If you’re thinking about building a website for the first time, you’re likely to run into a question: do you need web hosting or a website builder?

The quick answer: you don’t necessarily have to choose one or the other. Web hosting companies host your site’s files so they are accessible online, while website builders are software services for creating websites. For most new users, the best solution is to choose a hosting company and a website builder.

In this post, we’ll dive into what the terms website hosting and website builder mean in more detail, explain how they work together, and help you choose the best services and options for you based on your skills, budget, and long-term goals.

What is web hosting?

Web hosting is a service that stores your website’s files, such as code, images, and content, on a server. When someone types in your domain name, this server sends the files to their browser, allowing them to view your site.

How web hosting works

Think of web hosting like renting an empty apartment. This server is your space, and you can use it to store your site’s files, images, text, design elements, and more.

You also get full control over how you build your site. You can install a free tool like WordPress or write code using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create your website. You’re not locked into a single system.

Tip: Different hosting providers offer different types of hosting plans — shared, VPS, cloud, and dedicated. Learn more about each option and explore which one suits your site’s size, budget, and technical needs.

What is a website builder?

A website builder is an all-in-one platform for building, customizing, and hosting a website. You get a drag-and-drop editor, pre-designed themes, technical support, and built-in hosting in a single subscription.

How does a website builder work?

A website builder offers a more user-friendly interface for creating a website. 

Log in to your platform of choice and pick a theme for your site. Then, use the visual editor to design each page with text, images, buttons, custom code, and other features. 

Note: A website builder isn’t the same as a content management system (CMS). A CMS gives you a flexible backend to manage your website’s content, themes, and plugins, but you’re responsible for setup, hosting, updates, and security. In contrast, a website builder manages everything automatically. In short, a CMS offers more control and customization, while a website builder offers more convenience and ease of use.

Common website builders to explore

Here are three platforms to see how a website builder works:

• WordPress.com: Offers managed WordPress hosting and a website builder functionality, all under one roof.
• Squarespace: Design your website with clean templates using built-in tools for blogging, ecommerce, and scheduling.
• Wix: This website builder offers many templates and AI tools to build your site quickly. It’s suitable for small businesses, freelancers, and personal brands for designing websites without coding.

Now that we’ve discussed the basics of website hosting and builders, let’s discuss how they’re similar and where they differ. 

Similarities between website hosting and builders

At first glance, web hosting and website builders seem totally different, but they share a lot of common ground. Before we discuss what sets them apart, let’s look at what both options help you do behind the scenes.

Store and manage all your website files

Your website is made up of many files like text, images, code, a database, and more. All this content has to be stored somewhere.

Website hosting stores these files on a server and gives you direct control over managing them. You can access folders, upload assets, and organize everything the way you want.

Website builders, on the other hand, store these files on their own server. You can’t access or organize them directly, but they’re stored safely and displayed to visitors when they land on your site.

Handle secure domain connections

Your domain name (like example.com) should be linked to the server where your website’s files are stored. You can do this through DNS settings. 

With traditional hosting, you can connect your domain manually by updating DNS records through the registrar. Website builders simplify the process. They often guide you step-by-step or handle it automatically if you purchase the domain through them.

Either way, hosting services and builders ensure your website shows up when someone visits your domain.

Keep your site secure 

Uptime, backups, and updates are critical to your website’s maintenance and security.

Whether you’re using a hosting provider or a website builder, the platform you choose is responsible for keeping your website running smoothly and securely.

Most hosting services offer tools like SSL certificates, regular backups, malware scanning, DDoS protection, and server firewalls. Website builders also offer similar protections, but you don’t need to configure anything manually. 

Web hosting vs. website builder: how are they different

Both of these approaches have a similar end goal — getting your website online, but the way they work is quite different. 

Let’s break down where web hosting and website builders go their separate ways, and what those differences mean for you.

Level of control

Quick answer: Web hosting lets you modify anything, like plugins, code, and more. Website builders limit changes and customizations to what the platform offers.

Web hosting gives you complete control over how your website works behind the scenes. 

You can choose a hosting software like WordPress, set up your website, add plugins or themes, and customize your code. This setup works well for developers and teams looking to build custom features on their sites. 

With web hosting, you can decide on different aspects like speed, security, and how much server power your site gets.

On the other hand, website builders give you a closed environment. 

You can change the design and use the add-ons available on the platform, however, it limits the extent to which you can tweak your site. Basically, you can’t customize the underlying code of your site. 

With this approach, it’s much easier to design a website. However, if you need a feature that the platform doesn’t offer, you can’t add it yourself.

Ease of use

Quick answer: Web hosting can require multiple steps to complete the setup. Website builders provide a quick workflow to get started.

With a hosting service, you need to manage multiple systems manually. You have to:

• Set up your hosting account.
• Install a CMS like WordPress. 
• Back up your site manually. 
• Manage files through FTP. 

