I've worked myself into a mess here. I started Wordpress.com for my domain and hosting. Then I hired a gentleman on Fiverr to build my website. He built it under Wordpress.org 6.6.1 So now I go through the Wordpress.org dashboard to edit and view the pages. But I cannot find a button to click to make the website go live. Its currently showing the "coming soon" page.
Do I need to publish this through the Wordpress.com dashboard or is it in the Wordpress.org dashboard?
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You seem confused with wordpress.com and wordpress.org. The later is a script installed on your hosting server to have functionality of the first.
Ask the freelancer you hired to clear your questions and guide you. He is the right person to make you understand.
If you have content at wp.com, you can move that content to your domain with wp script installed on it.
Many WordPress users find themselves in a confusing situation when transitioning between platforms, particularly when dealing with the distinction between WordPress.com and self-hosted WordPress.org installations. The scenario where a website displays a "coming soon" page while the owner seeks the publish button is more common than one might expect. This confusion often stems from the fundamental differences between hosted and self-hosted solutions, where each platform has its own set of controls and publishing mechanisms. Understanding these platform differences is crucial for proper website management and avoiding similar platform migration challenges that some face when moving from other website builders.
Understanding Your WordPress Setup
The core issue typically involves recognizing whether you're working with a WordPress.com hosted site or a self-hosted WordPress.org installation. WordPress.com handles hosting and publishing automatically, while WordPress.org installations require manual publishing controls through your hosting dashboard. Many website owners discover these differences only after encountering publishing obstacles, similar to how some businesses realize they need to implement specific payment solutions like adding payment buttons to their WordPress site only after setting up their e-commerce functionality.
When a developer builds a site using WordPress.org, they often enable maintenance mode or coming soon pages during development. This prevents public access while work is in progress. The publishing control isn't typically found in the WordPress dashboard itself but rather through your hosting provider's control panel or specific plugins. This situation highlights why some website owners prefer to maintain WordPress private site settings during development phases before going fully public with their content.
The domain configuration also plays a significant role in website accessibility. Many users don't realize that their domain's DNS settings and whether they're using www or non-www versions can affect how their site appears to visitors. Understanding the implications of www versus apex domain configurations becomes essential when troubleshooting why a site might not be appearing as expected after publishing.
How to Make Your WordPress Site Public
To resolve the "coming soon" page issue, first access your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Settings > Reading. Ensure that "Search engine visibility" is unchecked, which allows search engines to index your site. Next, check if any "coming soon" or maintenance mode plugins are active - these often override your site's public status. Deactivate these plugins or adjust their settings to disable the coming soon page.
If the coming soon page persists, contact your hosting provider as some include built-in coming soon features in their control panels. Additionally, clear your cache through any caching plugins and your browser to ensure you're viewing the most recent version of your site. Once these steps are completed, your site should be publicly accessible to all visitors.
What's the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org?
WordPress.com is a hosted platform where Automattic manages all technical aspects including hosting, security, and updates. This platform offers limited customization unless you upgrade to premium plans. Users don't need to worry about server management or technical maintenance, making it ideal for beginners who want a simple blogging experience without technical responsibilities.
WordPress.org provides the open-source software that you install on your own web hosting account. This offers complete control over your website, including the ability to install any themes and plugins, modify code, and implement custom functionality. The self-hosted approach requires you to handle WordPress monthly maintenance tasks including updates, backups, and security measures independently.
How do I transfer my content from WordPress.com to my self-hosted site?
WordPress provides an official export tool on WordPress.com that generates an XML file containing your posts, pages, comments, and media library references. This export process maintains your content structure and publication dates. After exporting, use the WordPress importer tool on your self-hosted installation to bring this content across, though you may need to manually re-upload some media files depending on your hosting configuration.
The import process typically requires some post-migration adjustments, including setting up redirects to maintain SEO value and checking that all content displays correctly. Many website owners find that professional assistance ensures a smooth transition, similar to how some businesses seek help with transferring sites from other platforms to WordPress to maintain their online presence and search engine rankings throughout the migration process.
What maintenance does a self-hosted WordPress site require?
Regular maintenance for self-hosted WordPress includes updating the core software, themes, and plugins to their latest versions. These updates often contain security patches and new features. Additionally, performing regular backups ensures you can restore your site if anything goes wrong. Monitoring site performance and addressing any speed issues also falls under routine maintenance responsibilities.
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| WordPress Core Updates | As released | Critical |
| Plugin Updates | Weekly/Monthly | High |
| Theme Updates | As released | Medium-High |
| Full Backups | Weekly | Critical |
| Security Scanning | Daily | High |
How can I add interactive features to my WordPress site?
WordPress supports countless interactive features through plugins and custom development. For engagement tools, consider implementing push notifications in WordPress to keep visitors informed about new content or promotions. These features help maintain audience engagement and can significantly boost return visitor rates when implemented properly alongside other interactive elements.
When adding new features, always consider performance implications and test thoroughly before making them live. Proper implementation ensures these additions enhance user experience rather than creating technical issues. Monitoring how new features affect your site's loading times and overall functionality helps maintain optimal performance while expanding your site's capabilities.
What legal requirements should I consider for my website?
Website owners must address several legal considerations including privacy policies, terms of service, and copyright notices. The copyright information typically appears in the footer and should accurately reflect the copyright year meaning on websites to properly indicate content ownership and protection status. These elements help protect both the site owner and visitors while establishing clear usage guidelines.
Additional legal requirements may include GDPR compliance for European visitors, accessibility standards, and proper disclosure of affiliate relationships. Consulting with legal professionals ensures your site meets all applicable regulations based on your location, target audience, and business model. Regular reviews of these elements help maintain compliance as laws and your website content evolve.
Professional WordPress Services at WPutopia
WPutopia offers comprehensive WordPress services designed to handle all aspects of website management and development. Our team specializes in WordPress maintenance, theme upgrades, plugin installation, and custom functionality implementation. We understand the challenges website owners face when managing technical aspects while trying to focus on their core business objectives.
Our maintenance services include regular updates, security monitoring, performance optimization, and backup management. We ensure your WordPress site remains secure, fast, and fully functional while you concentrate on creating content and growing your audience. Professional maintenance prevents common issues that can disrupt your online presence and affect user experience.
Whether you need assistance with initial setup, ongoing management, or specific feature implementations, WPutopia provides reliable WordPress solutions tailored to your requirements. Our experience with diverse WordPress projects enables us to address both common and complex website challenges efficiently. Contact us to discuss how we can help optimize and maintain your WordPress website for long-term success.
