(Last Updated On: 5 Aug)

25% or more of the internet is powered by WordPress. If you are looking to set up a blog for your business, most of the people would recommended WordPress. However, there are two sites where wordpress is available : WordPress.com and Self hosted WordPress (WordPress.org) . So What is the difference? Which is better to start a blog? Let’s take a look.









WordPress.com

WordPress.com is used by many people to create a starter blog because it is free and easy.

You can choose from a collection of attractive looking themes to use. Within minutes you can be publishing your content and monitoring analytics all from your dashboard.

If you are hoping to make a more unique and personalized website, then that is possible too. These changes however come at a price. WordPress.com has several premium packages which have added features.The added features include a personal domain, more storage, more customization power, eCommerce integration, and much more.

As you can imagine the more features you want, the higher the price tag. So in reflection, WordPress.com allows you to easily and quickly create your site. The basic features are all free, but with added control comes a price.

How to create a blog on WordPress.com

Pros

1.Easy and fast to use. Perfect for those with little software knowledge.

2.The basic packages are all free. So you can have a basic web presence at zero cost.

3.You are able to customize things in a very simple way, they provide hand holding through all the processes.

Cons



1.The more control you want over your site, the more it will cost. Packages can become expensive

2.You cannot access all the themes and plugins

3.If you plan on making your website larger and larger for a long period of time, removing the limitations will cost you.

4.You have to pay to remove adverts from your blog.

Self hosted WordPress

Here you have to download the WordPress software, find your own hosting like Hostgator or Siteground , need to install plugins, themes and manage them all. This means that there is a lot more work involved, but you have complete control over your blog.

The costs of running a self hosted wordpress blog will vary. However, wordpress.org will work out cheaper in the long run, since the wordpress.com subscriptions can get expensive fast.

How to Start a Blog on Self hosted WordPress

Pros

1.Complete control over your site. You can change everything and anything you want, all the time.

2.You have access to the huge wordpress community that provides themes, plugins and other great services.

3.Downloading the software is free

4.Many of the plugins and themes are free, and can boost your business.

5.If you require advanced features, is much cheaper than wordpress.com to operate.

Cons



1.Requires more knowledge to be able to use successfully.

2.You have to arrange for hosting yourself.

3.Long term management of the servers, and site maintenance can take up lot of time.

Difference between the two WordPress Blogging Platforms

To us an illustration, if you want a table in your house you have two options. You can either buy a pre-made Ikea table, or you can buy some wood, some nails and a hammer. With the Ikea table, you can still paint it, and move it to different locations, but with the wood and nails, you can create any table you like. This is the difference between the two wordpress options.

With wordpress.com you are essentially stuck with what they provide. With Self hosted WordPress, you are free to create whatever you need down to the small details.

Wrapping up

If you are able to understand how to use wordpress.org, then it is definitely the best option for building a new blog .The issue that exists with wordpress.com is that you are severely limited in your scope. Most people want their own url, they want the freedom to add or remove anything from their site.

As your business grows,it makes more sense to have the flexibility in your blog to accommodate the changes. if you plan on running a long term blog or website,then Self hosted wordpress will always have all the tools you need.

WordPress.org overall is the better choice, since modern day blogs and websites require as much customization as is possible,since you want your site to stand out above the rest.

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