This approach requires more technical involvement at every step. It’s more suited for developers who can manage these tasks independently, but it can be frustrating for those who don’t have the necessary technical expertise.

That’s where website builders offer convenience to anyone who doesn’t know the technical side of web development. 

A website builder gives you everything in one place: 

• Themes and templates. 
• Design tools. 
• Security. 
• Hosting. 

It requires a shorter learning curve, and you don’t need to write code.

Speed to launch

Quick answer: It can take more time to launch a website if your web hosting doesn’t include a website builder or CMS. Choosing a hosting option with an included website builder make it easier to design and publish websites.

Launching your site takes many steps when you use a hosting service.

You have to pick a hosting platform, buy a domain, install software, and customize your site. It can take a few days to finish your design, especially if you’re figuring everything out as you go forward. 

In contrast, website builders are made for fast results.

Most builders offer a user-friendly interface and guide you through the process of designing a site. Pick a template, add your copy and images, and publish when you’re ready. For one-pager sites, you can even go live the same day. 

Cost structure

Quick answer: Web hosting alone can look cheap up front, but you pay extra as your website grows. Website builders roll everything into one bill: higher entry price, simpler bookkeeping.

Using a hosting service means you pay separately for different elements — themes, plugins, extra storage, and more. While basic hosting plans seem cheap at first, the total cost can add up once you factor in upgrades or outside help.

Website builders charge a bundled price inclusive of hosting, design tools, support, and security. Choose from tiered plans based on your requirements.

While builders look pricier upfront, they simplify your billing process. Plus, the cost of hosting plans can add up when you factor in upgrades in the long term. 

can be tough because you might have to rebuild your site from scratch.

Make the right choice 

Choosing web hosting is ideal when you:

• Need complete control over your site’s code, plugins, and server settings to work with a custom tech stack.
• Want to create a one-of-a-kind design or special features that off-the-shelf templates can’t deliver.
• Expect to see significant traffic spikes or reach international audiences, and need the flexibility to adjust your site’s bandwidth.
• Have in-house technical expertise to manage updates and troubleshoot issues.

Website builders are ideal when you:

• Want to go live with your site quickly with a minimal setup (for side hustles, portfolios, or small businesses).
• Prefer a simplified billing process with fewer moving parts and everything like hosting, analytics, and CMS in one package.
• Have limited technical knowledge and no time to learn web development and maintenance tasks, 

WordPress.com offers the best of both worlds 

With WordPress.com, you don’t have to worry about choosing one or the other option.

WordPress.com uses the same powerful WordPress engine that powers 40% of all websites globally. This means you get the familiarity, flexibility, and plugin support of open-source WordPress, without too much manual effort.

Here’s what you can do with WordPress.com:

Easy design with block editor and themes

Use the block editor to design pages by simply dragging and dropping elements. Create custom block styles to build visual consistency across your site.

Plus, you can access hundreds of professionally designed themes for multiple industries and use cases. These themes automatically adapt to different screen sizes and don’t require any coding.

Thousands of plugins for added features

Pick tools from the WordPress plugin marketplace to improve your site and expand its functionality. You can add plugins to:

• Improve SEO.
• Create forms.
• Connect to CRM.
• Build a multilingual site.

Fully managed hosting and security

Unlike the self-hosting approach, you don’t need to worry about setting up servers, installing SSL certificates, or handling updates.

WordPress.com takes care of all the maintenance tasks, like site security, uptime monitoring, automatic backups, and performance optimization. You can focus entirely on your website design and business growth.

All WordPress.com websites also come with built-in security features like SSL certificates, domain privacy, spam protection, malware detection, DDoS protection and mitigation, and more.

24/7 support and safe testing tools

WordPress.com offers real human support around the clock on every paid plan. Or get free advice from experts in the active user community.

Plus, you can experiment within your site in staging environments to test changes privately before going live. 

Built to grow with your website

Whether you’re building a small website or have big dreams for the future, WordPress.com grows with your goals. 

You don’t need to switch platforms even if you want to switch your approach from no-code to code. The platform has everything you need to customize and enhance your site. 

Pick the best path forward

Rather than pitting website hosting against website builders, now you know you can have both together (and WordPress.com delivers both with one platform). You get a builder’s ease and a hosting provider’s flexibility without the hassle of migrating your site to a different platform.

Ready to get started? Build and host your site WordPress.com today. 

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As of July 2025, the WordPress Security Team will no longer provide security updates for WordPress versions 4.1 through 4.6.

These versions were first released nine or more years ago and over 99% of WordPress installations run a more recent version. The chances this will affect your site, or sites, is very small.

If you are unsure if you are running an up-to-date version of WordPress, please log in to your site’s dashboard. Out of date versions will display a notice that looks like this:

The version you are running is displayed in the bottom of the “At a Glance” section of the dashboard.

As a reminder, the only actively supported version of WordPress is the most recent one. Security updates are only backported to older branches as a courtesy.

The Make WordPress Security blog has further details about the process to end support.

