WordPress.com or WordPress.org?

Why We Recommend WordPress

At Dolman Bateman, we often recommend WordPress as a powerful, low-cost website solution—especially for small businesses launching their online marketing strategy. But many people don't realise there are two WordPress platforms: WordPress.com and WordPress.org.

Which one should you use? The answer depends entirely on your goals and technical capabilities.

WordPress.com – Simple and Hosted for You

WordPress.com is the hosted version. You don’t need to manage servers, software updates, or hosting accounts, it’s all taken care of for you.

Pros:

• No setup or server management required

• Free and paid plans available

• Built-in security and maintenance

Cons:

• Limited ability to customise your website

• Can’t upload your own plugins

• Restricted use of custom themes

• Advanced features (like CSS editing) require payment

This option is ideal if you want to get started quickly without worrying about the backend.

WordPress.org – Full Control and Flexibility

WordPress.org is the self-hosted version. You download the software and install it on your own hosting account (or have your developer do it for you).

Pros:

• Full control over your website

• Ability to upload custom themes and plugins

• Ideal for complex websites, e-commerce, and SEO tools

Cons:

• Requires your own hosting and technical setup

• You're responsible for updates and backups

We use WordPress.org for our own website because we’ve developed a custom theme and several proprietary plugins tailored to our needs.

Our Recommendation: Start Simple, Scale Smart

If you’re just starting out, we suggest beginning with WordPress.com. You can upgrade later.

Use the domain mapping feature to point your custom domain (e.g., www.yourbusiness.com) to your WordPress.com site. That way, your content is tied to your brand—not to WordPress.

As you grow and better understand your online audience, you can upgrade to WordPress.org and move your content over seamlessly using the built-in import/export tools.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between WordPress.com and WordPress.org comes down to control versus convenience. Start lean. Learn what works. Then invest in more control when you're ready to scale.

Need help setting up your site or planning your digital strategy? Get in touch with our team for tailored advice.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is general in nature and does not constitute personal financial, legal or tax advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this content at the time of publication, tax laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances vary. Dolman Bateman accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage incurred as a result of acting on or relying upon any of the information contained herein. You should seek professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any financial or tax decision.