The Basics of Starting a WordPress Website
If you decide to have your website hosted on WordPress.com (note: WordPress.com is different from WordPress.org); there are few things you should know before getting started. Although WordPress is an open source project providing free plugins and themes, there is a price that comes with creating a custom website that a beginner might not be aware of.
Customization and amount of content you are able to put on the website is limited. I personally was confused with the process at first when I thought “upgrading” my website’s package on WordPress.com would allow me to add anything I wanted with little development background because I could simply upload a plugin to my website. Wrong! WordPress advertises their $99 upgrade as providing a Free Blog, Domain & Mapping, 10GB Space Upgrade, No Ads, Custom Design and VideoPress. This might all sound great, but if you are trying to create a serious website you will quickly realize this will not satisfy requirements for a serious full-service website. The purpose of your website will determine the costs that are associated with developing one. For example, if you want to provide e-commerce capabilities you will need to invest in the resources in support of that functionality for your website.
WordPress.com vs WordPress.org
This was when I understood what the difference between wordpress.COM and wordpress.ORG was (which I will refer to as .COM and. ORG. Simply put, .ORG is what you are looking to use WordPress plugins for your new website. Otherwise, .COM will satisfy the requirements of a simple blog website using out-of-the box design and functionality; unless you are able to edit HTML and CSS code. .ORG enables a user to browse the plugin directory and upload them to a website.
- Website Hosting Services
Another important note in understanding the difference is to be aware that .ORG requires you to purchase hosting service outside of WordPress. This means you need to look into external options for website hosting, I have provided a list of options below. I would also recommend checking out hostingwebsitecoupons.com to find discounts on monthly web hosting rates.
Free (for now) Hosting Services
You can certainly find free web hosting, but the catch is that once you realize you need more space “free” hosting turns into “upgrade your hosting package.” So, I would recommend starting off with paid web hosting that will offer you the space you need, quality support, helpful resources and superior service. Also, it’s difficult to find free hosting that doesn’t clutter your website with ads; if that’s important to you.
- http://www.blackapplehost.com/
- http://www.freehostia.com/
- http://www.hostmonster.com/
- http://www.host1free.com/
Paid Web Hosting vs. Free Web Hosting
The benefit of using a well known and reputable hosting company is that your technical support is not limited by the FAQ or resources provided by the hosting service you choose. What I mean by this, is that we often google our questions even if there is a search feature for a website. Why is this? Well, simply because there are blogs out there (just like this informative one) that will provide the exact answer to your questions because it delivers to you the most search-optimized results, which for the most part, will satisfy your question completely versus provide an answer that might not address the exact concern you have.
Need More Options?
Web hosting varies with the amount & type of content that your website will be primarily comprised with. Check out 100 Best Free Web Space to find a more comprehensive list of resources for web hosting. You will find directories for Free Web Hosts, Coupons, Best File Hosting, Best Image Hosting, etc.
