I often tell clients to log in to WordPress. I always mean to log in to their own website, which is created with WordPress software installed on their hosting service. However, the word “WordPress” could mean three different things; it can be confusing.
So here’s what the word “WordPress” could mean.
WordPress the Software
WordPress is open-source software that can be loaded on any website service that supports it. The software is used to manage and publish websites. Lots of extra features can be added with plugins, some free, some at a price, some associated with third-party services.
The software is free and what can be achieved with it is pretty amazing. Users at every level can find ways to customize it themselves:
- ready-to-use plugins — lots are available with helpful and critical functions
- full-site editing, default since 2022
- basic custom coding to tweak design and functions
- major bespoke plugins for comprehensive custom design and functions
The core software is maintained by the WordPress Foundation, a non-profit. Customization is done with easy-to-install plugins and/or custom design and development.
Website Login for Admin Dashboard
WordPress software login is usually at a site’s domain. You’ll get that when you install WordPress or when somebody installs it for you. Some hosting services direct site owners to the hosting service account which takes them to their sites’ WordPress login.
WordPress the .org, the Site for the Software
The .ORG website is where the WordPress Foundation makes the software available. You can also find lots of plugins, themes, documentation, and a very big community of contributors, users, and developers.
If you use WordPress the software, I suggest you visit WordPress.org for documentation, training, and information about updates. Sign up for a free account to ask questions in the support forums, rate plugins, and more.
WordPress the .com, the For-Profit Site Owned by an originator of the Software
The .COM website offers WordPress development and hosting services for profit, just like Pacesetter Media and thousands, maybe millions, of other for-profit companies. It is run by Automattic, Inc., which is run by Matt Mullenweg, one of the creators of the software in 2003. This is NOT the same as the .ORG site.
Conclusion: “Log in to WordPress” Usually Means Your Website Software
When you hear it from Pacesetter Media and many others, “Log in to WordPress” means to log in to your site’s software. There you can edit content, change the design, and functions. You can even break things, but we don’t recommend that.
