For some time now, I’ve been contemplating the switch from WordPress.com (which I love) to a self-hosted WordPress.org site. Any advice?
The primary reasons I would make the switch are (1) increased functionality and design control, (2) integrating my blogs and firm website into one individual site-which I’m convinced can be done using WordPress, and (3) to develop my own personal web skills.
What’s holding me back(?): WordPress.com is (1) so easy to use, (2) basically free (I do pay the nominal charges for dropping the “.wordpress” from the name), and (3) I’m a little nervous about the installation and migration.
Thoughts? Suggestions? Prayers?
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#1 by Josh Mann on August 6, 2009 - 5:55 pm
I switched from blogger to wordpress (but essentially started a new blog from scratch). I’ve created a blog-based site which includes other static pages. I’ve found it easy to use, fairly inexpensive (including the costs of domain registration and hosting), and great for tweaking (without being an expert in html, css, etc.). Migrating may give you a headache, but that’s hearsay.
#2 by petermlopez on August 6, 2009 - 8:19 pm
I switched from Blogger to WordPress.com a little over a year ago, and I don’t regret it for a second. Ideally, I would develop a blogging platform with the wp admin interface with Blogger’s ease of design. Wishful thinking I suppose.
#3 by Polycarp on August 6, 2009 - 8:22 pm
I dunno, Peter. Wp.org has the same interface as Wp.com, but you can modify the CSS on your Wp.org (so, a little like blogger), plus, there are so many free WP themes out there to get you started.
#4 by petermlopez on August 6, 2009 - 8:28 pm
Yes, I know, I’ve browsed several themes, many of which I really like. Oh, I know about wp.org’s interface, that’s why I’m considering the move, so I can have the same interface with increased customization.
#5 by Polycarp on August 6, 2009 - 7:52 pm
Peter, how can I help? I switched in June, and have found it so very easy and rewarding. Did you see my post this morning?
Migration is easy, the theme control is excellent. Where will you host it at? Before you make any decisions, email me about that. Might be able to help you.
#6 by Polycarp on August 6, 2009 - 7:53 pm
BTW, if you do choose to do it, I’ll send you my list of plugins, etc…
#7 by petermlopez on August 6, 2009 - 8:24 pm
I suspected you might be a .org-er with all that you have added to your blog. I will certainly keep you in mind if I make the switch. I do have to say, though, when I have tried to read a full post on your mobile site, I have never been able to do it. I have to star it and check it when I get back to my computer. I can only ever get as much as is in the feed reader on your mobile site…
As far as hosting, I have all of my domains at godaddy, so I just assumed I’d keep them there, but wp.org seems to be a fan of a few others. Who do you use for hosting?
#8 by Polycarp on August 6, 2009 - 8:31 pm
I have my domains through Godaddy.com, but a local guy does my hosting, and he gives a pretty good discount for Christian businesses. He did the initial set-up for me so I didn’t have a chance of messing that one up.
What mobile device are you using?
With WP.org you can add tons of plugins, and themes, to design you site the way you want.
As I said, I would be happy to help in anyway.
#9 by petermlopez on August 6, 2009 - 8:41 pm
I certainly appreciate the offer very much.
#10 by petermlopez on August 6, 2009 - 9:04 pm
Oh, and I have an iPhone, so I use Safari for my mobile stuff.
#11 by Polycarp on August 6, 2009 - 9:11 pm
Um…let me work on it.
#12 by petermlopez on August 7, 2009 - 9:13 am
No sweat. Let me know.
#13 by ElShaddai on August 6, 2009 - 8:28 pm
Peter – I’ve installed dozens of WP.org blogs and have a custom blogsite development business on the side. I love the flexibility that the .org software gives you, but you have to be willing to assume the tech responsibilities (or have an admin partner who will take care of the details). That said, 99% of the trouble is getting the database set up and many hosts include scripts that take care of that for you.
It’s been a hoot for me to learn PHP and produce sites with HTML, CSS, PHP and JavaScript – you can do almost anything!
#14 by petermlopez on August 6, 2009 - 8:34 pm
I don’t mind the tech stuff all that much, I like learning different technologies, and I’m a quick learner. My biggest concern is the migration: making sure the permalinks still work, etc. I think I will download the software and play around with it on my computer first before I jump in too deep.
#15 by Nathan Stitt on August 10, 2009 - 8:33 pm
Why waste your money? Free is good.
#16 by petermlopez on August 11, 2009 - 10:21 am
I agree, “Free is good.” But, what I was wanting to do was consolidate sites-my own firm site, blog, etc. Right now, they are all being hosted free here and there, but I’m debating whether making the move is worth the time, effort, money, etc.
#17 by markrileymedia on August 14, 2009 - 8:45 am
Hello, thanks for all the tips on this topic. Can you help me with my dilemma…
1. I have a wordpress.com blog
2. I have a godaddy domain name
3. I am really bored with the .com themes and I want to try some fancy ones
4. This week I was selected as a featured blog on the WP.com…my page views went off the chart so now I am really popular on .com
5. The question: Can I migrate from .com to .org and bring my visitors (previous posts and comments) with me? Or do i start from zero posts/comments/stats?