Do I Need Web Hosting for WordPress?
WordPress.com is a hosted service where WordPress itself takes care of the hosting for you. You can start with a free plan, which provides limited features and a WordPress subdomain like yoursite.wordpress.com. This is a convenient option for beginners or those who want to quickly set up a basic blog or website without worrying about the technical aspects of hosting. However, the free plan comes with limitations in terms of customization, plugins, themes, and monetization options. To unlock more advanced features, custom domains, and greater control over your site, you can upgrade to one of WordPress.com’s paid plans.
On the other hand, WordPress.org is the self-hosted version of WordPress, which gives you full control over your website. With this option, you need to download the WordPress software from WordPress.org and install it on your own web hosting server. This means you must purchase a domain name and sign up with a web hosting provider. This self-hosted approach is preferred by many because it offers extensive customization options, the ability to install any plugins and themes you want, and complete control over your website’s functionality and appearance.
To set up a self-hosted WordPress site, you start by choosing and registering a domain name that represents your website’s identity. Next, you select a web hosting provider that supports WordPress, such as Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator, and sign up for a hosting plan that meets your needs. Most hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installations, making the setup process straightforward even for beginners.
Once you have your hosting account set up, you install WordPress on your server. Many hosting providers offer easy-to-use tools and interfaces to help you with this installation. After WordPress is installed, you can log in to your WordPress dashboard, where you will have access to all the settings and tools needed to build and manage your website. You can choose and install themes to define the look and feel of your site, install plugins to add functionality, and customize your site’s content and appearance to suit your needs.
