So, you’ve heard of WordPress, but you’re not exactly sure what it is or why so many people use it. Maybe you’re thinking about starting a website, or maybe someone told you, “Just use WordPress!” and you’re wondering what that means. 🤔
You’re in the right place! WordPress is the most popular website builder, powering over 43% of the entire internet.
Whether you want to start a blog, create a business site, or even launch an online store, WordPress gives you the tools to do it — without needing to be a tech expert. 🚀
But here’s the thing: when people say “WordPress,” they might be talking about two different things — WordPress.com and WordPress.org. Don’t worry, we’ll clear up the confusion and help you understand which one is right for you.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what WordPress is, why it’s so popular, and how you can use it to bring your ideas to life
How WordPress Became the World’s Favorite Website Builder
WordPress started as a simple blogging tool, but today, it powers over 43% of all websites. From personal blogs to massive online stores, it has grown into the go-to platform for creating websites of all kinds.
It all began in 2003 when Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little took an older blogging tool called ‘b2/cafelog’ and turned it into something better. Their goal? To make website publishing easier for everyone.
Over time, WordPress evolved into a full content management system (CMS) and website builder. Today, it’s used by bloggers, businesses, online stores, and even Fortune 500 companies.
One of the reasons for its success is that it’s open-source. This means developers worldwide contribute to improving it, making WordPress powerful, flexible, and free to use.
If you’re curious about how WordPress grew from a simple blogging tool to the world’s most popular website builder, check out our guide on the history of WordPress.
To put it simply, WordPress is software that lets you build websites, blogs, and even online stores — no coding required.
WordPress.org vs. WordPress.com: What’s the Difference?
If you’re new to WordPress, you might have noticed two versions: WordPress.org and WordPress.com. The names are almost identical, which causes a lot of confusion for beginners.
When we talk about WordPress in this guide, we mean WordPress.org—the open-source software that powers millions of websites, including WPBeginner.
On the other hand, WordPress.com is a commercial website hosting service. It was created by Matt Mullenweg, the co-founder of WordPress, through his company Automattic.
The key difference? WordPress.org gives you full control. You can install WordPress on your own web hosting, use any theme or plugin, and customize your site however you like.
WordPress.com, on the other hand, is a hosting platform with tailored WordPress experience. It offers free and paid plans, but customization is limited unless you pay for higher-tier options.
To sum it up: If you want complete freedom over your website, go with WordPress.org. If you’re looking for a simpler but limited solution, WordPress.com might be an option.
For a detailed breakdown, check out our full comparison of WordPress.org vs. WordPress.com.
What Kind of Websites Can You Make Using WordPress?
You can make any kind of website imaginable using WordPress, from personal blogs to complex business websites.
What Do You Need to Use WordPress?
WordPress makes it easy to build a website, but before you get started, you need two key things: a web hosting account and a domain name.
Think of your website like a house. Web hosting is the land where your website lives, and the domain name is the address that helps people find it (like wpbeginner.com).
Every website needs web hosting because that’s where all your site’s files, images, and content are stored. Without it, your website wouldn’t exist online.
To get started, you’ll need to sign up with a WordPress hosting provider. These companies rent out web space and manage servers for you.
We recommend Bluehost. They’re one of the largest hosting providers and an officially recommended WordPress host.
Normally, a domain name costs $14.99 per year, and web hosting starts at $7.99 per month. But thanks to Bluehost’s special offer for WPBeginner readers, you can get hosting plus a free domain name for just $1.99 per month.
ℹ️ Note: We are a long-time Bluehost customer and host several websites with them. We have found them to be highly reliable, super-fast, and are always delighted by their excellent customer service. See our detailed Bluehost review to learn more.
If you want step-by-step guidance, check out our complete tutorial on how to make a website. It walks you through everything from choosing a domain to setting up WordPress.
Not sure if Bluehost is right for you? There are other great WordPress hosting options like Hostinger and DreamHost.
And if you’re looking for premium performance, SiteGround offers managed WordPress hosting with enhanced security and automatic updates.
How Does WordPress Work?
WordPress is designed to make building and managing a website as simple as possible. Even if you’ve never created a website before, you’ll find it easy to navigate.
At its core, WordPress consists of three main components: the dashboard, themes, and plugins. These work together to help you design, customize, and expand your website’s functionality.