WordPress.org (also known as self-hosted WordPress) is an open-source content management system (CMS) created in 2003 with the goal of giving the world a truly free blogging platform. Open-source means software that’s offered freely and can be modified by others. CMS is a software or program that lets you create and manage your digital content.
WordPress is completely free to use, but you will need to sign up for a paid monthly web hosting plan and purchase a domain name in order to use it (i.e., self-hosting).
We’ll go into more detail about web hosting below, but it’s important to note that it’s extremely affordable to run a self-hosted WordPress blog—think $2 to $10/mo.
What is WordPress Hosting?
Hosting refers to a company that stores your website so it can be b2b email lists poland on the Internet. Without it, your blog isn’t actually live and readable to others.
For your content to be stored and distributed properly, you need what’s called a server. A web server is connected to the Internet, and it receives requests (people wanting to read your blog content) and responds by displaying the pages of your website.
A home computer is not set up to host your own website properly (without some serious modifications and expenses). That’s why you need the best web hosting plan from a reliable company to make sure your blog is connected to the Internet.
My personal recommendation for affordable & reliable web hosting is Bluehost. I’ve used them for years and am very happy with their services.
Bluehost Hosting for Free Blogging Sites on WordPress
Even if you choose their least expensive plan (around $1.99/mo), you’ll have a lot of great features like a free SSL certificate that makes your website ultra secure, unmetered bandwidth, and a free domain name—along with their great 24/7 technical support to answer any questions you’ve got.
They’re also one of three hosting companies specifically recommended by WordPress themselves (like these managed WordPress hosting plans), and they offer an easy 1-click installation for installing WordPress as the free blogging site to power your blog behind the scenes.