What Is Self-Hosting And Why It’s Critical For Blog Success
What is self-hosting? Or rather, what is a self-hosted website? What are the benefits of self-hosting for bloggers?
And what’s the difference between WordPress .org & .com? I’m going to explain all of this!
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What Is Self-Hosting And Why It’s Critical For Your Blog’s Success
Did you know that using a “free” blogging host like Wix, Tumbler or the .com version of WordPress is actually going to cost you a TON of money in the long run?
Yes, girl. There is a much more affordable way to start a blog, in fact, self-hosting is actually the best way to start a blog for cheap!
Read on!
What Makes A Self Hosting Website?
Self-hosting is when you pay a web host company such as BigScoots, Bluehost, or others to host your WordPress.org website on the Internet so that it can be viewed online.
This means that you own your website, and allows you unlimited capabilities as to what you want to do with it.
Self-hosting your website is always recommended – especially if you intend to earn money from your blog.
You can’t monetize your blog unless it’s self-hosted.
Related: How to set up a self-hosted WordPress.org website in 10 minutes!
What Is A Non Self Hosting Website?
A non self hosting website is one that you have not paid for, one that you host on a ‘free’ website platform such as Tumblr, Blogger, Wix or some other non-paid host.
If you use a ‘free’ non-self-hosted site then you are limited in what you can do, and you can’t monetize it.
It is not recommended to use a ‘free’ website platform.
Why Is A Self-Hosting Website Important?
There are three extremely critical reasons why it’s important to have a self hosting website.
1. Ownership.
If you use a ‘free’ website platform like Tumblr, Blogger or Wix you don’t own your website, they do and they could shut you down at any time. When you self-host you own your website and all of your content and you have complete control over it.
2. A self hosting website is professional.
Have you ever been viewing a business’s website, let’s say a restaurant’s website – and see in the footer text saying ‘Get A Free Website With Wix!’?
Those ads can’t be removed on a ‘free’ website platform, and earn revenue for the ‘free’ host when they get clicked.
Seeing that a business is skimping on their website like this doesn’t look professional at all, and makes you wonder what else they aren’t taking seriously in their business.
But when you self-host you have control over what ads appear on your website, and YOU keep the money when the ads you put up are clicked.
Related: For More Tips On Blogging, Follow me on Pinterest
3. Money! When you self-host your website you are able to monetize it.
That means you can earn an income from your blog by running ads, working with brands for paid sponsorships, earning affiliate commissions and other money-making essentials of blogging.
‘Free’ website platforms don’t allow you to monetize and brands won’t work with bloggers who don’t own their own website and content.
So actually, ‘free’ website platforms are not free at all but rather, they are extremely expensive as they limit you from earning an income, keeping you from earning hundreds or even thousands of dollars every month.
Every month that goes by that you don’t self-host is another month of hundreds or even thousands of dollars in lost revenue you could have made.
Related: 7 ways you can make money blogging
What’s The Difference Between WordPress.org And WordPress.com?
The biggest difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com is that one is self-hosted and one is not, which limits what you can do.
WordPress.org is the one you want to use to self-host. When you use WordPress.org you fully own your website, you can use plugins and custom software and completely customize your site as you like.
But most importantly you have full ability to monetize.
WordPress.com is free to set up, but you won’t be able to use custom plugins and software and are limited in just about everything you need to be able to do to run and grow your blog successfully.
In order to access anything custom, you will have to use WordPrss.com’s upgrades which are VERY expensive!
It is far better and much more affordable to use WordPress.org, in fact, WordPress.org hosting is included for free in whichever web hosting company you choose!
- Preferred: Hosting with BigScoots starts at just $5.95/mo and includes free migrations
- Hosting with Bluehost starts at just $2.95 per month.
- Hosting with SiteGround starts at just $3.95 per month.
- Hosting with Lyrical starts at just $11.95 per month, and you get MUCH more space, service and features. Use code HERPAPERROUTE for 10% off.
How To Self-Host Correctly And Affordably
It is super easy to set up your self hosting website correctly!
Check out my step-by-step FREE blogging course which shows you how to self host your blog with Bluehost, SiteGround or Lyrical. You will have a professional self-hosted WordPress.org website in a matter of minutes.
That course covers everything you need to do to set up your website correctly so that you can monetize and make money blogging right away.
It even includes affiliate marketing for beginners training.
The HerPaperRoute Profitable Blog Toolkit
Follow along on Instagram!
