WordPress is an open source and free blogging software. WordPress.org is the home of the software while WordPress.com is the hosted service of the software.
The difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org causes some confusion for newbie bloggers. Here are the facts:
WordPress.com: Basic features for free
WordPress.com utilizes the software which you can download at WordPress.org. Basic services are free: You get URL like myblog.wordpress.com and 3 GBs of space for storing your files and images.
You cannot monetize your WordPress.com blog. Adsense, Chitika, TextLinkAds, affiliate links, banners and other ads are not allowed. WordPress.com displays advertisements on your blog unless you purchase an Ad-free Upgrade ($29.97 for a year).
WordPress.com has a selection of free designs but it does not permit uploading of additional design themes and plugins. You cannot edit HTML, PHP code, or content of a theme. FTP access is not included either.
For advanced users, WordPress.com offers paid upgrades for features such as domain name ($17 for a year), custom CSS design ($30 for a year), additional space ($289.97 for a year for 100GB) and upload of audio and video files.
WordPress.org: Complete control and flexibility
On WordPress.org you download the software and have the complete control and flexibility. You can install themes and plugins, you can run any ads that you want, you can edit the database and modify different CSS and PHP codes. I run all my projects on WordPress.org and so do many of the biggest bloggers.
WordPress.org must be installed on a web hosting server to work. For the simplest possible install, I recommend using Bluehost as you simply click on 1-button to install WordPress plus get a domain name and hosting for cheap.
It literally takes 5 minutes to have your WordPress.org blog up and running, no tech knowledge needed. Watch my video for step-by-step guide on how to install WordPress.org and click here to get your blog started.
