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WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) in the world, powering over 40% of all websites with a CMS market share of over 60%.
Whether you're a beginner looking to create your first blog or a business owner in New Zealand aiming to build a professional site for your business, WordPress offers a flexible and powerful platform to meet your needs.
In this article, I’ll explain what WordPress is, how to get started with it, and why it’s a top choice for so many NZ website creators.
WordPress is a free, open-source content management system that allows you to create, manage, and publish content on the web.
It was launched in 2003 as a simple blogging platform but has since evolved into a full-fledged CMS capable of powering anything from personal blogs to large ecommerce sites.
A CMS or Content management system is software that allows you to create, sort, edit and publish content to a user base. Many enterprise-level companies create their own proprietary CMS, but WordPress is by far the most used.
There are two versions of WordPress: WordPress.com and WordPress.org, each catering to different types of users.
WordPress.com is a hosted version of WordPress. This means that the hosting and maintenance of your WordPress website are managed by a company (just like Wix.com). In this case, WordPress.com is owned by Automattic so any website created on WordPress.com is managed on their servers.
The hosted version of WordPress is a great option for beginners or those who want a simple, hassle-free experience. With WordPress.com, you don’t have to worry about knowing how to code to build a website or any technicalities. Everything from your website's security to optimizations is already taken care of out of the box, you also get access to top-notch support.
The downside?
WordPress.com is quite pricey. Most of its premium features are locked behind expensive subscriptions, which offer additional features like custom domains, advanced design tools, and e-commerce capabilities.
While WordPress.com is user-friendly and convenient, it comes with limitations. For example, you have less control over your website’s functionality, and you're restricted to using only the themes and plugins available within the WordPress.com ecosystem. This makes it less flexible than WordPress.org, especially for users who want to customise their site fully.
WordPress.org, also known as self-hosted WordPress, is the open-source version of WordPress that gives you complete control over your website.
Unlike WordPress.com (hosted version), you do not have to pay to access all WordPress.org CMS features, all you need is a hosting server to install the software and you gain full control.
This version offers the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to use custom themes, install any plugins, and modify the site’s code as you see fit. You only pay for hosting and your domain name.
The downside?
Since WordPress.org is open-source and self hosted, this means you have to set it up yourself and that requires some technical knowledge of how the web works.
You’ll need to manage your own hosting, perform regular backups, handle security, and maintain your website.
Many hosting providers offer support with their plans so a bulk of technicalities will be handled by their team but that doesn’t mean you won’t need to get your hands dirty every now and then.
Overall, WordPress.org is ideal for businesses, developers, and those who want to create a more complex or highly customised website.
It’s the option I always recommend for serious business owners, you just need to make sure you’re working with a trusted web agency like Take2 Elevate.
For a detailed guide on how to get started with WordPress.org, see our article on how to create a website.
Both WordPress.com and WordPress.org have their strengths, depending on what you’re looking for in a website. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which is right for you:
Feature
WordPress.com
WordPress.org
Hosting
Managed by WordPress
Self-hosted (you need to arrange hosting)
Customization
Limited (only approved themes/plugins)
Full customization with themes and plugins
Cost
Limited free plan with expensive paid plans
Free software, but hosting and domain cost extra
Maintenance
Managed by WordPress
You and your hosting provider manage updates, backups, and security
E-commerce
Available on higher-tier plans
Full e-commerce capabilities with plugins
There are many reasons why WordPress should be the top choice when it comes to building a website:
Getting started with WordPress is straightforward. Here’s a simple guide to launch your website in New Zealand:
For a deeper dive into setting up Ecommerce WordPress websites, refer to our article on how to make an eCommerce website in WordPress.
WordPress remains one of the most powerful and flexible platforms for building a website in 2024. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start a blog or a business aiming to create a complex site, WordPress offers the tools and customization options you need.
By understanding the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org and how to get started, you can confidently choose the right path for your online presence.
WordPress is used for creating and managing websites. It powers everything from personal blogs and portfolios to large e-commerce sites and business websites.
WordPress is free, customizable, and user-friendly. It’s supported by a large community and is SEO-friendly. That said, it also requires regular maintenance, and hosting costs can add up for self-hosted sites.
WordPress is popular because it’s versatile, easy to use, and scalable for different types of websites. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, WordPress offers the tools to build the site you need.
Yes, WordPress is beginner-friendly, especially WordPress.com, which simplifies many technical aspects. However, WordPress.org may require more learning and technical skills.
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