I've gotten many questions lately about WordPress, and specifically, what the difference is between a WordPress.com blog and a WordPress.org blog.
There's definitely a difference and I'm the first to admit, it's confusing.
I thought of an analogy that I hope will make it easier to understand. Of course analogies always break down at some point, but I'll do my best…
Borrowing vs. buying a car
Pretend you just turned 16 and got your driver's license. You're all ready to drive. Now all you need is a vehicle, right?
Let's say you have two options.
Option #1: Borrow a car.
Pros:
- It's free.
- You don't have to worry so much about upkeep, storage and maintenance. The owner does.
Cons:
- You get what you get. If it's a pink Silverado, it's a pink Silverado.
- You don't own it, therefore, you don't have control over when you get to drive it or if the owner decides to stop letting you borrow it altogether.
Option #2: Buy your own car.
Pros:
- You can buy what you want and get the bells and whistles you prefer.
- You own it and therefore have control over it.
Cons:
- You have to pay for it.
- You are responsible for upkeep, storage and maintenance.
Blogging is like driving
Now, pretend you just turned [enter your age here] and discovered blogging. You're all ready to start your own blog. All you need is blogging software, right?
In the world of driving, the car is the vehicle that provides you the ability to transport yourself in the world. In the world of blogging, WordPress is the software that provides you the ability to publish your thoughts online.
In the world of driving, you have to choose what kind of car you'll use–a borrowed one or one you own. In the world of blogging, you have to choose what kind of WordPress blog you'll use–a borrowed one or one you own.
Option #1: Borrow a blog (WordPress.com)
Pros:
- It's free.
- You don't have to worry about upkeep, storage and maintenance.
Cons:
- You get what you get. You have to choose the themes and options that come with the free blog.
- Technically you don't own your blog and therefore have limited control.
Option #2: Buy your own blog (WordPress.org)
Pros:
- You have complete control of all the bells and whistles you choose to install on your blog.
- You own it and therefore have complete control (this is why it is called a self-hosted blog since you manage it yourself).
Cons:
- You have to pay for it.
- You are responsible for upkeep, storage and maintenance.
WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org: My recommendation
The bottom line is, I recommend a WordPress.org blog over a WordPress.com blog because with a self-hosted (WordPress.org) blog you can:
- Make money on your blog. You can't with a free WordPress.com blog.
- Install as many plugins as you like to increase the functionality of your blog. You can't with a free WordPress.com blog.
- Choose from any theme you'd like. You can't with a free WordPress.com blog (you're limited to their small selection).
- Use your own domain. You can't with a free WordPress.com blog unless you pay to upgrade. (BloggingWithAmy.com vs. BloggingWithAmy.wordpress.com) Your own domain helps build your brand.
- At under $10 a month, it's a steal.
How do I move from WordPress.com to WordPress.org?
Fortunately it's a relatively easy process. This tutorial from Mashable is great:
Further Reading:
And here's some more reading that might help clarify things further:
- Blogging is Like Ice Cream - in which I explain what blogging is using another analogy.
- FAQ - some other questions I'm asked frequently
- How to Start a Blog – my easy, step-by-step instructions. It's a lot easier than you think. Really. Check it out…
I have 2 blogs, one on WP.org and one on blogger. I so much prefer self-hosted blogs but I tried to save a few dollars with blogger. I don't think I can do it, WP.org is worth the extra few dollars.
Dear Amy. you have mentioned " under 10 $" . Isn't that fixed. I want to know about total expenditure on running a blog at WordPress.org.
Sandip, my blog costs me less than $10 a month to run. This accounts for the domain registration and the hosting fees. And that's all you need. (Obviously, costs might increase if you buy special software, paid-for plugins, ebooks or other things which are extra, but none of them are necessary to run your blog.)
Hi Amy,
I'm thinking of switching over to wordpress.org. Can you recommend a good web hosting service?
Thanks.
