The most widely used content management system (CMS) in the world is WordPress, powering over 43% of all websites. But have you ever wondered who actually owns WordPress and what other interesting facts surround this powerful platform?
Today, we’re going to explore the origins of WordPress, the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org, the companies and organisations involved, and many more exciting tidbits.
To begin our discussion, let’s look at how WordPress came to be.
Who Owns WordPress? Origins of the Company
WordPress was born out of a desire for a simple, yet powerful blogging platform. In 2003, two web developers, Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little, joined forces to create a user-friendly and open-source project that would go on to revolutionise the way people create and manage websites.
Co-founders Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little
Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little were inspired to create WordPress when the popular blogging platform b2/cafelog was discontinued. The duo saw an opportunity to develop a platform that would cater to the needs of the growing community of bloggers and content creators. Their goal was to create a platform that was both easy to use and highly customisable.
The WordPress Project as an Open-Source Project
From its inception, WordPress has been an open-source project, meaning that the source code is freely available and can be modified by anyone. This has allowed the platform to grow and evolve through contributions from developers around the world. The open-source nature of WordPress has fostered a strong and vibrant community of developers, designers, and users who collaborate to improve and expand the platform continually.
Understanding WordPress.com and WordPress.org
When people talk about WordPress, they often refer to two distinct platforms: WordPress.com and WordPress.org. While they share the same name and underlying technology, they offer different features and serve different purposes. Understanding the differences between the two platforms is essential for choosing the right one for your needs.
Differences Between the Two Platforms
WordPress.com is a hosted blogging service run by Automattic Inc. It provides an all-in-one solution for creating and managing a WordPress site, with everything from web hosting to domain registration taken care of for you. WordPress.com offers a range of plans, from a free plan with basic features to paid plans that include custom domains, premium themes, and advanced functionality.
On the other hand, WordPress.org is the home of the open-source WordPress software that you can download and install on your own web server. This self-hosted version of WordPress gives you complete control over your website, allowing you to install custom themes, plugins, and even modify the core code if you wish. However, this also means you’ll need to handle your own web hosting and domain registration.
Functionality and Features of Each
Both WordPress.com and WordPress.org offer a robust set of features to help you create and manage your website or blog. However, there are some key differences in functionality between the two platforms:
- WordPress.com includes web hosting, which means you don’t need to worry about finding a hosting provider. With WordPress.org, you’ll need to find a web host and install the WordPress software on your server.
- WordPress.com offers a free plan with basic features, as well as premium plans for additional functionality. WordPress.org is always free, but you’ll need to pay for web hosting and any premium themes or plugins you choose to use.
- WordPress.com provides automatic backups and updates for your site, while with WordPress.org, you’ll need to manage these tasks yourself (or use a plugin). WordPress.com has some limitations when it comes to customising your site. You can’t install custom themes or plugins on the free plan, and even with the paid plans, you may be limited in what you can do. With WordPress.org, you have complete freedom to customise your site with any theme or plugin you choose.
- With WordPress.com, you have access to a dedicated support team, while with WordPress.org, you’ll need to rely on the community for help through forums and documentation.
Ultimately, the choice between WordPress.com and WordPress.org comes down to how much control and customisation you want over your site and whether you’re willing to handle the technical aspects of web hosting and domain registration.
Automattic Inc: The Company Behind WordPress.com
While WordPress.org is the home of the open-source WordPress software, WordPress.com is run by a separate company called Automattic Inc. Founded by Matt Mullenweg, Automattic plays a crucial role in the WordPress ecosystem and has developed several popular products and services.
Matt Mullenweg as the CEO of Automattic
Matt Mullenweg, one of the co-founders of WordPress, is also the CEO of Automattic. Under his leadership, the company has grown to employ hundreds of people worldwide and has become an influential player in the web development and online publishing industries.
Acquisitions and Products Under Automattic
Over the years, Automattic has acquired and developed several products and services that complement and enhance the WordPress experience. Some of these acquisitions and products include:
- WooCommerce: A popular eCommerce plugin for WordPress that allows you to turn your website into an online store. Automattic acquired WooCommerce in 2015, further solidifying its position in the eCommerce space.
- Jetpack: A powerful plugin that offers a suite of features to improve the security, performance, and functionality of your WordPress site. Jetpack is developed by Automattic and is available for both WordPress.com and self-hosted WordPress sites.
- VIP: A premium hosting and support service for enterprise-level WordPress sites. Automattic’s WordPress VIP offers tailored solutions for large organisations, including custom development, dedicated support, and high-performance hosting.
- Tumblr: A popular microblogging platform and social media network that was acquired by Automattic in 2019. While not directly related to WordPress, the acquisition of Tumblr demonstrates Automattic’s commitment to online publishing and content creation.
Automattic’s For-Profit Business Model
Unlike the open-source WordPress.org project, Automattic is a for-profit company. The company generates revenue through its various products and services, including premium plans on WordPress.com, WooCommerce extensions, Jetpack subscriptions, and WordPress VIP services.
The WordPress Foundation: A Non-Profit Organization
While Automattic runs the for-profit side of WordPress, the open-source WordPress software is overseen by a separate non-profit organisation called the WordPress Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to ensure the long-term stability and growth of the WordPress project by promoting the open-source ethos and supporting the WordPress community.
The Role of the WordPress Foundation in the Open-Source WordPress Software
The WordPress Foundation plays a crucial role in maintaining the open-source nature of the WordPress software. It ensures that the WordPress project remains free and accessible to all, fostering innovation and collaboration among developers and users. The Foundation also organises and supports WordPress events, such as WordCamps and contributor days, which bring the community together to learn, share, and contribute to the project.
