Why are there different types of Wordpress? What's the difference?
If you are researching Wordpress as a blogging platform, you might wonder what the differences are between Wordpress.com, Wordpress.org, and Self-Hosted Wordpress.
- Wordpress.com is a blogging service provided by Automattic, Inc. They offer free and paid plans to host your Wordpress blog. The happiness engineers at Wordpress.com manage the server, therefore limiting what plugins and functionality can be added to your own blog. Wordpress.com also expressly prohibits Multi-Level-Marketing (MLM) based companies from using their blogging services. Those found violating their fascinating Terms of Service will have their accounts suspended. A forum that discusses MLM blogs on Wordpress.com can be found here. Stamin' Up! is considered by Wordpress.com to be a MLM, and some of our customers have had their accounts suspended.
- Wordpress.org is the basis of all things Wordpress. Here can be found plugins (extending functionality of your blog), plugin support, themes, etc.
- A Self-Hosted Wordpress site is owned and managed by you (or us, if you choose). It requires you to own or obtain your own domain name (www.mysite.com), a hosting provider (click to see our current recommendations), and to install Wordpress on your hosting provider. While this might sound overwhelming, it really isn't. We can easily guide you through the process of securing a hosting provider and your own domain name. Our Setup and Transfer services include installation of Wordpress on your new site, so all the difficult work is taken care of for you! The best part? You own your site, can display what you want, and design it to be as simple or complex as you'd like.
Now you know the difference between the three Wordpress sites. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to contact us!