Here's what I use, Carole!
Thank you so much!
I was wondering what the difference was myself. Good thing I followed all your instructions on setting up a blog, looks like I got it right!
Hi Amy! I wasn't sure if, like on Blogger, you can point a free WordPress.com to your domain. I would like an easy transition to self-hosted WordPress eventually. I also like the variety of themes.
You can use your own domain on your WordPress.com blog, but you have to pay for the upgrade. Here's the link explaining how to do it, but definitely not worth it in my opinion.
BlueHost!!
Hi Amy! I have been reading your blog for a while now and made the switch to wordpress.org….a great decision! You really helped me along the way…thank you!
I have the Atahualpa theme, and it wants me to update it. I am really nervous about this. I know you can do something with child themes so you don't lose your customizations (which I have made a lot); however, I don't feel like I have the knowledge to do so. Any recommendations? Do I have to update it?
Fantastic analogy, in the process of moving…this is really going to help!
Thanks for this post. I use WordPress on my own server, but was unaware that wordpress.org offered a paid service. Very neat!
Amy,
Just a week ago I started with my own blog…self-hosted, as you recommend…I am LOVING IT and going through your blog page by page…you are my main source as ….sooooo helpful!!! I look forward to learning with you! Is there a page you have on connecting with other bloggers–how to start receiving traffic? I had my first random viewer and was estatic!!
thanks!!
Michy @ lovingourjourney.com
Also, is there a "code of ethics" when it comes to blogging? I want to be careful of not misrepresenting my ideas as someone elses….
Michy @ lovingourjourney.com
Amy, always, you explain things clearly with a creative twist! Bravo – girl. I have a couple questions you might consider for a future post as a relative new blogger.
1. Is there a preferred way to post a comment with one's own web address? I see some people post using their name, others with their name with a @ and lastly some folks post using the site name. What is the least obnoxious? I have read a good way to get the name of your blog out there is to post at site's you like with similiar readers but not sure if there are any guidelines for doing so…at least I can't find them.
2. Can you recommend some wordpress plug-ins?
Thanks-Kris
Hi Amy, Happy Thursday!
I have two different blogs with wordpress.com. How do I make the switch to wordpress.org?
Thank you!
Hi Amy! Hasn't your blog taken off over the last 3mths – it's awesome! Well done mate! I just have a quick question, you are such a great WP plugin lady!
))) If you could create a new WP plugin (maybe like one that is out there, but just needs tweaking) what would you do? I'm learning how to create WP plugins atm, so I'm hungry for real bloggers (like you and me) WP needs. My AVOD blog is Blogger, I've only just started a new blog http://www.AutumnsKitchen.com and that is WP, so I'm struggling WP atm, because I'm so used to Blogger! Anyways, I'll get there?
Any ideas for WP plugins?
Annie
A more full-featured Pinterest plugin!
I'm sixteen and writing a book, with hopes to publish someday. I'd like to start a blog and begin getting my name 'out there', but I am not prepared to self-host yet, although that is my goal eventually. Do you have any advice? Would I follow the same steps to set up a WordPress.com blog as one on WordPress.org? And when I'm ready to self-host, should I pay for an upgrade, or just start a new blog, or what? Thanks, Anna
Sorry, just saw your Moving from WordPress.com to WordPress.org video. That'll help :]
No worries.
Hi Anna, I love your enthusiasm and ambition! Yes, you could start on WordPress.com and move over eventually to a self-hosted WP.org blog. You might also consider Blogger. Here's a series about that option.
Hi Amy,
I just made the move from Blogger to WordPress.com and I can't seem to get exactly what I want, so I'm considering another move to WordPress.org. Is there a way to host two separate blogs on one WordPress.org website? Also, what exactly is a plugin? I can't find an adequate explanation suited to non-techies such as myself. Help!
Thanks so much!!