The GPL (General Public License) and its Implications
The WordPress software is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which guarantees users the freedom to run, study, share, and modify the software. This means that any derivative works, such as plugins and themes, must also be released under the same license. The GPL ensures that WordPress remains free and open-source, encouraging collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and resources within the community.
Support for the WordPress Community through Forums, Tutorials, and Events
The WordPress Foundation is dedicated to supporting the global WordPress community.
It does this through various means, such as:
- Forums: The WordPress.org support forums are a valuable resource where users can ask questions, share solutions, and learn from one another.
- Tutorials: The Foundation maintains an extensive library of documentation to help users learn how to use and develop for WordPress.
- Events: The Foundation organises and supports a range of events, including WordCamps, meetups, and contributor days, to bring the community together and foster collaboration.
Building a WordPress Website: The Basics
If you’re new to WordPress, you might be wondering how to get started with building your own WordPress website. Here’s a brief overview of the key components you’ll need to consider:
Web Hosting and Domain Name Options
To create a WordPress website, you’ll first need to choose between using WordPress.com or self-hosted WordPress from WordPress.org. As discussed earlier, WordPress.com takes care of web hosting and domain registration for you, while with a self-hosted WordPress site, you’ll need to find a hosting provider and register a domain name.
Self-Hosted WordPress
With a self-hosted WordPress site, you’ll have complete control over your website, but you’ll need to handle the technical aspects of web hosting and domain registration. There are many web hosting providers to choose from, such as Bluehost, which offers easy WordPress installation and is recommended by WordPress.org.
Hosting Service Providers such as Bluehost
When choosing a hosting provider, look for one that offers reliable service, fast performance, and strong security features. You’ll also want a provider that offers easy WordPress installation and knowledgeable support for any issues you may encounter.
WordPress Themes and Plugins
Once you have your web hosting and domain name sorted, the next step is to choose a theme and install any necessary plugins to customise your site’s appearance and functionality.
Free and Premium Themes
There are thousands of free and premium themes available for WordPress, allowing you to find the perfect design for your website. Free themes can be a great starting point, but premium themes often come with additional features, support, and customisation options.
WordPress Plugins for Added Functionality
Plugins are small pieces of software that you can install on your WordPress site to add new features and functionality. There are over 58,000 free plugins available in the WordPress.org plugin directory, as well as countless premium plugins that can help you enhance your site’s capabilities.
Some popular plugins include Yoast SEO for search engine optimisation, Contact Form 7 for creating contact forms, and Akismet for spam protection.
WordPress.com Pricing
Understanding the costs associated with building and maintaining a WordPress website can help you plan your budget and make informed decisions about which features and services to invest in.
WordPress.com offers a variety of plans to suit different needs and budgets:
- Free Plan: Allows you to create a basic WordPress.com site with a limited selection of themes and features, and a WordPress.com subdomain (e.g., yoursite.wordpress.com).
- Personal Plan: Priced at $4 per month, billed annually, the Personal plan includes a custom domain name, email support, and access to a broader selection of themes.
- Premium Plan: For $8 per month, billed annually, you get advanced design customisation options, the ability to monetise your site with ads, and access to premium themes.
- Business Plan: At $25 per month, billed annually, the Business plan offers unlimited premium themes, advanced SEO tools, and the ability to install plugins and upload custom themes.
- eCommerce Plan: For $45 per month, billed annually, this plan is designed for online stores, with WooCommerce integration, payment processing, and advanced eCommerce features.
Self-Hosted WordPress Costs
With a self-hosted WordPress site, the core WordPress software is free, but you’ll need to budget for the following expenses:
- Web Hosting: Hosting costs can range from a few dollars per month for shared hosting to hundreds of dollars per month for dedicated servers, depending on your needs and the hosting provider you choose.
- Domain Name: A domain name typically costs around $10 to $15 per year, although premium domain names can be significantly more expensive.
- Premium Themes: Premium themes can range from around $30 to $200 or more, depending on the theme and its features.
- Premium Plugins: While there are many free plugins available, premium plugins can cost anywhere from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, depending on the plugin and its functionality.
The WordPress Ecosystem and Community
One of the reasons WordPress has become the world’s most popular CMS is its vibrant ecosystem and community. From developers and designers to bloggers and business owners, the WordPress community is a diverse and supportive network of people who share a passion for the platform.
The Role of WordPress Developers and Designers
WordPress developers and designers play a vital role in the ecosystem by creating themes, plugins, and custom solutions that help users build and customise their websites. These professionals often contribute to the open-source project, as well as offering their services to clients looking for custom website solutions.
Bloggers and Businesses Using WordPress
Bloggers and businesses of all sizes use WordPress to create and manage their websites. From personal blogs to large corporate sites, WordPress provides a flexible and powerful platform that can grow and evolve with your needs.
Support and Learning Resources
The WordPress community offers a wealth of resources to help you learn and grow as a WordPress user. From forums and tutorials to blogs and online courses, there are countless ways to expand your knowledge and improve your skills.
Who Owns WordPress? We All Do!
WordPress is an incredibly versatile platform that has grown from a simple blogging tool to the world’s most popular content management system. Understanding the different components and players within the WordPress ecosystem, as well as the various costs and features associated with building a WordPress website, can help you make informed decisions and get the most out of this powerful platform.
Whether you’re a blogger, business owner, developer, or designer, the WordPress community offers endless opportunities for learning, growth, and collaboration.
And when it comes to thinking about who owns WordPress, the truth of the matter is every user does in some small way. Every developer who’s contributed a bug fix, every designer who’s created a theme, and every blogger who’s shared their story — they all own a piece of the WordPress pie.
This is what makes WordPress the amazing platform it is today. By working together, we can all help to create a powerful and vibrant community that will continue to innovate and improve the WordPress platform for years to come. So let’s get started! What can you do today to make WordPress just a bit better?