The .Com vs .Org War: How to Choose Between WordPress.com vs WordPress.org

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com vs .org

Com vs. Org- Is there a difference? Since the early days of the internet, many people are puzzled when it comes to navigating WordPress.com and WordPress.org. The confusion is easy to understand because they both share the same name.

WordPress is the leading CMS with over 30 percent of the world’s websites use it to build their online presence. But, which one is better? Are they the same thing? While the names sound the same, there are a ton of differences between the two.

It’s these differences that will make or break the future of your business and website. To help you find the right solution, we’re going to explain why WordPress.com and WordPress.org are different from each other.

Let’s get started with the basics, first.

Com vs. Org- What is the Difference?

While many people think that WordPress.com and WordPress.org are the same things, they are far from the same.

Though both platforms are popular with website owners, there are a ton of pros and cons with WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org. Below, I am going to discuss the good, and the bad between the two, and help you make the best decision for your situation.

WordPress. org

WordPress.org- Also known as the self-hosted version, is the actual software. Everyone can download the software and can customize it to their liking. But, you must buy a hosting and domain name.

WordPress.com

WordPress.com is a specific website that offers everything and uses WordPress.org software. While they handle everything on the backend for you, there is less flexibility.

The Similarities

There are so many things to love about WordPress. First, it’s so easy to set-up, and your site can be up-and-running within 15 minutes. Another bonus is that WordPress is free to use, which is excellent, especially if you’re a beginner.

The Distinction Between WordPress.Com vs. WordPress.Org

The most significant assumption is that there are a ton of differences when it comes to WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org. The truth is that they’re more alike than you think. But, it’s pretty essential to know the significant differences between the two are, to make a better decision:

  • WordPress.com only offers a subdomain, while you can get a full domain with WordPress.org
  • There are no restrictions on what you can do with WordPress.org, but there are limitations when you use WordPress.com
  • WordPress.com owns the content you write, while everything you have on WordPress.org is yours
  • People find you more professional if you use WordPress.org than if you use WordPress.com

WordPress.com offers a premium subscription. Users can have added options for a yearly fee, which makes it more confusing for some users.

What Exactly Is WordPress Hosting?

WordPress hosting provides optimized services to meet the security needs and performance to host your site. Some features include one-click set-up, and some hosts offer automatic updates when needed.

There are two favorite ways to get WordPress hosting. Either go to wordpress.com where the host does everything for you or use wordpress.org, which is self-hosted.

Do You Need Hosting?

Yes and no. If you are using WordPress.org, you will need to find a host. Both shared and managed hosts offer the option to make set up simple, but any hosting service will work as long as you have the software downloaded.

If you are using WordPress.com, then your site is already hosted through Automattic. There is no need for any new hosting.

Shared Hosting vs. Managed Hosting

As the saying goes, time is money, and many of us are hard-pressed for both. When you’re new, experts recommend that you find a low-cost shared web host for your WordPress website.

If there’s a ton of traffic, you should go with a managed host, where you can automate everything. While the advice is spot-on, there is a lot more when you are searching for the right host, than just how much you’re paying out-of-pocket.

Several factors go into choosing between a shared and a managed host before you set-up your website, and I am going to explain this in better detail below.

Shared Hosting

Shared Hosting has most of the benefits of having a managed site. Your site will still be optimized for WordPress, though several other websites will share the same server. Some hosts will even give you the option of a preinstalled WordPress and automatic updates.

Managed Hosting

If you want to compare shared hosting to a Ford, then a managed host is a Rolls Royce when it comes to hosting your website. They offer the same features that you get with shared hosting, but you get more bells and whistles, including:

A Speedier Website

Managed hosts offer better specs, which means everything about your WordPress site will run faster and much smoother.

Automatic Caching

When it comes to caching, you have to install a plug-in to get the job done and then do it manually. But when you use managed hosting, the web host will include this feature with your package, which makes everything faster.

Outstanding Security Features

An essential feature to have with any web host is security. You don’t want your website to compromised by an intruder or malicious software, so you want something that will offer this essential tool.

Test Before Your Site Goes Live

Several managed hosting providers will give site owners the chance to test any changes they’ve made to their site before it goes live.

Wrapping It Up

The WordPress.com vs.org question will always come up, especially if you are new to blogging or creating websites. Deciding between owning a WordPress.com and WordPress.org site will depend on your specific needs. Just because the names sound similar, doesn’t mean they’re the same service.

Each platform has a lot of pros and cons, and both have benefits if you’re looking to build your brand. If you want to learn more about building a blog and getting recognized on the web, check out Pligg. They can help you find the right solutions for all your content management system needs.