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

Author Learning Center — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 15:35:03 GMT

Current Revision posted to Platforms by Author Learning Center on 6/15/2018 3:35:03 PM

A website or blog is a vital part of an author's marketing platform. It's a cornerstone to your online presence and your brand identity as an author. On your site, you can boast your publications, press coverage, events, social media links, and more. Choosing how and where to build your site is an important decision.

Many authors have found that WordPress is an excellent option. In fact, according to WordPress, their software is used by more than thirty percent of the Internet's websites. Before you get started with WordPress, you need to know the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org and consider which one is right for you.

So what is WordPress?

WordPress is open-source software used to create websites, blogs, and applications. Open source means that anyone can download it, use it, and customize it. When people talk about a WordPress website, there are two main options: WordPress.org and WordPress.com. And from there, WordPress.com is further divided into paid plans and upgrades, as explained below.

WordPress.org, or self-hosted WordPress, is where you can download WordPress software and create your own website, blog, or app. You have ultimate freedom to create whatever you want; however, you also have all the responsibility for your website. It's up to you to figure out any technical details, including web hosting, maintenance, domain, and working out design glitches. This may be an option to consider if you already have experience managing websites.

WordPress.com is a for-profit company that uses the WordPress software to offer free websites and paid services. It's the option where you can start up a free blog or site in a snap and is a good fit for beginners. You don't have to worry about the technical details like running backups or messing with CSS web design—WordPress takes care of those details for you. However, you give up some of the control and freedom and are limited on what you can do.

In addition to the free version, WordPress.com also offers paid plans and upgrades. One option that rivals WordPress.org's offerings is the WordPress.com Business plan. It provides most of the freedom available through WordPress.org, but you don't have to worry about all of the technical details. You also receive more customer support than you do with any other option—one bonus that can be a lifesaver for people who aren't tech savvy.

Compare the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org

	Wordpress.com (Free)	Wordpress.com Business	Wordpress.org
Cost	$0	$25 per month ($300 per year)	Varies (cost of domain, hosting fees, plugins, SSL, and any other optional features, design, or maintenance costs)
Domain/URL	You choose a subdomain of WordPress (sitename.wordpress.com), unless you upgrade to Personal $4/month for a custom domain name.	A custom domain name is included (sitename.com).	You can choose a custom domain name. You are responsible to purchase and renew your domain yearly.
Design/templates	Limited to select WP templates, not customizable.	Access premium WP themes, edit CSS to customize the design, or upload your own design.	Access WP themes, edit CSS to customize the design, or upload your own design.
Hosting	WP hosts your website.	WP hosts your website.	You find and pay for website hosting.
Ads	WP runs ads on your website. You can upgrade your site for a fee to remove the WP ads or run WordAds on your site, but cannot sell ad space on your site.	WP ads are removed from your site, and you can choose to run the WordAds program on your site or another thirty-party ad network, or sell your own ad space.	WP ads are removed from your site, and you can choose to run the WordAds program on your site or another thirty-party ad network, or sell your own ad space.
eCommerce	No ecommerce options. However, you can upgrade to Premium plan for $8/month to accept PayPal or Simple payments.	eCommerce options available. You can build a store and accept payments.	eCommerce options available. You can build a store and accept payments.
Maintenance (security, backups, updates, etc.)	WP's Jetpack includes backups, restores, security scans, and brute force attack prevention.	WP's Jetpack includes backups, restores, security scans, and brute force attack prevention.	You are responsible for security, backups, and updates.
Storage	3GB storage is included. Upgrade for a fee for more storage.	Unlimited storage space is included.	Storage space is determined by your hosting company.
Support	Search user community forums.	Email and Live Chat support available 24/7, forums, plus a personal set up session.	Search user community forums.
Control of content	You must follow WP's Terms of Service or your site can be deleted.	You must follow WP's Terms of Service or your site can be deleted.	You do not have to agree to WP's Terms of Service.
Social media integration	Limited sharing capabilities through Publicize to share on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more.	Social media sharing functionality is included, and you may install third-party plugins.	Install any social media sharing plugins you want.
Plugin integration	Access WP's Jetpack, but no third-party plugins allowed.	You can install third-party plugins, except some that are incompatible.	You can install third-party plugins.
Site analytics	Get basic analytics through Jetpack.	You get Google Analytics integration and any other third-party plugins you want.	You can install any third-party plugins, such as Google Analytics.
WP branding	WP branding is present on your website in the footer.	You can remove the WP branding.	No WP branding on your site unless you want it.

