You probably already know this: WordPress is the most widely used content management system (CMS) in the world. But did you know that there are actually two WordPress versions When searching for the platform on a search engine, you may have already noticed that you have two options: click on WordPress.com ou WordPress.orgWP Maintenance presents these two versions and helps you choose the one hosting solution the most suitable for your website creation project.
Summary: What is WordPress?
WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that allows users to create all types of websites (showcase sites, e-commerce sites, blogs, portfolios, etc.). Launched in 2003, the platform powered 40% of websites worldwide in 2020.
As we mentioned earlier, two versions of WordPress are offered free of charge to internet users: WordPress.com et WordPress.orgAlthough both platforms offer the possibility of creating a website for free (with the same WordPress CMS software), they have several differences in operation and use.
If you would like assistance in choosing the correct version, please consult our WordPress agency.
What is WordPress.com?
WordPress.com presents itself as the "turnkey" commercial version of WordPress.
Belonging to the private Automattic group (unlike WordPress.org(which is a non-profit software), the hosting platform allows you to create a website (or blog) and manage it daily without needing any special web development skills. It uses the open-source software WordPress to function, like WordPress.org.
How does WordPress.com work?
WordPress.com is free. To create your site, you don't need to download any software: simply create an online account and choose a domain name, which will be offered in the form " *.wordpress.com – the paid version WordPress.com However, it allows you to use your own domain name (example: " my-site.fr "). So you don't need to find accommodation or download any software.
With the free version, you get 3 GB of storage space and access to several themes for your site (graphic design templates). Three paid plans allow you to get more themes, storage space, and features.
Once created, your site hosted by WordPress.com It requires no specific configuration, backup, or maintenance. The platform is therefore a very simple, turnkey solution:
- You only need to focus on creating content.
- You don't have to worry about hosting or administering your site.
With WordPress.comHowever, you do not have access to your site's code, which prevents you from customizing its design – an essential feature for people with no computer skills who want to save time, but which can be a significant drawback for those who want to create a custom WordPress website.
With WordPress.comTherefore, you can:
- Create a website for free without having to download any software or even search for a hosting solution.
- Choose a domain name and "personalize" your site with one of the themes offered by the platform.
- Choose the offer that suits you best (paid, free)
- Easily publish articles and content
- Download some plugins (extensions)
- We will relieve you of the administrative management of the site (updates, backups, security options, etc.)
Simplifying the creation of a website and web content as much as possible, the version WordPress.com This service is aimed at people who lack computer skills and/or don't want to deal with the administrative side of things. Easy to use, it allows for simple content editing while taking advantage of a turnkey hosting solution. However, its limited features don't adequately meet the needs of users seeking more flexibility and control over their website creation.
What is WordPress.org?
WordPress.org is a so-called "self-hosted" solution offered by the WordPress Foundation. It gives you full access to open-source WordPress softwareBy downloading it, you gain access to the original version of WordPress, and therefore benefit from a complete creation tool, allowing you to manage your site from A to Z.
How does WordPress.org work?
As WordPress.com, WordPress.org uses the free open-source software WordPress. To benefit from it, you must download it and then install it on a accommodation space (a server) to which you have subscribed – website hosting is therefore a paid service. You also need to choose a domain name (also a paid service). Using the platform is then free, although some additional features may be subject to a fee.
With WordPress.org, and unlike WordPress.comYou have complete creative freedom. You can manage your website as you see fit, and you can modify and customize it to suit your needs (you have full access to the site's code). In short, you have complete control over your site. This will involve installing FTP client software, managing maintenance, updates, backups, site security, and optimization. These tasks require some web development skills, but with a little practice and appropriate training, they can be easily accomplished without being a computer expert.
Using the version WordPress.orgTherefore, you can:
- Create a free website by choosing your own (paid) web hosting and domain name.
- Fully customize your site by accessing the code and a multitude of WordPress plugins
- Manage your website administration yourself (maintenance, backups, security, optimization)
- Gain total control over your website
Logically, the version WordPress.org This is aimed at people with some basic computer skills who want to create a website from scratch without limitations. Its greater flexibility also makes it more suitable than WordPress.com to create an e-commerce website.
The main steps in creating a website with WordPress.org
- Setting up a server to host your WordPress site
- Purchasing a domain name (or importing a domain name you already own)
- Installing the open-source software WordPress, downloaded from WordPress.org, using the FTP protocol
- Choose a theme to customize
- Installation of plugins to further customize the site
- Possible code modification to change the design
- Content creation
- Regular management of updates, backups, etc.
WordPress.com VS WordPress.org: what are the main differences?
As we have seen, WordPress.org et WordPress.com They use the same software (WordPress) but function differently. This difference in usage stems from the hosting system offered by each version:
- WordPress.com is a turnkey hosting solution supported by WordPress, with predefined and limited functionalities
- WordPress.org is a self-hosted solution which allows you to create a custom website with a multitude of extensions and features.
The main differences to know to make your choice
| WordPress.com | WordPress.org | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free hosting and domain name Use of the software is free but limited. Expect to pay between 4 and 25 euros per month to enjoy more options. | Hosting and domain name: between 30 and 80 euros per year The software is free to use but very flexible (with paid options and some extensions). |
| Hosting | Website hosted by WordPress | Website hosted on the server of your choice |
| Functioning | Connect to the platform without needing to download or install the software Simplified content creation Limited customization: no access to site code. No administrative management. | Downloading the software + installing the software on a personal hosting system Simplified content creation Extensive design customization options: access to the site code Administrative management to be done by oneself |
| Ease of use | A platform more accessible to beginners and people with no computer skills | It's a bit more complex to use, but accessible to most people with some prior knowledge. |
| Content rights | WordPress can delete your website at any time without justification. | You are the owner of the website and therefore have all rights to your content. |
| Monetization | Possible with the Business or Premium version, but not very advantageous (advertising control, limitation of the publication of affiliate links, prohibition of sites consisting mainly of sponsored articles…); | Total freedom regarding advertising, e-commerce, affiliation, etc. |
You should no longer have any difficulty in choose between a version WordPress.org ou WordPress.com for your website/blog!
Also note that while both solutions are effective, your choice should depend on your objectives, the time you can dedicate to your website, how you intend to use it, and your computer skills.
Please note that WP Maintenance can also assist you at any time in your website creation and development process. WordPress website maintenance.
