
WordPress is a free and open-source content management system (CMS) that allows you to create a website or blog. It is one of the most popular website creation platforms in the world, powering over 43% of all websites on the internet.
There are two kinds of WordPress websites. There is a self-hosted version of WordPress and hosted version via wordpress.com. It can be very confusing, so I’m going to attempt to explain the difference and why you may need one or the other.
The main difference between self-hosted WordPress and hosted WordPress boils down to control and flexibility:
Self-hosted WordPress (WordPress.org):
- Full control: You own and manage everything, from the domain name and hosting to the software and website files.
- More flexibility: You can customize your website as much as you want, install any theme or plugin (free or premium), and even modify the core code.
- Greater responsibility: You’re responsible for security updates, backups, performance optimization, and any technical issues.
- Costs: Requires purchasing a domain name and web hosting separately. May require additional investment for premium themes and plugins and help from a developer.
Hosted WordPress (WordPress.com):
- Limited control: You have some customization options, but WordPress.com restricts certain themes, plugins, and functionalities.
- Easier to use: No need to worry about technical aspects like updates or security. WordPress.com manages them for you.
- Less flexibility: Limited scope for unique branding and functionality. Monetization options are restricted on free plans.
- Costs: Free plan with limited features. Paid plans offer more flexibility and features, but still lack the full control of self-hosting.
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:
Feature | Self-hosted WordPress | Hosted WordPress |
---|---|---|
Control | Full control | Limited control |
Flexibility | Highly flexible | Limited flexibility |
Responsibility | You are responsible | WordPress.com is responsible |
Costs | Domain name + hosting + optional premium themes/plugins | Free (limited features) or paid plans |
Choosing the right option depends on your needs and technical skills:
- Self-hosted WordPress: Ideal for those who want full control, unique designs, and advanced functionalities. Requires some technical knowledge or willingness to learn.
- Hosted WordPress: Good for beginners who want a simple, DIY platform with basic functionalities. Less flexible but requires less technical know-how.
At Sumy Designs, we only design and develop self-hosted WordPress websites. What this means is you’ll need your own domain, your own web hosting account, and WordPress installed on your web host. We can and will help you with all of these steps through the process.
Steps for setting up a self-hosted WordPress site
Setting up a self-hosted WordPress site requires a few steps, but it’s not as complicated as it might seem! Here’s a basic roadmap to get you started:
1. Choose your domain name and web hosting:
- Domain: This is your website’s address (e.g., <www.yourdomain.com>). You can register one through your chosen web hosting provider or a separate domain registrar like GoDaddy.
- Web hosting: This is where your website’s files will be stored and served to visitors. Consider factors like price, storage, bandwidth, and customer support when choosing one. Check out the Sumy recommended hosts here.
2. Install WordPress:
- There are a lot of WordPress installation methods. If you use a Managed WordPress host, they will almost always have a one-click installation option that makes it very easy.
- Most web hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installation like Softaculous, making it very easy.
- Manually install WordPress. This is more advanced so ask for help from a pro if you need it.
3. Choose a theme and customize your site:
- WordPress themes control the look and feel of your website. There are thousands of free and paid themes available, catering to various styles and functionalities.
- If you aren’t having a custom theme developed by a web design agency, take the time to learn about the pros and cons of buying themes, and the issues you may run into when you buy low-cost WordPress themes.
4. Install essential plugins:
- Plugins add new features and functionalities to your site. Popular choices include Yoast SEO for search engine optimization, Akismet for spam protection, and Gravity Forms for creating contact forms.
- Be mindful not to overload your site with too many plugins, as it can slow down performance. Use only plugins that are reputable and supported. Learn how to evaluate if a plugin is worthwhile.
5. Start creating content:
- This is where the fun begins! WordPress provides a user-friendly interface for writing blog posts, creating pages, and managing media.
- Focus on high-quality content relevant to your audience and niche.
- Many people find writing content about themselves harder than they expect. My advice is to start with the easy pages first, like the contact page. Pages that don’t require as much text and will be easy to churn out. Getting the ball rolling and having a few pages complete can get you on the right track.
Additional things you should set up
- Set up Google Analytics, so you know if people are using your site
- Add your site’s sitemap to Google Search console, so Google knows where your pages are
- Make sure you have an SSL certificate installed
- Set up a backup system for your website
Additional Resources:
- Official WordPress documentation
- Free WordPress Plugins
- Free WordPress Themes
- Free stock photos can be found at Pexels, Pixabay, or Unsplash.
- How to optimize your photos
Remember:
- Take your time and learn as you go. There are plenty of resources available to help you along the way.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment and personalize your site to reflect your unique style and brand.
- It’s always okay to ask for help if you need it. The WordPress community has thousands of people of all skill levels, and we are a warm and welcoming group, generally always ready to answer questions.
Amy Masson
Amy is the co-owner, developer, and website strategist for Sumy Designs. She's been making websites with WordPress since 2006 and is passionate about making sure websites are as functional as they are beautiful.