Choosing the Best Wordpress Option

WordPress has diverse offerings that are a good fit for most authors. Consider your plans for your site and your skill level when choosing the option that's right for you.

WordPress.com's free version might be for you if: you want to experiment with WordPress, you need a simple site and don't mind limited options, or you don't plan to monetize your site.

WordPress.com's Business plan might be for you if: you plan to make money from your site, or you want more options and freedom but don't want to deal with too many technical details.

WordPress.org might be for you if: you want ultimate freedom and control of your website, and you have some technical knowledge about websites.

One of the great things about WordPress software is that you can migrate your site between WordPress.com and WordPress.org if you change your mind or want to evolve your site in the future. An author website or blog is a powerful marketing tool that you don't want to go without. So weigh your options, make a plan, and start that site!

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

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

Author Learning Center — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 15:34:02 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Platforms by Author Learning Center on 6/15/2018 3:34:02 PM

So what is WordPress?

Compare the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org

	Wordpress.com (Free)	Wordpress.com Business	Wordpress.org
Cost	$0	$25 per month ($300 per year)	Varies (cost of domain, hosting fees, plugins, SSL, and any other optional features, design, or maintenance costs)
Domain/URL	You choose a subdomain of WordPress (sitename.wordpress.com), unless you upgrade to Personal $4/month for a custom domain name.	A custom domain name is included (sitename.com).	You can choose a custom domain name. You are responsible to purchase and renew your domain yearly.
Design/templates	Limited to select WP templates, not customizable.	Access premium WP themes, edit CSS to customize the design, or upload your own design.	Access WP themes, edit CSS to customize the design, or upload your own design.
Hosting	WP hosts your website.	WP hosts your website.	You find and pay for website hosting.
Ads	WP runs ads on your website. You can upgrade your site for a fee to remove the WP ads or run WordAds on your site, but cannot sell ad space on your site.	WP ads are removed from your site, and you can choose to run the WordAds program on your site or another thirty-party ad network, or sell your own ad space.	WP ads are removed from your site, and you can choose to run the WordAds program on your site or another thirty-party ad network, or sell your own ad space.
eCommerce	No ecommerce options. However, you can upgrade to Premium plan for $8/month to accept PayPal or Simple payments.	eCommerce options available. You can build a store and accept payments.	eCommerce options available. You can build a store and accept payments.
Maintenance (security, backups, updates, etc.)	WP's Jetpack includes backups, restores, security scans, and brute force attack prevention.	WP's Jetpack includes backups, restores, security scans, and brute force attack prevention.	You are responsible for security, backups, and updates.
Storage	3GB storage is included. Upgrade for a fee for more storage.	Unlimited storage space is included.	Storage space is determined by your hosting company.
Support	Search user community forums.	Email and Live Chat support available 24/7, forums, plus a personal set up session.	Search user community forums.
Control of content	You must follow WP's Terms of Service or your site can be deleted.	You must follow WP's Terms of Service or your site can be deleted.	You do not have to agree to WP's Terms of Service.
Social media integration	Limited sharing capabilities through Publicize to share on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more.	Social media sharing functionality is included, and you may install third-party plugins.	Install any social media sharing plugins you want.
Plugin integration	Access WP's Jetpack, but no third-party plugins allowed.	You can install third-party plugins, except some that are incompatible.	You can install third-party plugins.
Site analytics	Get basic analytics through Jetpack.	You get Google Analytics integration and any other third-party plugins you want.	You can install any third-party plugins, such as Google Analytics.
WP branding	WP branding is present on your website in the footer.	You can remove the WP branding.	No WP branding on your site unless you want it.

Choosing the Best Wordpress Option

WordPress has diverse offerings that are a good fit for most authors. Consider your plans for your site and your skill level when choosing the option that's right for you.

WordPress.com's free version might be for you if: you want to experiment with WordPress, you need a simple site and don't mind limited options, or you don't plan to monetize your site.

