So, you’ve decided to step into the world of website creation, and you’re considering WordPress. Fantastic! But hold on; there are two flavors of WordPress – WordPress.com and WordPress.org. Understanding the difference is crucial because one is undoubtedly superior. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll shed light on the distinction between the two and make it clear why WordPress.org is the ultimate choice for your website journey. Plus, we’ll introduce you to an invaluable resource – the Making Waves Web Solutions beginner WordPress.org website setup course. Let’s explore!
WordPress.com – Simple, But Severely Limited
Think of WordPress.com as a “website-in-a-box” solution. It’s user-friendly, suitable for beginners, but severely lacks the versatility that WordPress.org offers. Here’s what you need to know:
- Hosting Included, but…: Yes, WordPress.com handles hosting for you, saving you some technical headaches. However, you’re stuck with their hosting, which isn’t the best for scalability, performance, or flexibility.
- Limited Domain Options: With WordPress.com, you’ll get a free subdomain like yourwebsite.wordpress.com. It’s not professional and doesn’t help with branding. To get a custom domain, you’ll have to pay extra.
- Theme and Plugin Constraints: While WordPress.com does offer themes and plugins, your choices are limited compared to WordPress.org. You can’t fully customize your website, which can be frustrating if you have a specific vision.
- A Bit Too Simple: If you’re brand new to website building, the simplicity of WordPress.com might be comforting. But soon, you’ll realize it’s a constraint rather than a convenience.
- Limited Control: You have minimal control over your website’s code, design, and functionality. Your website is basically on training wheels.
- Forced Ads (on the free plan): On the free plan, WordPress.com can display their ads on your website, which isn’t ideal if you want a professional appearance.
WordPress.org – The Power of True Freedom
Now, let’s talk about WordPress.org, often referred to as “self-hosted” WordPress. It’s the version of WordPress that truly unleashes your website’s potential:
- Hosting Freedom: With WordPress.org, you choose your hosting provider. This means you can select the best hosting that suits your website’s needs, performance, and scalability. The control is in your hands.
- Creative Domain Choices: You’re not limited to subdomains. You can use any domain name you like, which is vital for a professional and memorable web presence.
- Extensive Themes and Plugins: WordPress.org offers access to thousands of free and premium themes and plugins. The library is vast, allowing you to create the exact website you want.
- Unrestricted Customization: Unlike WordPress.com, there are no constraints on customization. You have full control over your website’s code, design, and functionality.
- Learning Curve Pays Off: While WordPress.org does have a learning curve, especially if you’re new to website building, the payoff is immense. You’ll have a powerful, unique website that’s truly yours.
- No Forced Ads: You decide what appears on your website. No annoying ads from a third party.
Making Waves Web Solutions WordPress.org Set-up Course – Your Expert Mentor
Choosing WordPress.org might initially seem intimidating, but that’s where Making Waves Web Solutions steps in. Our beginner WordPress.org website setup course is tailored for newcomers. Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Buying and Registering your Domain: We’ll take you through the process step by step.
- Choosing the Best Hosting Plan: So many options! What do you actually need? And what do all these security options do?
- Setting Up WordPress: We’ll walk you through the entire process of installing and configuring WordPress. It’s not as complicated as it sounds!
- Introduction to Plug-ins: We’ll show you some popular plug-ins and what they do. And we’ll talk about whether it’s necessary to upgrade any plug-ins to paid versions or whether the free version will be enough.
- Troubleshooting: Learn how to handle common website issues. You’ll be your website’s superhero.
Still Undecided? Let’s Simplify!
Choose WordPress.com if: You want a straightforward, but limited solution for personal blogs or testing the waters.
Choose WordPress.org if: You’re serious about your website, need customization freedom, and want to build a unique online presence.
Remember, the choice is clear: WordPress.org is superior in terms of control, customization, and potential. Building a website is a thrilling adventure, and with the Making Waves Web Solutions beginner WordPress.org website setup course, you’ll have expert guidance every step of the way.
Embrace the learning process, have fun with it, and start creating your digital masterpiece today!
