{"id":2022725,"date":"2025-08-28T08:08:51","date_gmt":"2025-08-28T08:08:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpx.net\/blog\/?p=2022725"},"modified":"2025-08-28T08:08:53","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T08:08:53","slug":"what-is-self-hosted-wordpress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpx.net\/blog\/what-is-self-hosted-wordpress\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Self-Hosted WordPress?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You may have heard of WordPress if you\u2019ve been considering starting a website or blog. WordPress.com and self-hosted WordPress (also called WordPress.org) are two different platforms, which can be a little confusing. Although WordPress.com and self-hosted WordPress sound similar, they serve very different purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WPX offers fast, safe, and easy-to-use WordPress hosting<\/a> so that people can fully control their websites. This guide covers self-hosted WordPress, how it differs from WordPress.com, and why it may be best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WordPress.com vs. Self\u2011Hosted WordPress<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WordPress.com is hosted for you, but with self-hosted WordPress from WordPress.org, you host your site for more freedom. WordPress.org self-hosts about 20% of all WordPress sites<\/a>, and unless you upgrade, you’ll face limits on ads and e-commerce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WordPress.com hosts your site on their servers. The WordPress.com team handles all the technical work, such as backups and updates, which is convenient; however, this service comes with certain limitations. You can only install custom plugins and themes if you pay for a higher-level plan. Unless you upgrade, there are also limits on ads and e-commerce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To self-host WordPress, download the free software from WordPress.org and install it on your hosting account. WordPress.com is like renting, while self-hosting is like owning your home. You are in charge when you host your site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Why Choose Self\u2011Hosted WordPress<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Millions of people choose to host their own WordPress sites, and for good reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Self-hosting allows you to customize your website with thousands of free and premium themes <\/a>and plugins. Do you want to start a podcast, run an online store, or add booking tools? You can do all of that and more without any limits on the platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You also have full ownership of your data and content. That means you don’t have to follow someone else’s rules or terms of service. You choose how your site looks, what it can do, and how it grows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Things You Need Before Getting Started<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need a few things before you start building your WordPress site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. A domain name<\/a> is your website\u2019s address, like yourname.com<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. A hosting provider is where your site’s files are stored online.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. You can get the WordPress software for free at WordPress.org.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    That\u2019s all. Once you have those parts in place, you\u2019re ready to make something great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At WPX, we accelerate the process with fast, reliable hosting and round-the-clock expert support. Read more here.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/span>How to Set Up Self\u2011Hosted WordPress<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Establishing your self-hosted WordPress site may be simpler than you anticipate, and it\u2019s a quick start guide to help you get going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/span>Step 1: Buy Your Domain<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Many people use registrars like WPX<\/a>. Your hosting provider will show you how to link your domain to your hosting account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/span>Step 2: Choose and Sign Up with a Hosting Provider<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Next, pick a web host that is quick, safe, and can help you with WordPress. Look for things like daily backups, uptime guarantees, and customer support that is quick to respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/span>Step 3: Install WordPress<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Install WordPress after you have hosting. Most providers let you install with just one click, so you don’t have to do any technical work. Just adhere to the instructions to initiate the installation process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/span>Step 4: Choose a Theme and Essential Plugins<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Pick a theme that fits your style or brand, then add the most important plugins for SEO, backups, security, and speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/span>Step 5: Adjust Basic Settings<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Change the site title, the permalinks, and the privacy settings. Install an SEO plugin like Rank Math or Yoast and set up your site with sections like Home, Blog, Contact, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/span>Step 6: Launch and Go Live<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Click \u201cPublish\u201d when everything looks good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/span>Pros & Cons of Self\u2011Hosted WordPress<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Self-hosting your site has its fair share of advantages and downsides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/span>Pros<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n