A question that I am asked the most by is why I switched to a self-hosted WordPress over the free version. Well, today I am going to share with you 3 reasons why you should make the switch or if you are new to blogging, why you should start with wordpress.org.
WordPress.com vs WordPress.org
You may be wondering exactly what I am talking about. Well, here is the overall gist: wordpress.com is a free platform hosted by WordPress. This free platform gives you no rights to your content and is owned by WordPress. With it being free, it is much easier to start but gives you less freedom.
On the other hand, wordpress.org is a paid platform that requires self-hosting. You actually own your site, data, and the rights.
Why I Switched to a Self-Hosted WordPress
Once I decided that I wanted to actually blog professionally it was no longer a question on whether or not I should make the switch to a self-hosted WordPress.
But let me give you more about the back story of Blog Life With Erica. Because a lot has changed.
Blog Life With Erica: The Backstory
Let’s start here. I started this blog on 2/20/2019, as Fit Life with Erica. At that time I my niche was fitness as a Wife and Mommy blogger. in 2019 I was documenting my fitness journey and pregnancy with my third child.
It later shifted over the next year to a lifestyle blog, Blog Life with Erica. In the past two years my blog has grown tremendously and I am shocked to see how many people it as reached.
With a growing blog it is imperative to make the necessary changes in order to continue to support your growth. And for me it was making the decision to transition to a self-hosted platform.
As my blog continues to grow so has the business surrounding my blogging. Making the decision to upgrade from wordpress.com to wordpress.org has allowed me to open up new doors for sponsorships and affiliate opportunities.
So, if you have the blogging goal of turning your blogging hobby into a business making the switch from wordpress.com to wordpress.org is the next step that you should take in order to elevate your blog to the next level.
So, check out these 3 reasons why you should switch to a self-hosted WordPress:
3 Reasons Why You Should Switch to a Self-Hosted WordPress
1. Self-Hosted WordPress is More Profitable
A major benefit of having a self-hosted WordPress is that you have the option to make additional revenue by displaying ads on your site. There is a great monetary benefit for you if you decide to run ads on your site.
Keep in mind those potential sponsorships and affiliate opportunities if you are seeking to turn your blog into a business. Blogging does not have to be a part-time hobby. One of the biggest setbacks you may be facing that has not allowed you to make the choice to blog full-time, is your decision not to self-host.
2. Self-Hosted WordPress Gives You More Control
By deciding to self-host you have more room to expand your blogging. You can develop your site, with no restrictions. Providing you with options to upgrade freely and as often as you like.
You also have more access to extra features and plugin options to support your website. These extras are often not available or supported on free platforms.
One of my favorite features available to me on wordpress.org is the multiple SEO benefits. My utilization of SEO plugins has really helped me to improve search engine data.
Simply having a custom domain name on a self-hosted website has given me access to more backlinks. Making my content and blog easier to locate and bing on search engines. Ultimately, attracting more website traffic.
3. Self-Hosted WordPress is Professional- Ownership
As I mentioned as a self-hosted blogger you own your website and content. If you are seeking to become a professional blogger, this is crucial to your success.
Ownership=Success!
WordPress.com brands themselves all over your site since it is a free platform. That is ok if you are just blogging as a hobby. But if blogging is your business you do not want to brand any other company other than yourself.
This is something that brands look for when selecting bloggers to work with. Brands prefer bloggers who self-host, own their domain, and content. So, if you want your blog appearance to attract brands seeking to collaborate make that transition to self-hosted today!
RELATED: 4 Ways Blogging Can Change Your Life
Are you convinced to make the switch to a self-hosted wordpress.org and take your blog to the next level?
After reading this post you should have a better idea on whether or not you are ready to take your blog to the next step.
When I am faced with tough decisions, the decision is always easier to make when you have the appropriate resources available to make it a smooth process and transition. This is why you should check out this two part blog series by Lesh.
Lesh, fashion and lifestyle content creator behind the blog, LivingLesh created a two part blog series with step by step directions on how to switch your wordpress.com blog to a self-hosted wordpress.org. If you are contemplating or ready to make the switch I would highly recommend for you to check out her blog posts that I am linking below:
- How to switch your WordPress.com Blog to Self-Hosted WordPress.org (Part 1)
- How to switch your WordPress.com Blog to Self-Hosted WordPress.org (Part 2)
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