When setting up a new WordPress blog you first have to decide whether to utilize the free WordPress.com platform or to self-host your WordPress on your own web host.
But first I’ll discuss each of the offerings.
WordPress.com (Free)
What is it? A free blogging platform that allows anyone to sign-up and launch a new blog with just a few clicks. The thing about a free WordPress.com account is that your website’s files are stored – or hosted – on their servers. While there can be costs involved after the initial set up – which we’ll get to in a moment – this simple fact is what differentiates a free WordPress blog from a self-hosted one.
Pros of Free blog:
- There are no initial start-up costs.
- Easy to set up.
Cons of a Free blog:
- Unless you pay for your own domain, you’ll have the WordPress.com domain tacked onto yours, such as www.example.wordpress.com.
- Free blogs appear less professional than self-hosted ones.
- You have less control over your blog. For instance, people who self-host their blog with the WordPress software can download plugins to expand their website’s capabilities. A free WordPress blog limits you to only a few plugins. CSS functions and theme selections are also limited on WordPress.com.
- You have a limited amount of bandwidth, video time, and memory space.
- Limited advertising options, meaning that it’s harder to make money from your blog.
What types of costs are involved?
A free WordPress.com blog can be completely free if you want it to. However, if you’re looking to get rid of the WordPress.com in your domain name, you’ll have to buy and assign your own domain.
WordPress.org (Self-Hosted)
What is it? WordPress.org, on the other hand, offers the full version blogging platform software. The software itself also happens to be free, but in order to use it, you’ll need to host this software on your own web host. Sounds complicated right?
Luckily, most reputable web hosts make it super easy to install the WordPress software. I recommend Bluehost which offers great prices and customer service while making it very easy to create a new self-hosted WordPress site.
Pros of a Self-Hosted blog:
- You have full control over your blog, including its layout, search engine optimization, advertising revenue, additional functions, and more.
- You can install custom themes to create a truly unique layout and design for your site.
- You have complete access to your backend files, which allows you to make any necessary code changes.
Cons of a Self-Hosted blog:
- It requires an initial investment (i.e. purchasing a domain name and web host)
- The setup process can be intimidating to someone new to blogging. Luckily I have written a step-by-guide on how to create a new blog on Bluehost.
What types of costs are involved?
With a self-hosted blog, you’ll have to invest in a domain name (typically less than $10/year) and a web host. The good news is that web hosting can cost as little as $4 per month.
How do I Decide Between the Free vs. Self-Hosted Option?
It is very important to evaluate what you are trying to accomplish by creating a new blog. Potentially spending money on a new project should always be carefully thought through, but if your desire is for your blog to be professional, long-lasting and/or a potential revenue generator then I would recommend self-hosting your WordPress site.