Table of contents

WordPress.org vs WordPress.comHow people make money with WordPressWhat is free with WordPress?When WordPress is not freeGetting startedIs WordPress worth it?Additional resources

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WordPress Guide → Is WordPress Free

Is WordPress Free?: The Real Cost of WordPress Explained

Is WordPress free? The concise answer is yes, WordPress can be free, but there are various factors to consider.

This article will explore the benefits and costs associated with using WordPress to help you make an educated choice.

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WordPress.org hosting

WordPress.org vs WordPress.com

Grasping the distinction between WordPress.org and WordPress.com is essential. Both provide unique benefits and come with their own costs.

Core Differences: WordPress.org provides free software you download and install on your own server with extensive customization options. WordPress.com is a hosted service that simplifies setup but restricts modifications based on your plan level.
Cost Structure: WordPress.org itself costs nothing, but requires separate hosting and domain purchases. WordPress.com offers a limited free tier plus paid plans that unlock features. The bottom line: WordPress.org gives you complete control over code, appearance, and functionality—WordPress.com limits what you can modify unless you pay more.

The WordPress.com Free Plan includes 1GB of storage space, community support, a website builder, and a free WordPress.com subdomain.

However, it displays WordPress.com ads and offers limited brand customization options. This can be sufficient for personal blogs or hobby sites, but most businesses will find these limitations restrictive.

If you’re willing to pay, however, there are several tiers available:

The Personal plan starts at $4 per month and adds a custom domain, removes ads, offers 6 GB of storage, and includes email and live chat support.

The Premium plan starts at $8 per month and includes 13 GB of storage, advanced design customization, video uploads, Google Analytics integration, and monetization tools.

The Business plan starts at $25 per month and allows plugin and theme installations, advanced SEO tools, daily backups, and 200 GB of storage.

The Commerce plan starts at $45 per month and includes all Business features plus advanced e-commerce tools like payment gateways and shipping options.

WordPress.org is an open-source platform, meaning anyone can download, use, and modify it without charge. It operates under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which guarantees that the core software remains free to use and share.

Although the core software is free, constructing a website with WordPress.org may incur costs for web hosting, domain registration, and optional premium WordPress plugins or themes.

Managed WordPress hosting can also help optimize your site’s performance and security.

How people make money with WordPress

WordPress is a versatile platform that can assist you in generating revenue in various ways:

Affiliate marketing: Create niche sites promoting products or services through affiliate links and earn commissions on sales.
E-commerce stores: Use plugins like WooCommerce to sell physical or digital products directly from your site.
Membership sites: Offer exclusive content or services for a subscription fee, such as courses or premium articles.
Freelance services: Showcase your portfolio and attract clients for services like writing, design, or web development.

With strategic planning, WordPress can be an effective tool for monetizing your online presence.

WordPress is not copyright-free.

While WordPress is free to use, it is not copyright-free. The software is licensed under the GPL, but themes, plugins, and content you create may be subject to copyright laws.

Many themes and plugins come with their own licenses, and some require purchase or subscription. It’s important to understand these licenses to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues.

Additionally, any images, text, or multimedia you use must be original, licensed, or in the public domain. Staying compliant with copyright laws is vital for maintaining a legitimate website.

What is free with WordPress?

The core WordPress software is completely free to download and use. This open-source content management system enables you to build and manage websites at no initial cost.

WordPress also offers a variety of free themes and plugins that can enhance the functionality and appearance of your site. These free resources provide basic customisation options without requiring a financial investment.

Regular updates to the core software are also free, ensuring your site remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features.

Furthermore, WordPress has a vibrant community support network, offering forums, tutorials, and documentation at no cost. This community-driven support makes it easier for users to find solutions and grow their skills.

When WordPress is not free

While the core WordPress software is free, there are potential costs associated with building and maintaining a WordPress site:

Hosting: Quality hosting is essential for performance and security. Premium hosting solutions ensure your site runs efficiently.
Domain registration: Securing a unique domain name involves an annual fee, which is necessary for establishing your online presence. Domain registration typically costs $9-15 annually. Consider whether you need a free subdomain versus a custom domain, as the latter significantly improves professional credibility. While some hosting providers offer free domains for the first year, remember to factor in renewal costs. GoDaddy often provides coupons for discounted domain registration, making it worth checking for deals before purchasing.
Premium themes and plugins: These offer advanced features and support, allowing for greater customisation and functionality. Free themes and plugins offer basic functionality, while premium options provide enhanced features and dedicated support. When choosing between free and premium, consider factors like theme selection costs (typically $30-100), plugin pricing (ranging from $20-300 annually, depending on functionality), and the quality of options in the plugin repository. Premium themes often include better customization options, while premium plugins typically offer more robust features and regular updates.
Professional development services: Hiring a developer can save time and ensure your site meets your specific needs.
Professional support: Expert assistance can help troubleshoot issues and improve the user experience.
Security measures: Additional tools and services can provide extra protection, keeping your site safe and secure.

Is WordPress worth it?

When weighing the costs and benefits associated with using WordPress, consider your unique use case.

WordPress is highly versatile, accommodating personal blogs, business websites, and e-commerce stores with its extensive range of themes and plugins.

This flexibility allows for customisation without extensive coding knowledge, making it accessible to both beginners and experts. The strong community support ensures you can find resources to troubleshoot issues or enhance your site’s functionality.

Additionally, WordPress is SEO-friendly, helping improve your site’s search engine visibility. This is particularly important for businesses looking to grow their online presence.

Overall, while there are some associated costs, WordPress is a powerful and cost-effective tool that can help you achieve your online goals.

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