Over 59% of websites using a know content management system are using a version of WordPress, and it makes sense with how many great benefits it has. So, it may come as a surprise that WordPress.org and WordPress.com are two completely different entities. If you’re planning to create a website and have looked into using WordPress, it’s important that you know the difference between the two before you move ahead.

Today I’m going to do a brief overview of both, so you have all the info you need to decide which platform is best for your new website. The last thing you want to do is have to go back and switch platforms later.

WordPress.org

Also referred to as the self-hosted WordPress  and is the original platform.  It’s 100% free to use for anyone. However, it will require you to purchase a domain and your own web hosting. If you work with a reputable hosting site, you’ll install and have access to your WordPress site directly from your hosting login so you won’t need to sign up directly with WordPress. As a bonus, you won’t need to remember two different logins, which is always nice.

Top Benefits of WordPress.org

• It’s 100% free to use and is very easy to navigate.
• You own the rights to your website and can use ads and affiliate links to monetize.
• You can add additional plugins to improve your website and download custom themes if you don’t like any of the ones offered directly from WordPress.org.
• WordPress.org makes it easy to add an online store directly to your site where you can sell both digital and physical products. They also make it easy to accept online payments and ship products purchased directly off your website.

Downsides of WordPress.org

• You will need to find and purchase hosting for your WordPress.org website.
• The responsibility to update your website falls on you. Usually, you’ll be prompted to install any available updates, so it’s not too much work.
• Make sure to back up your work often. If you have any questions, you can reach out to your hosting provider, and they can usually do a backup for you or walk you through the process.

WordPress.com

This platform was created by one of the original co-founders of WordPress. It’s a good platform for someone looking for a place to create a blog for personal use and share with close family and friends. Keep in mind that it can be very difficult to monetize with all the restrictions and requirements, especially if you’re using the free version.

Top Benefits of WordPress.com

• The basic version is free, and if you’d like to upgrade to the premium plan for added flexibility, you have five hosting plans to choose from.
• It’s a great way to create a blog to be used as an online journal where you can record all your adventures and photos to go back and read later.
• com will take care of any updates and backups so you won’t have to constantly worry about it.

Downside of WordPress.com

• Ads are automatically added to free websites, and you won’t receive any of the profit from a purchase made from those ads.
• It’s difficult to monetize with ad and affiliate restrictions
• You can’t download your own plugins or custom themes
• Your site can be removed at any time if WordPress.com says it violates their terms.

What Platform Should You Choose?

I hope it was helpful to cover a few of the differences between WordPress.com and

WordPress.org. There is no doubt you should be using a WordPress website. You’ll just need to decide which of the two platforms is best for your needs.

If you’re looking to monetize and customize your website, WordPress.org is going to be your best bet. However, if you’re looking to create a hobby blog or would prefer to work with a platform that takes care of all the backend work, then WordPress.com might be a good option. Just be sure to take some time to review both platforms and think about your long-term goals before making a final decision.