If you’re reading this post chances are you’re thinking about starting a blog/website. Perhaps you’re still on the fence. If so, I hope this post encourages you to make the leap.
Owning a website is a liberating experience. Our thoughts, our work, and our designs have a home and we’re eager to share it with the world. Cheers to that! ♥
Realistically speaking, though, it can feel a little intimidating and sometimes daunting trying to figure out the ins and outs of it all. I hear ya. I’ve been there, too.
Fast forward a few years and now I have the absolute pleasure of helping others create and manage their own websites. Creating a website that we’re proud to own is a joyous experience and I’m thrilled to help you on your journey.
If you’re like me, you’re probably trying to understand the difference between WordPress.com (hosted with either a free or Pro account) vs WordPress.org (self-hosted with Bluehost). It can be confusing, I know.
In this post, I’ll explain and highlight the differences so you can make an informed decision that corresponds with your long-term blogging goals.
* These are resources I personally use and value highly. As an Affiliate, I endorse the products and services I use and love. If you see the value in these products and choose to purchase via my referral links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. ♥
Let’s start with WordPress.
What is WordPress?
What is WordPress?
WordPress is a Content Management System. It’s the framework we use to design and build our blog/website.
While both hosting scenarios (hosted vs self-hosted) use WordPress (CMS), there is a difference as to what you’ll have access to for website design and functionality.
In the image below, you can see WordPress (CSM) as it looks to users. This is essentially where we build and manage our blog/website. Features displayed in the left-side panel will vary somewhat depending on your hosting scenario.
Things to Consider
When I started blogging six years ago, I knew very little. The terminology can be a little confusing. Many new bloggers gravitate towards the Start a Free Blog articles and choose WordPress.com. While that may work perfectly for you, it’s important to know the pros and cons to ensure you’re pursuing the right path based on your long-term goals.
* If you’re looking to monetize your blog and require access to custom themes and plugins, I really encourage you to fully compare the two hosting PAID scenarios (WordPress Hosted Pro account vs Self-hosted with Bluehost).
In addition to these differences, it’s also important to understand the additional features you’ll want based on your goals. The availability of these features is outlined in the various hosting plans.
Features such as:
- SSL Certificate
- Number of websites (ie. domains) you can manage under the hosting package
- SSD Storage
- Bandwidth
- Email access
- Domain Privacy and Protection
- Spam protection
- Site backup
I’ll use my case to explain the importance of these features.
I’m an active blogger and I also sell digital products via WooCommerce. It’s critical that information on or exchanged with my website is secure with an SSL Certificate, that my domain is private and that I have protection from spammers and malicious attacks. I also require unlimited SSD Storage space as I use a lot of images and sell digital designs that are usually large files. It’s also essential that my website backups are done on a regular basis.
My hosting is with BlueHost. However, my domain, website protection, and website backups are with WordPress using (Jetpack). This is working for me and easily coordinated. However, you may wish to have everything under one umbrella and you can easily do that.
The important thing to keep in mind is to always compare apples to apples so you know exactly what you’re getting with real-time cost comparisons.
WordPress.com vs WordPress.org
The main differences between WordPress.com (hosted) and WordPress.org (self-hosted with BlueHost) are:
- Hosting Explained (and Cost Outlined)
- Domains
- Website Design (Themes)
- Using Plugins
A simple analogy I often use ~ while we think of web hosting as the place where our blog/website content ‘lives’ in the world wide web, our domain name is much like the house we build to reside in that world, and WordPress (Content Management System) is the tool we use to build our house. Access to features within this tool will vary depending on the hosting provider/package we choose.
Web Hosting
Let’s begin with web hosting. In order to have a blog or website, we require web hosting. Essentially, this is where our content ‘lives’ and is stored. It can get more technical, but that’s it in a nutshell.
Both hosting scenarios use WordPress (CMS) to manage and design a blog or website. The main difference is that WordPress.com does the hosting for you, whereas WordPress.org requires you to choose a hosting provider, ie BlueHost.
WordPress.com (Hosted either with a Free or Pro account)
As noted above, WordPress.com does the hosting for you. If you’re just getting started and want to try a free blog you can certainly go with WordPress.com. You can begin with a free account.
I really encourage you to know your long-term goals. If you’re looking to monetize your blog, and access/import custom themes and plugins, you’ll need WordPress Pro or consider the self-hosted route.
The images below, show the cost and features included with WordPress hosting (free and pro).
WordPress.com Hosting Plans ~ Free vs Pro
Depending on your goals, you can have everything you’re looking for to manage your website with a WordPress.com free account. This is a huge incentive for bloggers and website owners that begin with a free blog and later upgrade to WordPress Pro if they choose.
Things to consider and compare:
Goals for Monetization considered.
Website backups and Security with JetPack essentials.
However, if cost and flexibility are concerning factors, exploring the self-hosted route is another option.
WordPress.org (Self-hosted with Bluehost)
Going the self-hosted route using WordPress.org simply means you’re using WordPress (CMS) to manage and design your website, but you decided to use another hosting provider, such as BlueHost. This isn’t a complicated process and can be cost-effective.
