Updated October 2026
WordPress powers a large share of the web, and for good reason: the software is free, flexible and owned by no single company. But "free" software still needs hosting, a domain, a theme and your time. This guide explains what WordPress really costs, how to build your own site, and when hiring help makes sense.
WordPress.org vs WordPress.com
| WordPress.org (self-hosted) | WordPress.com | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Free software you install on your own hosting | A hosted service run by one company |
| Costs | Hosting, domain, optional premium themes and plugins | Free and paid plans |
| Control | Full: any theme or plugin | Depends on plan |
| Best for | Owners who want flexibility and ownership | Owners who want hosting handled for them |
What a self-hosted WordPress site costs
| Cost | Notes |
|---|---|
| Domain | Yearly |
| Hosting | Monthly or yearly; check renewal prices |
| Theme | Free themes, or a one-time or yearly premium theme |
| Plugins | Many are free; premium plugins often bill yearly |
| Business email | Often included with hosting, or separate |
| Maintenance | Updates, backups and security: your time or a paid plan |
Build your own WordPress site, step by step
- Register a domain and choose hosting. Launch your business online walks you through it.
- Install WordPress, often one click in your hosting control panel.
- Turn on SSL so your site loads securely. See turn on free SSL.
- Choose a lightweight theme that looks good on phones.
- Install only essential plugins: security, backups, forms and SEO.
- Create your core pages: home, services, about, reviews and contact.
- Set up business email. See set up business email.
- Connect your Google Business Profile and analytics.
When to hire a developer
Hire help when you need a custom design, ecommerce, integrations or migration from another platform, or when your time is better spent running your business. Agree in writing on ownership, admin access and maintenance. See small business website design.
Keep WordPress secure and fast
- Update WordPress, themes and plugins regularly.
- Use strong passwords and two-factor login.
- Back up automatically, and test restoring.
- Remove unused plugins and themes.
- Compress images and use caching.
Prefer something simpler?
Our free website builder creates a site in about 10 minutes, with no plugins to manage. Compare options in WordPress alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Is WordPress free?
The software is free; you pay for hosting, a domain and any premium themes or plugins.
Can I build a WordPress site myself?
Yes. Many owners do, using a simple theme and a few essential plugins.
Is WordPress secure?
It can be, with regular updates, strong passwords, backups and careful plugin choices.
How Advanton helps
Advanton is a free resource that helps small businesses start, get online, find customers and grow. Free tools that help here: the website builder, launch your business online, a step-by-step guide to your domain, hosting and email, the online presence checkup. You can also list your business in the Advanton business directory for free.
There’s no contract and nothing to sign up for to read our guides or use the tools. Advanton earns money when you buy a domain or hosting through our store, which helps keep everything else free.
Keep learning
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Startup costs are estimates; check local prices, licensing and tax rules before you commit money.
