Why should I Self-Host my WordPress website?

Check out this infographic for an overview of the top 8 reasons to self-host your WordPress website, then come back to this post and read all about it 🙂

What is this Self-Hosting you speak of?

Self-hosting just means that instead of using the WordPress.com hosting platform, you host the full WordPress CMS on your own hosting server.  This involves finding a webhost & purchasing a hosting plan, buying a domain name and installing WordPress.

What is the WordPress.com hosting platform?

WordPress.com is a the commercial entity that provides you with WordPress as a service which is ready to use, out of the box.  So, instead of installing it yourself on your own site, you just sign up at WordPress.com and start blogging. No downloading, no installing — it’s all turnkey.

And, all security updates and upgrades are handled for you by WordPress.com. WordPress.com is free to get started, but offers premium services for a cost.

That sounds great, so why don’t I just use WordPress.com?

Hey – if you just want a simple site and their limited themes & plugins provide just what you need then go ahead!  You’ll have your site set up super fast and for free.  Be aware, it you need to change any styling,  want email support, to use your own domain etc etc, you will need to purchase a subscription.

So tell me more about the advantages of Self-Hosting.

The most important advantage to self-hosting your WordPress website is that you get FREEDOM!  You will have the freedom and flexibility to use any theme or plugin you want or even write one of your own.

You will have FULL CONTROL  of your website, it’s design, functionality, data and content.  You won’t need to worry that your website will disappear overnight (along with possibly years of your hard work) if WordPress.com suddenly decides it violates their terms of service.

You can also be MORE PROFITABLE!   No need to  put up with in-page ads from WordPress.com  – ads that you have no say in and make NO money from.  When you self-host you can monetise your website in whichever way you want and not have to be restricted by WordPress.com rules.  You also get to keep 100% of what you earn.

Want a webshop?  Well, if you use WordPress.com you’ll need their e-commerce plan at a hefty €540.00 per year.  Self-hosted?  Install woo-commerce plugin and get a online store for free!

Want a membership site?  Then going self-hosted is the only option as WordPress.com does not allow membership sites.

OK Self-Hosted is just what I need.  But it sounds like an awful lot of work and I’ve a business to run!

No problem – just contact me and I can help.  From hosting, to installations, optimisation and ongoing maintenance – I’m here for you.  Even if you just need a little advice I am happy to help.