Ending the WordPress Confusion: WordPress.com or WordPress.org?

It's time to choose which WordPress option you'll use for your blog or website. The only problem is, well, you're kind of confused—and afraid you'll make the wrong choice.

Written Jul 13, 2009, read 4989 times since then.

It's time to choose which WordPress option you'll use for your blog or website. The only problem is, well, you're kind of confused—and afraid you'll make the wrong choice.

One of the most frequently asked questions from my clients is, “What the heck is the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org? And should I even care?” I always answer: "Put simply, yes."

WordPress.com and WordPress.org come from the same place, and are run by the same open source software. But there are distinct differences, and understanding what they are will make a huge difference in which one you decide to use.

Let’s break it down in a side-by-side comparison of some of the basic features of WordPress.

The Cost

WordPress software is free in both cases.

Ease of Installation

WordPress.com - It’s free and easy to set up a simple blog or website. No installation necessary.

WordPress.org - The software is free. But you need to either host it on your own server or pay a monthly hosting fee to a third party provider, as you do with a website. Some hosting services, such as Bluehost.com, have one-click installations. If your host doesn't, you will need some understanding of FTP (file transfer protocol) and database setup.

Updates, Back-ups and Security Features

WordPress.com - Everything is automatic: backups including your posts, updates, security and spam filtering.

WordPress.org – You need to back up your post and files, install spam filtering, and do your own updates. But there are plugins for most of these functions. For example, WordPress DB backup lets you schedule your backups and will email you the files. And WordPress versions 2.7 and above have one click updates on your dashboard. But before updating, I suggest you find a good resource to walk you through the process.

Choice of Themes

WordPress is based on Themes, or what you might consider templates.

WordPress.com - You are limited on choices of themes. There are about 70+ themes to choose from and more are added from time to time. You can search the available themes by characteristics through your dashboard.

WordPress.org - You have access to thousands of themes, both free and paid. With so many choices, you are more likely to find a theme that fits your needs, style and personal brand. And with the 2.8 version, you can upload the theme directly to your dashboard and even search themes by features.

A note on themes: There are several great, free themes out there, but understand that with paid themes you are likely to get more stable features, updates as new WordPress versions come out, and much better support.

Plugin and Widget Options

Plugins are tools to help you expand the functionality of your WordPress blog or website. Widgets are like plugins, but give you a simpler way to arrange the various elements of your sidebar content—without having to change the code.

WordPress.com - Comes with a limited number of widgets and plugins. The one widget you will find more useful is the text widget. It lets you insert html code to create a widget that otherwise is not available. For example, see this blog post I wrote on inserting a graphic image on your sidebar/widget with a link.

WordPress.org - As with themes, there are a ton of widgets and plugins available on the Web and on WordPress.org. And unlike WordPress.com, you are able to upload them to your site. A note: Research plugins and widgets on the Web to find reputable and stable ones. For instance, find out if they will still work when you upgrade to a newer version of WordPress. Also keep in mind that the more widgets and plugins you have on your site, the more it takes to run your site.

Ability to Customize

The beauty of WordPress is the ability to customize your blog or website to convey your unique brand. In both cases, your theme has its own features to customize (for example, custom headers and colors, etc.)

WordPress.com - You are limited to which customization options each available theme has (custom headers, font size, etc.) WordPress.com does have an advanced feature: for $15 a year, per theme, you can customize the CSS (cascade style sheet). This will allow much more customization options, but you must understand CSS editing.

WordPress.org - There are two parts to this. First, you can now upload so many more themes, including paid premium themes. Many of them have a wide array of custom options that don’t require CSS or html knowledge. The Thesis theme is a good example of this. The second part: If you do know CSS or html, you have complete control to change code, if you are technically minded.

There are additional differences between .com and .org, but this gives you a starting point as you decide which to use. Just remember to figure out your goals and needs and then find which option will best fit them. For simple blogs and some websites, WordPress.com will probably serve your purpose. But for more customized blogs and websites, consider putting WordPress on your own server, especially if you want the flexibility you'll need to grow your site down the road.

A final word of caution. WordPress and other open source software has made it incredibly easy for anyone to put up a website in a short amount of time. You can make it look pretty, and feel you have created a “killer” website.

But what some developers and designers do not understand is that your website must be more than just a pretty face. Creating a site that attracts and engages your visitors involves much more. Getting traffic to your site means nothing if you do not keep visitors there, engaging them with compelling copy that gets them to click deeper and make a purchase or respond to your other calls to action. It is the combination of good development, superior design, effective SEO and warm, persuasive copywriting that will make your website capture customers and sales a in the end

Learn more about the author, Bob Dunn.

