When I decided to become a WordPress Web Designer and Developer and launched my blog in 2020, I took a simple approach. I Googled “WordPress website blog,” clicked on a “get a free blog”, “wordpress website builder” button, and started my journey.
At first, I tried to learn WordPress to create my own blog. However, I found it overwhelming. This was especially true while managing my family responsibilities.
So, I decided to hire a professional WordPress web designer and developer. I was very happy with the results they provided for my small business. Without professional assistance, I would not have achieved such success.
Years later, I have now become a professional web designer and developer myself, specializing in WordPress websites.
After a year, I realized I should have conducted more research. I wanted to change my site layout and add additional functions, such as a hovering Pinterest button. That’s when I discovered that to accomplish these modifications, I needed a “WordPress.org blog.” It turns out that having a “WordPress.org A “blog” means getting the free, open-source WordPress software. You can use a hosting service like GoDaddy or Bluehost to make your site available online.
On the other hand, WordPress.com takes care of all the technicalities for you. You don’t need to worry about hosting or serving files, and your blog comes with a free domain like www.mynewblog.wordpress.com. However, handing over these responsibilities also means sacrificing some control. WordPress.com Sites show ads unless you pay a yearly fee. Some upgrades, like hosting videos or buying a custom domain, can be expensive.
To make things harder for new bloggers, the Dashboard looks almost the same no matter which option you pick. This is because WordPress.com It uses the same WordPress software as a self-hosted site. This means you will have a similar user experience after you set up your blog.
The decision between starting a free WordPress.com Choosing between a blog and a self-hosted WordPress site depends on how much freedom you want. It also depends on how much work you are willing to do behind the scenes. Finally, consider if making money from your blog is important to you.
Firstly, consider how much control you want over your site’s look and feel. If you’re content with an “out of the box” theme from WordPress.com, it might be suitable for you. For an additional cost, you can customize certain features like fonts and background colors. Overall,
If you want to change your Instagram feed or move social media buttons, consider a self-hosted WordPress blog. This way, you can access your site’s layout and HTML.
2. What extra functionality do you want on your site?
Remember that anecdote about the Pinterest hover button I wanted? WordPress.com is always updating and adding new features, but you will have more control on a self-hosted site. Through WordPress.org, you’ll have access to libraries of plugins [https://wordpress.org/plugins/] You can add features like interactive calendars, social media sharing options, and RSS feeds to your site. You can also include Google Analytics. And by accessing your site’s code, your opportunities to add to and embellish features are unlimited.
3. Do you want to monetize your site?
“Oh wow, I have so many page views! Maybe I can make a little cash with ads!” Nope. Not if you’re on a WordPress.com site. They’re giving you a lot for free; it’s no surprise that you can only sell ads in WordPress-approved ways. On a self-hosted site, however, the world is your oyster…or, you know, your sales floor.
In addition, while, WordPress.com Recently, new ways to sell on your site have been introduced. eCommerce is now more established and flexible with a self-hosted site.
4. How much can you spend?
Self-hosting is an upfront cost that ranges from a few dollars a month to closer to hundreds per year. But using a free WordPress.com blog and adding a lot of additional features can get pricey. Infographic cost comparison:http://howtomakemyblog.com/wordpress-com-org/
WordPress.com is a useful tool for users who want a free option. It is great for those who don’t need to customize or earn money from their site. However, getting a self-hosted site through WordPress.org provides the most flexibility, freedom, and opportunity for growth. And let’s face it, you’re going to want to use this site to become a moneybags, and WordPress.org allows more freedom for turning your hard work into cold hard cash.