PR Start by Nick Lucido

In case you haven’t noticed, I made the switch from my free WordPress.com blog to pr-start.com using the WordPress.org software. So far, I’ve been very pleased with the switch and I’m also happy to find the same layout I had in my previous blog. If you’re considering the switch, or even starting off fresh, I’ve put this post together for you.

So, to start off, here are the main differences between the two forms of WordPress:

WordPress.com

• Using WordPress.com is absolutely free and so is the domain.
• Your site will always be (something).wordpress.com.
• Plugins come installed — spam protectors, stat counter, great choice of themes, etc. However, you cannot add any more plugins, which at times can be a drawback.
• The platform is very easy to use and management for those new to blogging. It might take some time to get used to everything, but the help forums are great and answered all the questions I had.
• This form is best for student and personal bloggers.

WordPress.org

• The WordPress.org software is free — you just have to purchase a domain and hosting for your site. I use Hostmonster for their high recommendation from others users, solid customer service and manageability.
• You can purchase any domain that is available and even add it on to existing domains.
• My favorite part is the limitless amount of plugins you can choose for your site. You can add sharing tools to increase the SEO value of your site as well as some pretty cool widgets. You can search for them here.
• The platform is virtually the same as WordPress.com, so making the transition is extremely easy and manageable.
• This form is best for advanced bloggers, organizations and companies.

Now, I would go into some detail as to how to make the switch, but there are two other places that do a much better job than I could. In fact, I used these two as references and my switch was relatively manageable. First, check out Amy Mengel’s post on how she made the transition. She links to some great guides as well. Then, hop on over to Blog Well where you can get a detailed guide.

I recommend making the switch for a couple of reasons:

• It’s great practice and gives you exposure to the dreaded world of programming. I don’t understand Web coding, nor do I ever want to, but making the switch gave me some great perspective and I know it will help me down the line working with a team of programmers creating a site.
• The flexibility in widgets is so worth it. There really is a widget for everything.
• Being able to put a Web site you made entirely by yourself on your resume is impressive — no matter what stage in your career you’re at. Even better is understanding the results and statistics for that, which is why I recommend you check out Google Analytics for your site.
• Finally, it demonstrates commitment to your readers that you’re not going anywhere. This is especially important for organizations and companies, so if you’re the PR intern starting off a blog, I’d recommend going all out right off the bat.

A good friend and new MSU PRSSA Chapter President is interning for a top-notch theatre in New York and this is her project for the summer. She asked for some tips on the differences between the two forms of WordPress. I recommended to her that she go all out with .org. What do you guys think? I know she would appreciate some help.