Posted by Mari Geasair, Denver, Colorado | Jul 13, 2009

Thanks Bob- this is a great article. I am publishing it to the group- and will take a copy to our event tonight to pass around and remind people to get on-line and read!

Cheers, Mari
Posted by Corbet Curfman, Bainbridge Island, Washington | Jul 13, 2009

Great article Bob. Do you have any articles on the some of the cool plugins and widgets available for WordPress?
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jul 13, 2009

Mari and Corbet, glad you enjoyed it.

And Corbet, I have a few posts about widgets and plugins on my blog, but will look at doing an article soon highlighting a few of my favorites.

Thanks for the comments!
Posted by Howard Howell, Seattle, Washington | Jul 14, 2009

Bob... Thank you for contributing such an informative article. I am glad to share it with our Entrepreneur Junkies Group on Biznik.

Keep us updated and I will continue to recommend your classes for WordPress newbies.

...Howard
Posted by Mark Combs, Fernandina Beach, Florida | Jul 15, 2009

Thanks so much for providing this detailed information. With the number of things I'm considering, this will prove very beneficial in helping me make the best decisions when it comes time to make them.

I really appreciate you taking the time to share your insight and knowledge!
Posted by Craig Jamieson, Boise, Idaho | Jul 15, 2009

Truly a great article. I see so many apps and articles that say "Works with WordPress". I have learned to always question ... which one? (smile).

Thanks!

Craig
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jul 15, 2009

@ Howard - thanks for sharing this with your group and your recommendations...always appreciated!

@ Mark - I'm glad this will help you with making your decisions. I think this is one area of WordPress that gets overlooked

@ Craig - thanks Craig. You are so right, sometimes it seems as if everything works with WP. The only question is, "how long?"
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jul 15, 2009

@ Howard - thanks for sharing this with your group and your recommendations...always appreciated!

@ Mark - I'm glad this will help you with making your decisions. I think this is one area of WordPress that gets overlooked

@ Craig - thanks Craig. You are so right, sometimes it seems as if everything works with WP. The only question is, "how long?"
Posted by Angela Ferraro-Fanning, Bernardsville, New Jersey | Jul 15, 2009

Bob - When I first created my own Wordpress blog, I was very confused about the differences in the different platforms. I researched like crazy and couldn't find any resources as valuable as this. Your article is truly helpful and I'll be sure to refer people to it as a resource.

Thank you so much!
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jul 15, 2009

First off, sorry about the double post everyone...hate it when that happens!

And Angela, thanks. I'm glad you found it easy to understand. I always have to be careful not to get to "techie".
Posted by Debbie Lacy, Redmond, Washington | Jul 15, 2009

Bob, thanks for putting your wisdom into such a helpful article. I have some notes on this from one of your events, but having it spelled out like this is much better than my chicken scratches! Good timing for me as I'm just now in the beginning stages of starting a blog.
Posted by Richard Geasey, Bellevue, Washington | Jul 15, 2009

This is an ongoing question and this article does a great job answering it. I'd certainly concur that finding a premium template is the way to go. The free ones just don't let you use the capabilities of WP.org.
Posted by Terra Paley, Los Angeles, California | Jul 15, 2009

Bob,

Great article! Thanks so much for the BIGGGGG share. You are such a font of useful information. I am waiting for the book, ebook, whatever because it will be a hit. Please tell me there is going to be a book.

I remain your big fan
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jul 15, 2009

@ Debbie - thanks and best of luck with your blog. Keep us posted!

@ Richard - you are right. I get most of my clients to spring for a paid premium theme. Even though there are some decent free one's, I would at the most use them for a simple blog. But event then...

@ Terra - once again you have succeeded at making me blush. Your kind words are always appreciated. Mmmmmm, a book. You will be the first to know!
Posted by Beth Buelow, Tacoma, Washington | Jul 15, 2009

Hi Bob, Thanks for so clearly laying out the differences between these two excellent platforms. Based on the knowledge you have shared at various South Sound Masterminds, I decided to go with wp.org when I redid my website a few months ago. It was a great decision, and I credit your advice with helping me to discern which option would be best.

I decided to go with a free theme because most of the paid premium ones were too stylized for my taste. Someday I might transition over to a more branded presence; what I have right now suits me fine, and the beauty of WP seems to be that I can make that sort of transition down the road without a lot of heartache (or financial investment). The theme I'm using is Atahualpa; I find it flexible, clean and mostly intuitive.

Thanks for continuing to share your expertise with the community!

~Beth
Posted by Angel Perry, Sedro Woolley, Washington | Jul 15, 2009

Hi Bob,

Great article, lots of great information.

I went to Steve MacDonald's online social media event and he mentioned that wordpress.com is free, but you don't own your content and wordpress.org you have to host it, but you do own your content. In your opinion, which one would you recommend? Does it really matter if you own your content?

My husband and I are just getting ready to launch our business and getting this kind of stuff set up...well it can be kinda confusing.

Thanks.......Angel Perry
Posted by Nancy LaMont, Marysville, Washington | Jul 15, 2009

Thanks for the amount knowledge you are always so willing to share.

As always, your "food for thought" is easily digestable with no tough spots.

I would love to see an article about your favorite widgets and plugins.

Cheers
Posted by Lynn Baldwin-Rhoades, Seattle, Washington | Jul 15, 2009

Bob,

You are such a Wordpress expert, and I love that you've put all these thoughts together for us. And I agree with Nancy, "above" me there - you're so willing to share your knowledge with us.

Thanks so much; I really appreciate you!

Lynn www.marketingshebang.com
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jul 16, 2009

@ Beth - glad to hear you are using it on your server. And although I tend to push the paid premium themes mostly, there are some good free one's. And Atahualpa is one of them. I have heard some pretty good things about it. And it works for you. Keep up that great blogging!

@ Angel - thanks for joining the conversation. And yes, what Steve says is true in the sense. Here is the line of licensing for those of you who are interested.

By submitting Content to Automattic (WordPress.com) for inclusion on your Website, you grant Automattic a world-wide, royalty-free, and non-exclusive license to reproduce, modify, adapt and publish the Content solely for the purpose of displaying, distributing and promoting your blog. If you delete Content, Automattic will use reasonable efforts to remove it from the Website, but you acknowledge that caching or references to the Content may not be made immediately unavailable.

I could spend all morning talking about this, but it gives you an idea... My thoughts are if you are just starting a blog, wordpress.com works fine. It's a good place to start. But for websites, I believe it's better to put it on your own server, for several reasons that I stated in the article. It will just give you more flexibility and room to grow. I would suggest if you want to make it easy, to use a host like Bluehost.com, where they have a one-click installation of WordPress. That will save you from having to upload the files and set up databases.

If you have any questions or problems, please feel free to DM me via Biznik. And best of luck on the launch of your new business.

@ Nancy - thanks, and you are very welcome. I like that term "digestable". And you are the second person to ask for an article about widgets and plugins. I guess I know what I will be writing about next : )

@ Lynn - you are always so kind with your words. And I know that Judy and I, and this community, appreciates you as well!!
Posted by Elke Siller Macartney, Anacortes, Washington | Jul 16, 2009

Bob, like Terra and others, I'd love to see this kind of info in a book format. You share in simple, human non-geek language, and I cannot tell you how grateful I and other techno-illiterates are for this.

I even printed this article out to have handy....

thanks again.

Living in a Friendly Universe
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jul 16, 2009

Hi Elke, I appreciate your comment. I'm always hoping to keep this tech stuff at a human level. Maybe it helps that I don't classify myself as a "geek":)

Yes, that four letter word keeps popping up "book". With something that is constantly changing and evolving, will give some thought to that...maybe an ebook would work best with updates...mmmmm.
Posted by Anita CM, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh India | Jul 16, 2009

Bob,

Hats off to you for explaining a topic of this nature so lucidly and in such simple terms which am sure anybody can understand. Need i say you oversimplified the issue!

Next time anybody asks me a question about Wordpress they will get the link to this wonderful article of yours...

Thanks and Regards,

Anita CM

http://www.tweetrsvp.com
Posted by Sue Oliver, Tacoma, Washington | Jul 16, 2009

Great stuff Bob! You know I'm creating a wordpress.org site with you, AND I also kicked off a simple health& wellness blog on wordpress.com. It wasn't until reading this article that I understood the differences. Simple, clear, easy to understand. That's spells Bob Dunn. Thank you!
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jul 16, 2009

@ Anita - thanks, I am so glad to hear that you look at this as a resource for others.. and great seeing you again on Biznik!

@ Sue - thanks! And yes, you can use both .com and .org on different projects, and still not understand the clear differences. I'm happy to hear my article did just that.
Posted by Leslie Sierra, Seattle, Washington | Jul 17, 2009

Great article Bob! as usual :-)

I've forward the link on ... also love the cat images on your website, which is also a great tool to show people the power of WordPress ...

Leslie

http://www.sierradesignsolutions.com
Posted by Scott Marlow, Seattle, Washington | Jul 17, 2009

Nice recap, Bob. I'll have to investigate WordPress DB backup.
Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Jul 17, 2009

Wow Bob! This article is awesome.

As Bizniks have already said, it is clear and easy-to-understand and you laid out the differences between the two platforms so well.

I'm impressed!

I've used Wordpress.com and Wordpress.org, and SO WISH I'd had this article years ago.

That said, I absolutely got value from the article even now.

Thanks, Bob. I'm always amazed at you and the next surprise talent you unveil. You should think about doing a series of WP tutorials.

Listen to the NEW Selling With Spirit Radio Hour
Posted by Nicky Jameson, Toronto, Ontario Canada | Jul 17, 2009

Very well written article on the often-confusing differences between wordpress.com and wordpress.org. One additional key difference I would add (and reason why one should consider their own hosted wp blog) is search engine optimization. If your blog is on wp.com you don't get any benefit from oganic search - wordpress.com does as it is the top level domain (even though you can have your own domain name) and your blog would be a sub-domain. Plus who wants to see www.yoursite.wordpress.com?

It's a less authoritative.

One of the key reasons of having a blog is to get found by the search engines and build page rank. You don't get the benefit of that - but you do help wordpress to do so.

Having said that wp.com can be quite a good start for people who are very new to blogging because everything is done for you. with your own hosted verion, you really are on your own and you do need to know how to maintain it.

As you said, the chances are you will outgrow wp.com. I have two blogs and have been blogging for about 4 years. I started my first blog on wp.com and I never regretted it. It gave me time to decide if I liked wordpress and if I liked blogging.

However, I reached a stage where I wanted to add more customization certain widgets not allowed on wp.com. So I moved to my own hosted version and never looked back. wp.org gives you total freedom to do whatever you want on your blog.

I think it's important to note that you have to know how to maintain it diligently, ensure you upgrade both your blog and plugins and keep abreast of updates. And you do need to know some html and even .php (just a little). As I became busier I decided I would outsource my wordpress upgrades and more difficult widget installation to my wordpress developer and I have been doing that for 2 years. Although I understand a little of the inner workings I dislike messing around with code and I am always scared of breaking my blog and not knowing what I did wrong. Now, my developer tells me when the latest upgrade is out and I just tell him to do it - and any major customizations. You can do it yourself, I just found it easier to outsource it.

But if you do start with wordpress.com you can import your blog posts to the hosted version. That's what I did.
Posted by Wendy W, Seattle, Washington | Jul 17, 2009

Since Wordpress.com and Wordpress.org provide such a great wealth of info for users on their sites, I'm surprised that in your article, you provide no links at all to either of their sites, including links covering the same "Wordpress.com-vs.- Wordpress.org" topic such as http://support.wordpress.com/com-vs-org/

But then, maybe if folks realize how much great info is available online from Wordpress.com and Wordpress.org, some might be inclined to rely less on a Wordpress expert?
Posted by Tanya Ruckstuhl-Valenti LIC..., Seattle, Washington | Jul 17, 2009

Thanks for the breakdown. I started a .com blog a few months back and have received several subscription requests...do you have any easy tips for a tech-tarded person to install a subscribe button for my readers?
Posted by Marte Cliff, Priest River, Idaho | Jul 17, 2009

Thanks for explaining this in plain English. I am SO non-techie that when I even try to find answers on the Wordpress help pages I get lost. It's as if I'm trying to learn a foreign language with no one to ask the meaning of any word.

Now I'm still wondering about back-ups - what they are and why I need them.
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jul 17, 2009

@ Leslie - thanks, and yes we do love cats, as you can guess. Glad you found this useful

@Scott & Marte - as far as backups. When you create a WordPress site, all of your posts and pages are stored in a database. Most servers back them up automatically, but it's not always guaranteed. If they do somehow disappear, well, there goes all your hard word. So a plugin like DB WordPress detects your database and backs it up automatically, sending you a file to store on your computer. It is also wise to back up all of your files occasionally as well.

@ Nicky - thanks for bringing up the fact about SEO. You are so right and I appreciate you adding that as well as sharing your experience.

@ Wendy - no, I did not leave off those links for the reason you stated. First of all, most people, who have dove and waded into the WordPress waters are aware of the WordPress sites and their resources, which I agree, are amazing. My intentions were to explain the difference in as simple language as possible, which if you had read the thread, I believe I did. Rather than a "pro" and "con" view as it's explained on the site, I went with a side by side comparison, adding in some of my own insight and experience. As far as the "codex" and forum on WordPress.org, a lot of great info, but I do get clients coming to me saying they have attempted to read an article there, but still don't get it. In fact Marte above stated that same fact.

If you specialize in any area, you embrace all of the resources available to you. My followers on Twitter are given tons of links each day to WordPress resources all over the web. So no, I'm not worried about the vast land of good WordPress info.

@ Tanya - I checked out your blog and it looks like you are using the default theme. You might consider switching themes as most of them have a "subscribe button" already coded in. The other choice is this. Go to Feedburner.com and burn a feed for your blog. They will then give you code that you can use in a widget. On your blog you would add a "text" widget, paste the code into that, and you would have your subscribe button. If you want to DM, I can give you more concise directions....
Posted by Sukie Baxter, Seattle, Washington | Jul 17, 2009

Beautifully written. I am trying to get my website upgraded to be more interactive; not being a designer, it's tough. I'll look into wordpress.org as an alternative.

~ Sukie
Posted by Nancy LaMont, Marysville, Washington | Jul 17, 2009

@ Tanya, I have not heard the term you used "tech-tarded" before but I can relate.

I have a new wordpress.org site on bluehost with the paid for theme Titanium that I am trying to set up myself. It is a way too slow process but I figure it is the only way I will really learn.

If you do not have a good host for your wordpress site you should check out Bluehost. They are so helpful and willing to walk you through just about everything via email, phone, and chat.
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jul 17, 2009

@ Sukie - yes, an interactive website, or at least fresh content is the way to go. Do you have a blog?

@ Nancy - I'm glad to hear things are moving along. And yes the process can be slow, but worth it in the long run. And you are so right about bluehost.com, they are fantastic.
Posted by Lori Richardson, Portsmouth, New Hampshire | Jul 18, 2009

Bob, it took me a while to get to reading your article - wow - I am looking forward to more from you. You have a great way of "splainin....... and obviously has been helpful to all those folks ahead of this comment. Keep up the great work! Lori

Corporate sales coach, author, fundraising auctioneer
Posted by Valerie Farris Oman, Seattle, Washington | Jul 19, 2009

Bob, this is GREAT! Until recently I didn't even know there was a difference between .com and .org for Wordpress. Thanks for summarizing some of the main differences and laying out the pros and cons of each.
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jul 19, 2009

@ Lori - thanks, and yes, these things do need "splainin" : )

@ Valerie - I am honored that I was able to point out something that your incredible legal mind had not yet recognized! Thanks for the comment!
Posted by Allen Cooper, Seattle, Washington | Jul 20, 2009

Hey Bob,

Thanks for the clarification about Word press.

This was very helpful in clearing up something for me that before was as clear as mud.

Thanks Blazing the Word press trail for us, Allen
Posted by Luzviminda Rivetz, Ocala, Florida | Jul 20, 2009

Thank you for sharing and clarifying the difference between the two. I will keep an eye on your upcoming widgets article.
Posted by Tammy Redmon, Olympia, Washington | Jul 20, 2009

WOW Bob - you have gotten some great feedback and interested parties on this article.

Thanks for the easy to follow clarification in the article. I am sharing with several people that I know today so that they can understand the benefits of both and why.

You make it easy for us to take action on a blog or website style blog with Wordpress. Whether free or paid, we understand which direction to take. Thanks for spelling it out!

Inspiring Action...Shifting Perspective
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jul 20, 2009

@ Allen - glad I was able to pull you from the mud, and thanks for taking the time to read this!

@ Luzviminda - I best get working on that other article. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment.

@ Tammy - thanks and appreciate your feedback. And for sharing it....!
Posted by Vicki Dvorak, Maple Valley, Washington | Jul 20, 2009

You always know that anything Bob talks or writes about is going to be helpful and offered from experience and expertise.

This is great, Bob! Thanks. :)
Posted by Rachel Whalley, MA, MFA, LMHCA, Seattle, Washington | Jul 22, 2009

Great explanation, Bob. I think you've helped a ton of people already.

Here are a few thoughts from my experience hosting and setting up seven or eight Wordpress (.org) sites in the last couple years:

Yes, I, too, prefer the customized route and to have an url that directly references the business. To me, it's just so much more professional.

BUT, here's the caveat -- you do need to know what you're doing, techie-wise, to run your own Wordpress site.

Yes, Bluehost is awesome and has great customer support, BUT you're going to need to be able to understand things like what a mySQL database is and how it affects your blog setup.

You're going to need to know how to identify the difference between a Wordpress template that is fully functional and one that has flaws. Since these templates aren't vetted by any kind of standard (ie, they're not created by Wordpress the company itself, usually, but just random users, some of whom know what they're doing and provide a quality product, and some who...really really don't), it can be challenging for a non-techie person to install a template and then wonder why their images aren't displaying right or pages aren't showing up where they're supposed to.

In fact, I've seen people purchase templates, only to find that they had broken parts. And folks, template purchases aren't always refundable. (I'm a little bitter about this one, cause it's pretty fresh.) :)

If you don't know how to modify HTML and PHP code...if, in fact, just those words make you run screaming for the hills, then I strongly recommend you either a) host your site on Wordpress.com or b) hire a web developer who specializes in setting up and customizing Wordpress websites.

It's back to that same ol' piece of advice all we indies work with: is it really worth all this time to figure out how to do this, or am I better off allowing a professional to do it for me?

Seriously, I just setup my latest Wordpress site (www.enneagramlovers.com/blog) and it took me at least 50 hours of time. Granted, I customized the template to get the look I wanted, but I've also got a lot of web experience, so I think it's fair to say it would take a newbie many weeks and calls to tech support to do that.

Is it really worth that time and energy, when there are wonderful Bizniks who can do that job for you for a totally reasonable fee?

Sorry to be a little bit of a downer. I just wanted to add some caution to the table so folks who are not naturally technologically gifted don't waste tons of their time and get frustrated trying to do something that actually isn't that easy.
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jul 22, 2009

Hey Rachel, thanks for the post. This is great as I totally agree with you. So many people talk like WordPress is the answer to all ends. Any novice can set it up. Sure, as you mentioned, WordPress.com let's you put together a basic site fairly easy, but if you want it branded and customized that will take some work.

It drives me nuts when I see people say, "A killer website in 30 minutes" not!!

Sounds like you have really had the experiences. And you pointed out a lot of good things.

WordPress works great as a Content Management System. Have someone else customize it to look like you want, then you can have the control to do text edits, add or delete media, etc.

And as far as themes...yes, even some paid one's aren't the best. I use a few sites, I can count on one hand, that I have had incredible luck with as far as the support and stability of the theme. But there are tons out there and its' best to ask around and find what has worked for others.

Thanks again for sharing your experience!
Posted by Luzviminda Rivetz, Ocala, Florida | Jul 22, 2009

I used to wonder why every time I click on a WordPress icon, when I want to add an article into my blog, it kept redirecting me wordpress.com rather my own blog page. This explains it.
Posted by Howard Howell, Seattle, Washington | Jul 22, 2009

Rachel... It's good to hear that others have had a similar experience as myself and I'm not alone.

Doing a WP.org blog is not for the weak of heart. I'm sure you could list the "enneagram types" that should avoid it.

Even though I know HTML, ASP, SQL, VB, Java, and a few other programming scripts, it has taken me many hours to set up my own hosted WP blog. I can only justify the time as part of my professional education to be a better adviser for my clients.

I did so after attending one of Bob's classes and he explained the difference between WP.com and WP.org. I now know how to prompt my clients which direction they should take and why.

Thank You, Bob for the enlightenment.

BTW Rachel... Someday I'd be interested in interviewing you on my new WP blog about the advantage of knowing and understanding enneagram typing in the selling process. Let me know if you would like to pursue it.

Thanks. ...Howard
Posted by Rachel Whalley, MA, MFA, LMHCA, Seattle, Washington | Jul 22, 2009

I'd love to, Howard! Maybe we could combine efforts and film you interviewing me...or film both of us and get it on both of our blogs. :)
Posted by David Berkey, Edmonds, Washington | Jul 23, 2009

Bob, A succinct article. Simple and easy for us to understand. And, all I was looking for was the way to code copy in Biznik to set up links in Rails. Can't remember if it's (displayed name/word)[www.webpage.com] or displayed name/words, the order and what fits into the brackets and parenthesis. And I just found out after posting - it's the latter, brackets for copy followed by parenthesis with the webpage address.

Meanwhile, back to the subject at hand, I have to ask myself how much time does one really want to invest in blogging, tracking DB's, updating apps, etc.? Howard says he's spent hours and knows some basic code. Bob, you admit that the ads stating a blog up in 30 min is bogus. We know it takes a LOT of time. To me, the bottom line is, will it create sales? One must pose the business question, will it pay for time spent? . Just because something is the "in" way of communicating, doesn't make it the right way to communicate for your business. On the other hand, is it cheaper advertising - your time creating and maintaining a blog vs spending money for someone else, such as Bob's company and/or mine to get your word out? How much is your time worth? Unfortunately, I find too many small businesses answer that question, when it comes down to marketing/communications, their time is free. And, I just spent too much time reading and answering this article. ;-) dberkeyGroup
Posted by David Berkey, Edmonds, Washington | Jul 23, 2009

Then the part about getting your links correctly input. Good to review. ;-) dberkeyGroup
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jul 23, 2009

Howard and David, thanks for chiming in on the challenges.

Yes, WordPress.com makes it easy for you to create a simple website or blog. But as pointed out, will it be effective?

Secondly, WordPress on your own server, is it worth the time it takes to get your site to the point where it is effective, and providing the results you want.

Both questions for everyone to ponder.
Posted by Kate Phillips, Seattle, Washington | Jul 25, 2009

Thanks Bob, great topic.

I started with a wordpress.com site, free and easy... until I wanted to customize it! Then I pulled my hair out, trying to put an email subscription box and finding that the text widget box was very limited in how it could be used. (And it couldn't be used to let subscribers enter their email addresses integrated with Constant Contact, or something similar) No javascript, no ads, no monetizing the website...

I moved my site to a self-hosted .org and wish I would have started there.
Posted by Stan Gabruk, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Mexico | Jul 25, 2009

For a guy who just joined the site, in ten minutes reading your article I got more useful information than a week on the web. I am putting together a blog on Sportfishing in Puerto Vallarta nd needed some suggestins on blog sites....... greatg article and since I like things simple as possible... this works for me... pulling flies our of the ointment was never my best skill!
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jul 25, 2009

@ Kate - thanks for sharing your experience as well. It's good to hear what has worked and not worked for others in the past.

@ Stan - wow, thanks for the compliment. I know how you feel though, the web has so much good information on it, it just takes time to find the nugget. So glad it came at a perfect time for you, and welcome to Biznik.
Posted by David Billings, Sandy, Oregon | Jul 27, 2009
1. I was really excited to see that you posted article, Bob.
2. I wasn't surprised, but gratified to find out it's extremely helpful.
I'm going to send people here when they ask me about WordPress. It comes up all the time.
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jul 28, 2009

Just to let you know, some of this conversation has inspired me to write a blog post, Is WordPress the answer to all our prayers?
Posted by marina de martino, naples, italy Italy | Jul 28, 2009

Hi, Bob I'm Marina from Naples and I love so much my city that I can't help to be frustrated when my customers, coming from USA to visit Naples ,are so doubtfully and suspicious in every moment even when the wind start s blowing.Unfortunately the mass media only take notice when something bad has happened , without considering that if Italy was not created ,people from all over the world would not have dreamt to visit Capri or Rome once in their life.Bob please ,if you can some good words on Italy and specially on Naples. If you need more information on the very old and rich history of Naples I can send you information .It might be of good use even for people who want to get more news about Italy.Thanks a lot ! marina www.napolinostressitinerari.com
Posted by CarolAnn Barrows, Bainbridge Island, Washington | Jul 29, 2009

Thanks, Bob! I appreciate the time you have taken to help us understand what is available through WordPress. It's kind of a tangled web out there and and your clearly written article makes a bit less so.
Posted by Judy Soccio, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Jul 29, 2009

My thanks, too, Bob, although I'm coming to your post a bit late. I started w/a wp.com blog late last year and posted a few times but got busy. After attending a teleseminar by Cathy Perkins, www.thewordpresswizard.com, I converted everything to wp.org. My goal is to tuck our website within the blog pages and add a store and shopping cart as well - all impossible to do on .com. The folks at GoDaddy were incredibly patient w/my questions. I curl up w/Wordpress for Dummies most every evening, and I still feel like I've been dropped into a foreign country!
I'm out to sea w/SEO, I feel squirrelly w/SQL, and Javascript still gives me a caffeine high! But I'm learning. Thanks for the plain English article. Send more soon!
Posted by Gabriella Sannino, San Francisco, California | Jul 30, 2009

We use WP for all our blogs (we have 5) We have gone beyond the "free" and actually Bought DIY themes. No regrets and it has been worth every dollar.

Our company writes blogs for clients and we post anywhere from 50 to 200 posts a month. The useful plug-ins and easy layout is a breeze. I am glad you wrote this now I can send my clients and colleagues here rather than spending almost an hour trying to explain simple basic functions.
Posted by Flora Brown, Anaheim Hills, California | Jul 31, 2009

Thanks so much Bob. This is first time I have read a distinction between .com and .org of Wordpress.

Ignorance is often bliss, but not to be recommended since I've required more and more of my blogs as I've learned more. You're absolutely right that it's easy to set up a blog or website with .com, but if you stay at it long enough you will soon want more flexibility and options offered by .org

As for free v.s. paid themes, I haven't found the paid ones to be necessarily easier. Also, their support is on forums where I always have to search long and hard to find someone who has had the same problem I'm having at the moment. I haven't given up on them yet, however.
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Aug 01, 2009

@ Carol Ann - thanks!

@ Judy - great to hear that it's working for you. I have heard good things about the teleseminars by Cathy via Twitter. In fact I follow her! And it's good to hear you have had a good experience with GoDaddy's support.

@ Garbriella - wow, 5 blogs, that must keep you busy. And thos DIY themes, good stuff!

@ Flora - good points. As far as the forums on the paid themes, what I have found is if I cannot find someone who has had a similar problem, by posting one I usually get an answer in a timely mannner, and almost every time, it solves the problem. Also, some paid themes, not all, have more options to control your site then free ones.

A quick story, I had someone come to me as she was having problems with her blogs free theme. She said she found the creator of it, went to her website and sent her an email with the question. Two weeks later still no answer. What I said was, "What do you expect, it was free?" Now that isn't the case all the time. But I did steer her to a paid theme at WooThemes that would fit her needs, she was convinced, bought it, and has never been happier.

Thanks for sharing this and I'm glad to see you haven't given up on them yet ; )
Posted by David Losh, Seattle, Washington | Aug 08, 2009

Thank you, yes I had the questions, and yes, you had the answers.

Yes, blogging is good for business.

Did you say you host?

I'll go back and read more.
Posted by René Fabre, Kent, Washington | Aug 11, 2009

Bob... great article and thanks for clearing up some of the differences between .com and .org for me. I agree that (after all is said and done), "what is going to be on your site that will engage the client?" Just being 'good looking' isn't enough!

Thanks again... RF
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Aug 12, 2009

@ David, I am glad I was able to answer your questions. And as far as hosts, I swear by bluehost.com and hostgator.com for hosting a WordPress site. Sure there are others, but as far as support, these are superior. And Bluehost has a one click WP install.

@ Rene - happy to clear some muddy waters there for you. And yes, you are so right, a great looking site does not mean sales!
Posted by Deah Curry PhD, CPC, Kirkland, Washington | Aug 29, 2009

Coming late to reading this post, but giving many thanks to you for clarifying what has been so confusing for me in dealing with WordPress (and why I've avoided it).

I have several clients who have WordPress sites, or are contemplating them, and I'll be referring them to your article.

Many thanks, ~ Deah
Posted by Dr. Jake Felice, Seattle, Washington | Apr 06, 2010

Terrific, clear presentation Bob. Thanks!
Posted by Jennifer Bridge, ACC, Lutherville Timonium, Maryland | Aug 20, 2010

Thank you for this helpful distinction between the Wordpress.com/org. I have been wondering myself. I went with Wordpress.com and have enjoyed posting to both of my blogs www.jenniferbridge.wordpress.com and www.thyroidcancersurvivor.wordpress.com and would love feedback. Thanks again!!
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Aug 22, 2010

Thanks for stopping by, better late than never!

It's an ongoing subject that still baffles minds. And how it is often described, people are still confused about the .org, thinking that it means you have your site there, rather than self-hosting it.

Ahh, the wonders of WordPress. I know it keeps me on my toes!
Posted by Susan Templeton, Bellingham, Washington | Nov 19, 2010

Hey Bob quick question: I want a great custom looking site and I need to imbed a number of links to my own portals, etc (security stuff) but the main choice for me is not 'thousands of templates' but flexibility and control.

Is WP.org more than just thosands of options?
Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Nov 19, 2010

Susan, we will talk on Monday and see what your exact needs. I know a lot of themes so if I can find the right one for you, you can avoid those other 9,999 of them : )

And I'll be interested to hear more about your security needs as well.