Look no further than WordPress – to setup your online business. WordPress is a Content Management System (CMS), a free Web-based software program that anyone can use to build and maintain an interactive blog or Website. It is the world’s most popular website platform and the answer you’re looking for when you want to build an attractive, sophisticated blog or website, online store, social network, or specialty site —without having to learn any special coding. WordPress can also save you hundreds of dollars on your website development needs because it is free, easy to use, and produces professional results.
Website Or Blog
WordPress is primarily known as a blogging platform, and is the most popular blogging system in use on the Web, at more than 60 million websites. Due to the “Pages” feature, you can use WordPress to build static web pages. A static website contains Web pages with fixed content. Static sites are the most basic type of website and are the easiest to create. Big Name Brands such as Variety, Sony Music, and the New Yorker, all use WordPress to power their websites.
WordPress.org or WordPress.com?
You have WordPress.org and WordPress.com, both WordPress.org and WordPress.com offer powerful website-building tools, but they have some key differences. Here’s a breakdown:
WordPress.org Is The Self-Hosted WordPress:
WordPress.org is the self-hosted version of WordPress. This means you need to purchase your own web hosting and domain name. The cost of hosting your own WordPress site can be as little as 3.99 per month.
Full Control and Flexibility:
You have full control over your website, including the ability to install any themes. Thousands of WordPress themes exist, some free, and some premium (paid for) templates. Themes enable to change the look and feel of your site quickly and easily! WordPress users can install and switch between themes with the click of a button. Themes allow users to change not only the look but the functionality of a WordPress website or installation without altering the information content or structure of the site.
Control Over WordPress Plugins
You can control the plugins you add to your WordPress site. A very popular feature of WordPress is its plugin architecture which allows users and developers to extend its abilities far beyond the core installation. WordPress Plugins extend the functionality of WordPress- to create extraordinary Websites!
WordPress has a database of over 26,000 + plugins, each of which offers custom functions and features enabling users to tailor their sites to their specific needs. Plugins can be used to run e-commerce sites (online store), full-sized social media-rich business websites, social networks, e-learning sites, membership sites and so much more quickly and easily!
WordPress Multisite
WordPress Multisite is a WordPress feature that will enable you to run multiple WordPress sites with multiple users from within one WordPress installation. All the installations make up a network. WordPress MU makes it possible for you to host your own blogging communities, social network, Marketplace such as Esty you an have Multi-vendor sites as well control and moderate all the blogs and sites from a single dashboard.
Monetization Options:
You can run ads, sell products, and monetize your site in any way you choose without restrictions.
With WordPress.org you are responsible for managing updates, backups, and security of your website. There are hosting companies that take care of the backups automictically and there are plugins that help with security, and updates are normally automated with one click.
WordPress.com- is a hosted service provided by Automatic
- Hosted Platform: WordPress.com is a hosted service provided by Automatic, the company behind WordPress. They handle the hosting for you.
- Ease of Use: It’s easier to set up and manage, making it a good option for beginners who don’t want to deal with the technical aspects of running a website.
- Plans and Pricing: WordPress.com offers various pricing plans, including a free plan with very limited features and paid plans that unlock more features and customization options, WordPress.com can be costly compared to the self-hosted WordPress.org
- Limited Flexibility: While you can use themes and plugins, the choices are more limited compared to WordPress.org. Customization options are also more restricted on lower-tier plans.
- Maintenance and Security: WordPress.com takes care of updates, backups, and security, so you don’t have to worry about those aspects.
Summary
- WordPress.org: Best for those who want full control, customization, and the ability to monetize without restrictions. If you’re looking for maximum customization and control, WordPress.org is the way to go.
- WordPress.com: Offers less flexibility best for those who prefer a simpler setup and management process with hosting included. But can be far more costly compared to the hosted version WordPress.org
Choosing between the two depends on your needs and how much control you want over your website.