This hosting scenario offers many benefits in regards to price and flexibility with options and features, such as using Website Themes and WordPress Plugins.
My website is hosted with Bluehost. I chose Bluehost as they are the #1 recommended web hosting by WordPress.org.
Hosting packages are as low as $2.95 a month and include a Free domain name for one year. Every account features a Free SSL Certificate and a one-click WordPress installation.
In the images below, you can see what you’ll receive with BlueHost Shared Hosting packages. Also, it’s good to be aware that you’ll receive the greatest discount (depending on the plan) the longer the duration of your plan. The costs below are highlighted for both 12 months and 36 months duration. The savings can be quite significant for the Choice Plus plan.
BlueHost Hosting Plans
I really encourage you to look at both durations with a plan in mind.
In the 12 months scenario, the Basic plan is cheaper compared to 36 months. But after the first year, your cost will increase. Short-term savings only.
In the 36 months duration, the Basic plan is more costly but you have that low rate secured. The savings with the Choice Plus plan is much greater, too.
Just some things to keep in mind. A lesson I learned. 🙂
…continued information for hosting packages.
DOMAINS
WordPress.com
You can start a blog/website for free with WordPress.com. Totally free and this includes a domain. BUT this free domain will have wordpress.com in it (www.natalieducey.wordpress.com). If in the future, you’d like to have WordPress removed from your domain, you’ll have to upgrade to WordPress Pro. You’ll then have to purchase your domain name and you will have to renew it yearly.
You can create a custom domain name via WordPress.com with a WordPress Pro account. Your custom domain (ie. www.natalieducey.com) is free for the first year.
A domain typically costs $10 – $20 a year depending on the service provider.
WordPress.org
If you decide to go the self-hosted route with BlueHost, for example, you’ll receive a free domain for one year or you can use a domain you currently own. After a year, however, you’ll have to pay for the domain name to continue using it. As noted above, the cost is minimal.
Website Design (THEMES)
*Both hosting scenarios offer free themes within their respective plans.
WordPress.com
WordPress.com offers numerous website themes for free. You may find exactly what you’re looking for. However, if your website is created with a WordPress.com Free Account you cannot access Premium themes unless you’re using WordPress Pro.
WordPress.org
If your website is created with WordPress.org and self-hosted (ie. Bluehost), you can easily purchase a premium theme and/or import a third-party theme.
For example, I designed my website using the Refined Theme by Restored Designs. I easily did this self-hosting with Bluehost. If I was hosted with WordPress.com, I would’ve had to have a WordPress Pro account.
Accessing/Using PLUGINS
WordPress.com
It’s important to know that you cannot access plugins with a WordPress Free account.
You’ll need to upgrade to WordPress Pro to be able to access and install plugins.
Once you’ve been blogging for a while, you’ll come to appreciate the flexibility and function of using plugins in WordPress.
WordPress.org
If your website is created with WordPress.org and self-hosted (ie. Bluehost), you can easily access and install plugins, as displayed in the image below.
I’m using the WooCommerce plugin to manage my online shop. I can easily do this via self-hosting. If my website was hosted with WordPress.com, I would’ve had to upgrade to WordPress Pro to access the Plugin.
WordPress Plugins
Wrap-up
I hope this post proves helpful and highlights the differences between hosted and self-hosted scenarios using WordPress so you can make an informed decision that reflects your long-term blogging goals.
♥
As a blogger, I love connecting and sharing blogging tips and effective blogging strategies.
If you’re looking to start a blog/website, please feel free to stop by my blog post How to Start a Blog ~ A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Build a Website! and it will take you through the entire process.
How to Start a Blog ~ A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Build a Website!
How to Start a Blog ~ A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Build a Website!
I also developed the Blogging to Success with WordPress Series to help fellow bloggers design and manage their own websites.
It’s a free eight-part series meant to guide you through the entire website setup process, ultimately leading to a successful blogging journey. ♥
And that’s a wrap!
Have a question or tip you’d like to share? Please feel free to share in the comments below.
Until next time… stay safe, stay awesome! ♥
Free Download
Blogging Essentials Guide
After seven years of blogging, I thought I’d put together a Resource Guide with a list of essential tools and resources I use in hopes that it may prove helpful to fellow bloggers – newbies and/or not-so-newbies alike. After all, we’re always learning in this form of engagement. ♥
I had no idea what the difference was between hosted and self-hosted – thanks for explaining, Natalie!
Cheers, Teri! I receive quite a few emails about it, so I wanted to put this together. It can be so confusing. Bloggers helping bloggers.. is what it’s all about. Best wishes for a fabulous day! 🙂
Welcome, L-K! Thanks for stopping by. Yes, it can. This is what I did. I’m working on a blog post with a step-by-step guide. 🙂 It wasn’t a complicated process. In the meantime, here’s a link via BlueHost explaining the process. Hope it helps. Cheering you on!
https://my.bluehost.com/hosting/help/wp_migrate
A lovely post, Natalie, thank you for sharing. I have 2 free blogs and one paid one and I love my free ones, so much easier to use.
