IS WORDPRESS FREE?

If you’ve ever searched for a website builder, you’ve come across WordPress and wondered whether it’s free. The short answer is yes, but also no. WordPress itself is free to use, but depending on how you set up your website, there can be additional costs. To understand what’s free and what’s not, you need to know the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.

WordPress.com offers a free plan, but it comes with limitations. Your website will have a WordPress-branded domain name, such as yoursite.wordpress.com, and you’ll see ads on your pages. While it’s fine for personal use or testing, it’s not ideal for professional websites. If you want to remove ads, connect a custom domain, or unlock more features, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

WordPress.org, on the other hand, is completely free to download and use, but you’ll need to pay for web hosting and a domain name. Hosting services like Bluehost, SiteGround, or Kinsta typically charge between £3 and £25 per month, depending on your needs. A custom domain name usually costs around £10 per year. While the WordPress software itself is free, running a website with full control does come with expenses.

Beyond hosting and domains, there are optional costs for premium themes, plugins, and professional support. Free themes and plugins are available, but premium versions often offer more features and better customisation. Some website owners also pay for SEO tools, security enhancements, or developer support, depending on their requirements.

So, is WordPress free? Yes, if you only need the basic features of WordPress.com or if you’re willing to manage everything yourself with WordPress.org. However, if you want a professional website with a custom domain, advanced features, and no ads, expect to pay for hosting, themes, and other upgrades. WordPress gives you the flexibility to build a site on any budget, whether you’re looking for a completely free option or a high-end customised website.