WordPress.com's Business plan might be for you if: you plan to make money from your site, or you want more options and freedom but don't want to deal with too many technical details.

WordPress.org might be for you if: you want ultimate freedom and control of your website, and you have some technical knowledge about websites.

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

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

Author Learning Center — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 15:33:00 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Platforms by Author Learning Center on 6/15/2018 3:33:00 PM

So what is WordPress?

- In addition to the free version, WordPress.com also offers paid plans and upgrades. One option that rivals WordPress.org's offerings is the WordPress.com Business plan. It provides most of the freedom available through WordPress.org, but you don't have to worry about all of the technical details. You also receive more customer support than you do with any other option—one bonus that can be a lifesaver for people who aren't tech savvy.

Compare the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org

	Wordpress.com (Free)	Wordpress.com Business	Wordpress.org
Cost	$0	$25 per month ($300 per year)	Varies (cost of domain, hosting fees, plugins, SSL, and any other optional features, design, or maintenance costs)
Domain/URL	You choose a subdomain of WordPress (sitename.wordpress.com), unless you upgrade to Personal $4/month for a custom domain name.	A custom domain name is included (sitename.com).	You can choose a custom domain name. You are responsible to purchase and renew your domain yearly.
Design/templates	Limited to select WP templates, not customizable.	Access premium WP themes, edit CSS to customize the design, or upload your own design.	Access WP themes, edit CSS to customize the design, or upload your own design.
Hosting	WP hosts your website.	WP hosts your website.	You find and pay for website hosting.
Ads	WP runs ads on your website. You can upgrade your site for a fee to remove the WP ads or run WordAds on your site, but cannot sell ad space on your site.	WP ads are removed from your site, and you can choose to run the WordAds program on your site or another thirty-party ad network, or sell your own ad space.	WP ads are removed from your site, and you can choose to run the WordAds program on your site or another thirty-party ad network, or sell your own ad space.
eCommerce	No ecommerce options. However, you can upgrade to Premium plan for $8/month to accept PayPal or Simple payments.	eCommerce options available. You can build a store and accept payments.	eCommerce options available. You can build a store and accept payments.
Maintenance (security, backups, updates, etc.)	WP's Jetpack includes backups, restores, security scans, and brute force attack prevention.	WP's Jetpack includes backups, restores, security scans, and brute force attack prevention.	You are responsible for security, backups, and updates.
Storage	3GB storage is included. Upgrade for a fee for more storage.	Unlimited storage space is included.	Storage space is determined by your hosting company.
Support	Search user community forums.	Email and Live Chat support available 24/7, forums, plus a personal set up session.	Search user community forums.
Control of content	You must follow WP's Terms of Service or your site can be deleted.	You must follow WP's Terms of Service or your site can be deleted.	You do not have to agree to WP's Terms of Service.
Social media integration	Limited sharing capabilities through Publicize to share on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more.	Social media sharing functionality is included, and you may install third-party plugins.	Install any social media sharing plugins you want.
Plugin integration	Access WP's Jetpack, but no third-party plugins allowed.	You can install third-party plugins, except some that are incompatible.	You can install third-party plugins.
Site analytics	Get basic analytics through Jetpack.	You get Google Analytics integration and any other third-party plugins you want.	You can install any third-party plugins, such as Google Analytics.
WP branding	WP branding is present on your website in the footer.	You can remove the WP branding.	No WP branding on your site unless you want it.

Choosing the Best Wordpress Option

WordPress has diverse offerings that are a good fit for most authors. Consider your plans for your site and your skill level when choosing the option that's right for you.

WordPress.com's free version might be for you if: you want to experiment with WordPress, you need a simple site and don't mind limited options, or you don't plan to monetize your site.

WordPress.com's Business plan might be for you if: you plan to make money from your site, or you want more options and freedom but don't want to deal with too many technical details.

WordPress.org might be for you if: you want ultimate freedom and control of your website, and you have some technical knowledge about websites.

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

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

Author Learning Center — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 15:30:01 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Platforms by Author Learning Center on 6/15/2018 3:30:01 PM

So what is WordPress?