Oh my gosh, Robbie… three blogs! I’m constantly amazed by all that you do. High five! Thanks so much for stopping by today and for sharing, too. Stay safe. Stay awesome! 🙂
What a great detailed post, Natalie!
I use both .com and .org. I have my website hosted with Blue Host on .org, but I didn’t want to disrupt my blog so I kept that on .com.
I mimicked the look between both, and both connect to the other. It’s been working well for me that way!
That’s awesome, Mae! I migrated from .com to .org last year. There’s so much I wish I knew before I started blogging. I’ve been wanting to write this post for a while now and finally got it done. Yay! 🙂
I know quite a few people starting a blog during this time but find it confusing regarding hosted vs self-hosted. I hope this helps them join the blogging community. Thanks so much for stopping by today and for sharing, too. Stay well. Stay awesome! 🙂
Thanks for all the information Natalie. I seem to get little time to reflect on whether to use one or another but if I do need to change at some point I know where to come for advice!
Delighted to know you found it useful, Marje. I wish I knew the differences when I started blogging six years ago. I love sharing lessons learned. Thanks for stopping by today, and for sharing, too. xo
Thanks so much for this post, Natalie – everyone with a website should read this. Toni x
Delighted to know you found it useful, Toni. I wish I knew the differences when I started blogging six years ago. I love sharing lessons learned. Thanks for stopping by today, and for sharing, too. xo
I didn’t know about the org vs com. I will have to look into that. It sounds a more reasonable way to go.
Delighted to know you found it useful, Denise. I wish I knew the differences when I started blogging six years ago. I love sharing lessons learned. Thanks for stopping by today, and for sharing, too. xo
I started with a hosted WP blog and built up a decent following. When i moved to a self-hosted site, very few of my followers came with me (despite importing them and writing “follow me!!” posts). I finally kept my self-hosted site but went back to my WP hosted blog. (I link the two through menus, though.) I can’t use plug-ins on the blog, but I don’t see much need for them there. (I use a fair few on my self-hosted site, though.) When I moved back, I not only got my followers back, I got new ones. There is a benefit to leaving your blog with WP. They help put you in front of other people they think might like you.
My experiences aside, great post, Natalie.
Cheers, Staci! Thanks for sharing your experience. When I migrated from .com to self-hosted, I lost a few images but my followers remained the same. I’m delighted that you found a way for it to work for you.
I wish I knew the differences when I started blogging six years ago. I definitely would have gone the self-hosted route right out of the gate. With so many people starting a blog during this time, I really wanted to share lessons learned. Thanks for stopping by today and joining the conversation. I hope you enjoy a fabulous day. 🙂
Thanks for this Natalie. I’m pretty sure I’m going to switch from GoDaddy to Blue Host. Do they have WP management, where they look after WP updates? 🙂 xx
Cheers, Debby! I wish I knew the differences when I started blogging six years ago. I definitely would have gone the self-hosted route right out of the gate. With so many people starting a blog during this time, I really wanted to share lessons learned.
I’m not sure if they do WP updates. I use Jetpack for updates and backups.
There are a number of plans and options with BlueHost, so I think you will find what you’re looking for. But I can’t say for certain. Sorry.
Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation. I hope you enjoy a fabulous day. xo
Thanks again Natalie. I appreciate you 🙂 xx Happy weekend. xx
Thank you Natalie. This is a terrific post that is very helpful. I have decided to stay with wordpress.com as a few of my blog friends who moved to self hosting lost a lot of their followers.
Greetings, Brigid! Thank you for sharing your experience. When I migrated from .com to self-hosted, I lost a few images but my followers remained the same.
I wish I knew the differences when I started blogging six years ago. I definitely would have gone the self-hosted route right out of the gate. With so many people starting a blog during this time, I really wanted to share lessons learned. Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation. I hope you enjoy a fabulous day! 🙂
Excellent information, Natalie! Sharing… I’m WordPress.com Premium currently.
Greetings, Bette! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing. I hope you’re doing well. Much love across the miles! xo
Delighted to know you found it useful, Jane. I wish I knew the differences when I started blogging six years ago, too. I love sharing lessons learned. Thanks for stopping by today. Cheering you on! 🙂
Thanks Natalie. Xx I went for it and clicked on your BlueHost link. I am trasferring my domain name and bringing everything together on my new site. It will take a little time and effort, but is so worth it. Like you, I wish I had known this starting out, but then none of the ‘cul-de-sacs’ we have travelled down have been wasted, as it’s all in the mix somewhere. It simplifies everything for me and I am so grateful for the knowledge you have shared. Thank you. <3
That’s fabulous, Jane. Thank you! 🙂 Happy to help in any way. Cheers! xo
Thanks for this information, Natalie. I had no idea what the differences were between hosted and self-hosted. I would love to self-host when I’m done with my current projects. Thanks again! <3
Cheers, Vashti! I wish I knew the differences when I started blogging six years ago. I definitely would have gone the self-hosted route right out of the gate. With so many people starting a blog during this time, I really wanted to share lessons learned.
Thanks for stopping by and for sharing, too! Happy to help in any way. I hope you enjoy a fabulous day. xo