator.
It is well worth thinking carefully about your decision.
You can change your mind later but it is much easier to make the right decision first.
There are many blogging and website mediums to choose from and you can read about Google’s very popular Blogger here.
Many writers are technophobes but even if you are, I wouldn’t let that put you off. You can learn as you go along and the benefits are enormous.
P.S. I love encouraging others to write and all the information, exercises and tips on this site are provided free of charge.
All I ask in return is that you like, share, or comment. Do let me know how you are getting on with your writing. I love hearing from writers and I always reply to comments.
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