WordPress is the platform used to build and run over 40% of all websites. So what is the difference between WordPress.com & WordPress.org? It really comes down to who’s hosting your website.
- WordPress.org = you decide where to host
- WordPress.com = provides the hosting for you
WordPress.org
WordPress.ORG is managed by the non-profit WordPress Foundation, a charitable organization founded by the creator of WordPress Matt Mullenweg to further the mission of the WordPress open source project: to democratize publishing through Open Source, GPL software.
From WordPress.org you can download, install and customize WordPress however works best for you.
WordPress.com
WordPress.COM is run by the for-profit corporation Automattic, also founded by Matt Mullenweg a few years after he first created WordPress. Automattic also owns several other smaller WordPress related businesses such as WooCommerce and Gravatar.
Depending on what features you need, WordPress.com has free and paid plans that will host, set up and maintain your website for you.
WordPress.com VS. using your own host?
I’d go with your own host. Sure there is a little more setup and maintenance involved but you get control over your website. If you are only trying to launch a quick and simple blog, WordPress.com may be the way to go. For real optimization and control, hosting your own website is the way to go.
Who to host with?
- Siteground
- WP Engine
- I do NOT recommend GoDaddy, HostGator or BlueHost
Still have questions? I get it, this can be confusing! Hit me up any time to find out more.