Hi Carey, I'm not sure I fully understand your question about hosting "two separate blogs on one WordPress.org website" but I think the answer to what you're asking is yes, provided you have a hosting account that allows you unlimited domains.
A plugin is like an add-on to your self-hosted WordPress blog. Each plugin does something unique and extra to the standard WordPress software. You might think of it like an app you put on your iPhone. You buy an iPhone and it comes with standard capabilities, but once you start adding apps, you can start doing a whole of other stuff too. Of course, you pick and choose which apps you want and what works for you. It's the same idea with a plugin. I hope that helps!
Thanks so much, Amy. You're such a rockstar!
Thank you so much for this article describing the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org, I was completely confused! I have had a wordpress.com blog since November and have been debating on whether or not to move over to wordress.org. But after reading your article, it seems like I really should! Just a bit scared about making the jump, I am such an amateur when it comes to blogging, so I will have to read a lot of your tips and other posts before I do it. Thanks again!
Oh, you'll be able to do it, Karie! Just one step at a time.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. I have been on WordPress.com for almost 2 years and I am ready to make the move to the .org side. I have purchased the hosting. I have purchased the sitelock. I have everything except the courage to move.
You can do it!!
I am doing this by coming in the back door, so to speak, and have run into something confusing. I am at blogger, and bought my domain name at bluehost, which is also doing my hosting. I installed wordpress through my bluehost cPanel and Joy (from fivej's) is about to do my migrating from blogger to wordpress…. but in settling on a wordpress theme and getting everything up and running for the migration, I've been prompted to set up my "jetpack" and connect my blog to wordpress.com. Are you familiar with this at all?
Hi Shannon, I don't use Jetpack so I don't even worry about it. It's something you can add later if you want. You're in good hands with Joy!
Hi,
I paid for my domain name http://www.gabion12th.com. (it is a wordpress blog/ hosted by wordpress)
So if I got it right, I should move it to either bluehost or hostgator, so I can host it myself and allow plugins? I still want my name http://www.gabion12th.com – is that possible (not.org) and is there any other reason why I should host it myself?
I have worked with my website, what happens to all the changes? Will it look exactly the same if I change host?
Next question, I have friends who want me to set up webpages for them. I made 4-5 pages on wordpress for them and they are happy. Question: should these be self-hosted aswell? Can I add them to my new host (at bluehost or hostgator)? Does this mean that I am responsible hostadmin for these pages (yes), what happens the day I dont want to do webpages any more?
I want to set up a page, help my client build it but I don't want the resp of hosting. Should I buy separate hosting for each client so that he/she is free to use who ever as a developer? The client will pay the hosting cost each month.
Lost in the hosting world
Thx
Gabi
Hi Gabi, I'm not sure I'm following your questions exactly, but I think what you're asking is whether or not you can move from WordPress.com to a self-hosted WordPress site and the answer is yes. And yes, you should be able to keep your domain name. You may need to recreate your design, depending on the theme you are using with WordPress.com. You could add your friends' sites to your hosting account, but if you don't want to be responsible for those sites, I would get them each their own account. I hope that helps!
THx for the quick response!!! And of course I have more questions.
1. You have written "One of the best things about WordPress are the plugins. If WordPress is like your basic ice cream sundae, plugins are like all the extra toppings that make your sundae a million times better. Plugins let you extend the functionality of WordPress almost limitlessly". Q: Do I have access to the plugins if I don't have a self hosted wordpress site? Quessing No. (I cant find any plugins in my dashboard)
2. Im trying to connect with FTP to my wordpress site – it is not working. I checked out your video of making a child theme, quessing (same issue) I must have a self hosted site to be able to do that.
3. I checked out Artisteer (on your website) is that a good tool to use to personalise your wordpress site? Is it a tool to make child themes or can it "break down" if WordPress is upgraded.
4. I see that you have in your wordpress site Apperances >Themes > Upload > Install themes….once again. I don't have that …guessing it is because you have a self hosted site.
Thx for Ur HELP!!!