WordPress.org, or self-hosted WordPress, is where you can download WordPress software and create your own website, blog, or app. You have ultimate freedom to create whatever you want; however, you also have all the responsibility for your website. It's up to you to figure out any technical details, including web hosting, maintenance, domain, and working out design glitches. This may be an option to consider if you already have experience managing websites.
WordPress.com is a for-profit company that uses the WordPress software to offer free websites and paid services. It's the option where you can start up a free blog or site in a snap and is a good fit for beginners. You don't have to worry about the technical details like running backups or messing with CSS web design—WordPress takes care of those details for you. However, you give up some of the control and freedom and are limited on what you can do.
- In addition to the free version, WordPress.com also offers paid plans and upgrades. One option that rivals WordPress.org's offerings is the WordPress.com Business plan. It provides most of the freedom available through WordPress.org, but you don't have to worry about all of the technical details. You also receive more customer support than you do with any other option—one bonus that can be a lifesaver for people who aren't tech savvy.

Compare the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org

	Wordpress.com (Free)	Wordpress.com Business	Wordpress.org
Cost	$0	$25 per month ($300 per year)	Varies (cost of domain, hosting fees, plugins, SSL, and any other optional features, design, or maintenance costs)
Domain/URL	You choose a subdomain of WordPress (sitename.wordpress.com), unless you upgrade to Personal $4/month for a custom domain name.	A custom domain name is included (sitename.com).	You can choose a custom domain name. You are responsible to purchase and renew your domain yearly.
Design/templates	Limited to select WP templates, not customizable.	Access premium WP themes, edit CSS to customize the design, or upload your own design.	Access WP themes, edit CSS to customize the design, or upload your own design.
Hosting	WP hosts your website.	WP hosts your website.	You find and pay for website hosting.
Ads	WP runs ads on your website. You can upgrade your site for a fee to remove the WP ads or run WordAds on your site, but cannot sell ad space on your site.	WP ads are removed from your site, and you can choose to run the WordAds program on your site or another thirty-party ad network, or sell your own ad space.	WP ads are removed from your site, and you can choose to run the WordAds program on your site or another thirty-party ad network, or sell your own ad space.
eCommerce	No ecommerce options. However, you can upgrade to Premium plan for $8/month to accept PayPal or Simple payments.	eCommerce options available. You can build a store and accept payments.	eCommerce options available. You can build a store and accept payments.
Maintenance (security, backups, updates, etc.)	WP's Jetpack includes backups, restores, security scans, and brute force attack prevention.	WP's Jetpack includes backups, restores, security scans, and brute force attack prevention.	You are responsible for security, backups, and updates.
Storage	3GB storage is included. Upgrade for a fee for more storage.	Unlimited storage space is included.	Storage space is determined by your hosting company.
Support	Search user community forums.	Email and Live Chat support available 24/7, forums, plus a personal set up session.	Search user community forums.
Control of content	You must follow WP's Terms of Service or your site can be deleted.	You must follow WP's Terms of Service or your site can be deleted.	You do not have to agree to WP's Terms of Service.
Social media integration	Limited sharing capabilities through Publicize to share on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more.	Social media sharing functionality is included, and you may install third-party plugins.	Install any social media sharing plugins you want.
Plugin integration	Access WP's Jetpack, but no third-party plugins allowed.	You can install third-party plugins, except some that are incompatible.	You can install third-party plugins.
Site analytics	Get basic analytics through Jetpack.	You get Google Analytics integration and any other third-party plugins you want.	You can install any third-party plugins, such as Google Analytics.
WP branding	WP branding is present on your website in the footer.	You can remove the WP branding.	No WP branding on your site unless you want it.

Choose the WordPress option that's right for you

WordPress has diverse offerings that are a good fit for most authors. Consider your plans for your site and your skill level when choosing the option that's right for you.

WordPress.com's free version might be for you if: you want to experiment with WordPress, you need a simple site and don't mind limited options, or you don't plan to monetize your site.
WordPress.com's Business plan might be for you if: you plan to make money from your site, or you want more options and freedom but don't want to deal with too many technical details.
WordPress.org might be for you if: you want ultimate freedom and control of your website, and you have some technical knowledge about websites.

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction