WordPress is probably the most popular website builder to date. Knowing how to use WordPress to create a website can be a bit challenging for beginners, but there’s no denying that this is one flexible platform. This open-source content management system gives its users complete freedom to design, code, and create websites for any niche imaginable.
Around 33% of all websites on the internet is powered by WordPress. However, it’s important to note that this platform has two versions: WordPress.com and WordPress.org. Later on, we’ll take a brief look at the differences between the two.
WordPress PROS and CONS
We’ve been using WordPress for years now and it hasn’t failed to innovate and answer the needs of its users. Sure thing, it has its own downsides but the advantages always outshine the bad parts.
PROS
-Total freedom to design and create websites
-Tons of WordPress website builder plugin for any functionality for non-coders
-Designed for excellent SEO and marketing purposes
-Easy to use CMS
-Very low cost without sacrificing the features
-Has a massive forum for users
-Excellent website performance due to minimal PHP codes
CONS
-Lots of updates take place
-Designing and customizing can have a steep learning curve
-You need to plan ahead to avoid getting overwhelmed by the platform
-The WordPress.org isn’t fully hosted (can be a pro too)
Overall Score: 9/10
WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org
Basically, these two platforms are both WordPress website builder tools. It’s both owned by Automattic, Inc. and shares many of the same tools. The biggest difference is that WordPress.com is fully hosted while WordPress.org isn’t. If you’re planning to use the latter, you’ll need to look for a hosting provider where you’ll run the platform. WordPress.com is a one-stop website builder so you no longer have to think about the technical aspect of building a website.
So why use WordPress.org? Well, this one is for those who want more functionality. First of all, you can install plugins on WordPress.org and not in WordPress.com unless you avail the Business Plan. Also, WordPress.org allows users to add additional HTML, CSS, and JavaScript codes to alter the functionality of the website. As an open-source platform, WordPress.org also allows the integration of any third-party software. In short, it provides more freedom and functions but with a steep learning curve.
Key features
WordPress won’t be popular if not for its innovative features. From creating a blog site to establishing a large e-commerce store, there are many tools that you can use. Here are some that we personally love:
Best website builder for blogs. If you’re looking for an SEO-ready and inclusive blogging platform, WordPress is the place to be. You can edit permalinks, meta tags, headers, images, schedule posts, and even add contributors to the system with customized access.
Android and iOS apps. You can manage your website on the go with WordPress’ mobile apps. Using these, you can post content and respond to comments. Only a few platforms allow that.
Newsletter. For those who want to run a brand campaign, the MailChimp for WordPress is a convenient and ready-to-use tool.
Tons of plugins. For every function that you need, there’s probably a plugin for it. This saves users from coding from scratch. You install the plugin, activate it, tweak the settings, and it’s all set
Open-code access. If you want to customize the website in the code level, you have the freedom to change and tweak your website’s functionality. There are no limits to this.
A large network of users. What we love the most about WordPress is its massive network of professionals who are exchanging tips and hacks. It’s also a great avenue to resolve issues.
There are more features in WordPress that will make your website creation easy. But if you’re planning to use WordPress.com, some of these features can’t be found. You can opt for WordPress.org but it will take some time to wrap your head around its process. Still, it’s very much worth the hassle.
Ease of use
Let’s see this point differently for .com and .org. When you use the .com, there’s no doubt that it’s way easier since the tools are available at the dashboard. You click, you save, and you check if it works properly. There’s no coding involve and users don’t have to deal with technical hosting setups.
However, the .com platform has its limits. Coders don’t find it inviting because only the Business Plan offers the open-code access. Aside from that, you’ll be paying for a single website alone.
When it comes to the .org version, you can enjoy unlimited websites as long as your hosting plan is suited to it. Also, you have access to the code, plugins, and anything you need to build your website based on your liking.
However, ease of use can be an issue. WordPress.org is powerful for those who have experienced using it before. For beginners, it will take a little while to understand the platform, nay, get used to its technicality.
Overall, there’s no drag-and-drop editor in WordPress. It’s not the most user-friendly choice but the freedom it gives is something that offsets this disadvantage.
Themes and designs
You will enjoy hundreds of pre-designed templates in both the .com and .org platforms. Many of these are modern, responsive, and built for specific niches. If you want to use a third-party theme, the WordPress.org gives you the freedom to do so. Aside from that, you can switch from one theme to another in a few clicks – no limits, unlike Wix or Sitebuilder.
There are paid and free themes on WordPress. And since you have the chance to try it on to your heart’s content, the challenge is to settle in one.
If you’re planning to establish a sustainable website, we suggest that you purchase a third-party theme. The likes of MyThemeShop and ThemeForest provide customer support whenever you encounter issues on the theme. Also, third-party themes only require one-time payment and you’ll enjoy the template for as long as your website is active.
SEO
Yes, it’s not a drag-and-drop site builder, but the fact that you have full control over SEO means a lot. You can add meta tags, alt texts, custom permalinks, and utilize various SEO tools (Yoast SEO, RankMath, etc.) Using these plugins, you can refine your SEO efforts. In fact, Yoast SEO allows you to submit and register your site in different search engines like Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and so on.
SEO in WordPress can be technical, but it’s exactly what many website builders crave for. There are also site backup plugins and tons of social media integration that all boost your SEO standing.
Pricing
WordPress.org is totally free and you only need to pay for the hosting service you will choose. Shared hosting plans can be as low as $16 a year plus a domain that’s around $11. This is already good for one year and you’ll enjoy the flexibility of the .org platform. Through this, you can host multiple websites in just one payment. WordPress directly recommends BlueHost as a hosting service.
How about the .com WordPress website builder cost? There are three packages here aside from the free account with ads and a subdomain. Here’s the pricing table for WordPress.com:
| PACKAGE | VIP $24.50/mo. | ECOMMERCE $16.50/mo. | UNLIMITED $12.50/mo. | COMBO $8.50/mo. | CONNECT DOMAIN $4.50/mo. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage | 20 GB | 20 GB | 10 GB | 3 GB | 500 MB |
| Bandwidth | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2 GB | 1 GB |
| Wix ads | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Free Domain | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Site Booster App | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
The .com pricing is pretty affordable but take note that you’re going to pay for one site each time. Anyway, this is worth the bucks if you’re not a fan of technical setup and tons of work just to get a website up and running.
The WordPress.com plans come with one-year free domain tons of themes. If you want to have more theme options, avail either the Premium or Business plan.
Customer support
If you choose the WordPress.org, customer support will be in the hands of your hosting provider. You can always refer and ask questions on the WordPress forum if you have technical concerns that your hosting provider can’t help with.
When it comes to upgraded plans for WordPress.com, you’ll enjoy live tech support. Here, you can ask about security concerns, hosting issues, backups, and other technical stuff.
Integrations and plugins
For those looking for a platform where they can integrate all the software they want, WordPress.org is unbeatable. The .org allows you to explore thousands of plugins in and out of the website builder. If you want to utilize software, say e-commerce or analytics, you have the freedom to install it.
However, this open-source nature of WordPress.org also means malware can be installed to your site if you’re not careful. As a word of warning, use only plugins that WordPress have reviewed and are tested on your version of the platform.
When it comes to the .com, you can only enjoy plugins on the Business Plan where users are already allowed to edit the website code.
Knowing how to use WordPress to create a website takes patience and time. But once you get the hang of it, the freedom of establishing your own site with unique functionality is a champ.