1. No, unfortunately not.
2. Correct. You must have self-hosted WordPress.
3. I don't think I mentioned Artisteer? (If I did, it was totally unintentional as I've never heard of it before.)
4. Right, you won't have those options at WordPress.com.
THIS IS SO HELPFUL!!! I just discovered I can't monetize my WP.com blog and need to switch ASAP. I was feeling a little insecure about making a quick move to WP.org since I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing (!) when it comes to all this technical stuff. Wanted to be sure that moving to WP.org was truly the thing to do. I knew you'd have something helpful to say about it! Thanks for the info and for the tutorial! Keep up the good work!
Amy, Do you have any suggestions for me: I'm following the steps in this post and in the video tutorial at the end. I signed up with BlueHost (through your blog), installed WP and even installed a theme to match the theme of my current WP.com blog. I followed the video tutorial about how to actually move the WP.com blog over to WP.org (on BlueHost), but I think something went wrong. I exported my .com blog files to my computer, then imported them to the new (temporary url) WP.org blog. But I don't see my blog, like I do in her tutorial above. I hope this makes sense.
Should I try to import again?
Is there a support number I can call? I am SO not technical. Would BlueHost answer my questions about wordpress?
Thanks so much for your many helpful posts on all of this!
I figured it out, with the help of a BlueHost support tech. This paid hosting is worth it already!!
Oh yes! Glad to hear it!
Dear Amy, I started blogging on blogger. A year is passed. I did nothing on that blog. I have planned to restart blogging again, but on WordPress.org this time. I don't have any content and traffic. Could you plz give a simple way to do it? Just simple plz. Thanks!
Hi Amy
I purchased my domain, jillsnutrition.com . I have a hostgator account, and within that account, there is a c-panel function. Within that c-panel function, I installed wordpress to my domain name. After reading this post, you were recommending a dot. org over dot.com for sales generation. Does this apply when I have my own hosting through hostgator? Or do I need to purchase jillsnutrition.org and apply wordpress to that instead? Thanks very much!
Hi Jill, I'm sorry for the confusion. Actually, here I was describing the difference between two different ways to use WordPress for your blog–one at WordPress.org (a.k.a. self-hosted) and one at WordPress.com. The preference is self-hosted, which is what you have. Your cpanel happens to be connected to the one at WordPress.org.
Your own domain name (jillsnutrition.com) uses the .com extension and is separate from WordPress.com. When choosing your own domain name, I always recommend choosing a .com.
All this to say, the way you did it is exactly how I would do it. I would not register jillsnutrition.org, unless you wanted to register it and not use just so no one else could register it down the road. I would use jillsnutrition.com though.
I hope that helps! I know it's confusing.
Hi Amy
Thanks so much for your quick response! I really appreciate it, and your site is soooooo awesome and helpful. Without it I would not have been able to realistically have the vision to keep going.
Thanks again-
Jill
Thanks Jill, I'm so glad it's helpful!
Hi Amy,
So today I paid for a domain through WordPress.com and also paid for their value bundle (99$ per year). I'm confused, can I use wordpress.org since I am hosting through wordpress.com? I'm trying to download wordpress.org right now and don't know what to do.
Hi Erica,
I totally understand the confusion because it is confusing!
WordPress.com is totally separate from a self-hosted WordPress site. So, if you want a self-hosted WordPress site, you can't go through WordPress.com. If you want a self-hosted WP site, I would see if you can get a refund from WordPress.com and then follow the directions here.
Hi Amy,
Thank you. I was able to get a refund for the upgrade, should I also refund my domain name which was purchased through wordpress.com? I set up wordpress.org on bluehost using that domain, not sure if I should link that domain or go with a new one?
Oh, i just tried to cancel my domain through wordpress.com and it said why not change my nameserver instead. Last question, since I just purchased it yesterday do I have to wait for a specified time to change my nameserver? Thank you so much for your help!