WordPress is an open-source content management system that allows people with little to no web experience to create websites. It is written in PHP code and features a plugin architecture and template system. WordPress is as close to a one-size-fits-all website building platform as we have when it comes to novice website developers to expert ones.
Note that there are two different sites, WordPress.com and WordPress.org. WordPress.com is self-hosted on WordPress servers. It allows for a fast set up, is a relatively low-risk site, and the platform is fairly consistent. This is a great place for beginners to learn, practice, and grasp how to build a website.
It is free for up to 3 GB of storage space. However, ads will be displayed on your website, you are limited to subdomains, and there are no customization options. A huge plus for WordPress.com is that no maintenance is needed for it, as automatic staff will take care of all updates, backups, and optimization.
If you want to have your own custom domain name, you will need to pay a fee. The downsides to WordPress.com are that there aren’t many plugins or theme options, and it is less customizable than WordPress.org. There are also limited monetization options, SEO control, and analytics. You also must pay to remove WordPress branding. You cannot create an online store or a membership site.
WordPress.org, on the other hand, is extremely customizable, allows for endless plugins and themes, and has more options to be built from scratch. However, you will need to manage security, plugins, and your website SEO. It is harder to set up, too, if you aren’t familiar with website construction. This platform, while more versatile, is not as intuitive. If you don’t do the regular updates for WordPress, your site will be at high risk of website hackers and viruses.
Because WordPress is an open-source platform, any issues with old WP versions will be shared online, meaning anyone, even ill-willed hackers, can see this information, and instead of having to find issues in WP’s platform, it is laid right in front of them. So always remember to update, update, update.
Both WordPress.org and WordPress.com are great options for website building. It is dependent on the professional or business’s purpose and desired result for creating a website.