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WordPress.com’s parent company, Automattic, has partnered with Out in Tech, the world’s largest community of LGBTQ+ tech leaders and professionals, since 2017. We’re proud to have helped build over 250 websites for nonprofit organizations that support and advocate for LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. 

Just in time for Pride Month 2025, a small group of Automatticians, including me, participated in the Out in Tech Digital Corps Hackathon, held in our office in New York City a few weeks ago. 

During a Digital Corps Hackathon, groups with 8-10 volunteers spend the day building a full, multilingual website for the nonprofit to which they’re assigned. My group was assigned a youth advocacy group in West Africa.

A few days before the event, we were added to a shared Google Drive and a dedicated Slack channel, giving us a clear picture of what would be needed before we even arrived. We even connected with the organization’s executive director over video early on the day of the Hackathon.

My group consisted of UX designers, illustrators, marketers, digital strategists, copywriters, and expert site builders. Honestly, I felt like I was back in college working feverishly on a class assignment, and I loved every minute of it. The camaraderie, intense collaboration, and our shared sense of mission all contributed to a joyful experience, complete with inside jokes and new friendships.

At the end of the day, each group presented their finished website during the closing showcase, and then we celebrated with snacks and lively conversations. By the time I’d left later that evening, I’d already made a mental note to volunteer for the next Hackathon in September. It’s incredibly meaningful to use our skills to amplify the missions of LGBTQ+ organizations worldwide.

Interested in volunteering or learning more about Out in Tech? Head to their website to find out how you can get involved and attend an event near you. 

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Over 1,723 attendees from 84 countries gathered at the Messe and Congress Center Basel in Switzerland, and 20,353 more joined online for WordCamp Europe 2025.

The flagship WordPress event kicked off in Basel, Switzerland, with a dedicated Contributor Day. It was followed by two days of engaging talks, panels, hands-on workshops, and vibrant community connections. WordPress Cofounder Matt Mullenweg and Executive Director Mary Hubbard joined a diverse lineup of speakers and panelists, sharing insights in the heart of one of Europe’s most charming cities.

Set against the backdrop of Basel’s historic streets and Rhine-side views, the sponsor hall buzzed with activity as companies from across the WordPress ecosystem showcased their latest innovations, offered live demos, and connected with attendees. Each day, participants refueled with a range of local and international cuisine — from Swiss specialties to global favorites — making mealtime a lively space for networking, collaboration, and sparking new ideas.

A Global Gathering in Basel

WordCamp Europe has long been one of the most anticipated WordPress events of the year — a space where community, creativity, and collaboration thrive. This year in Basel, the conference delivered an exciting and diverse program that reached every corner of the WordPress ecosystem.

Here’s what attendees experienced:

• Engaging Sessions Across Tracks – Across two full days, the conference featured informative talks, captivating keynotes, and dynamic discussions exploring WordPress and the broader web.
• A Global Speaker Lineup – The stage welcomed 52 speakers from 23 countries across five continents, each bringing unique insights and global perspectives.
• Wide-Ranging Topics – The schedule included 45 sessions and four hands-on workshops across three tracks, covering:
  • Accessibility and key policy updates like the European Accessibility Act and the Cyber Resilience Act
  • The evolving role of Artificial Intelligence in the open web
  • Cutting-edge web design, development best practices, SEO, and content strategy
  • Real-world case studies and showcases from across the community
• Hands-On Learning Opportunities – Interactive workshops allowed attendees to roll up their sleeves and develop practical skills in a collaborative setting.
• A Community Built on Collaboration – Whether developer, designer, content creator, or entrepreneur, every attendee found space to connect, learn, and grow within a vibrant and welcoming community.

Contributor Day

WordCamp Europe began with a vibrant Contributor Day that brought together 640 contributors—including many first-timers—to collaborate, share knowledge, and support the WordPress project. Guided by 33 dedicated table leads, with 21 teams, attendees of all experience levels came together to exchange ideas, solve real challenges, and make meaningful contributions to open source. From accessibility improvements to theme development and translation efforts, every table played a part in moving WordPress forward.

Contributor Day at WordCamp Europe 2025 brought together a mix of first-time and returning contributors across a wide range of teams, from Core and Accessibility to Polyglots, Training, and Community. Attendees tackled everything from onboarding and ticket triage to translating strings, improving documentation, and enhancing tools and workflows. Development-focused teams explored performance and testing improvements and worked through live coding exercises. Meanwhile, accessibility testers, support volunteers, and photo moderators contributed to efforts that directly impact users around the world.

In parallel, teams like Marketing, Meta, Hosting, and Sustainability focused on future-facing initiatives—from promoting WordPress through the Showcase and social media campaigns to refining infrastructure, increasing accessibility, and preparing for long-term project growth. Whether contributing to plugins, themes, documentation, or new contributor experiences, participants reinforced the values that power the WordPress project: collaboration, inclusivity, and openness. The day served as a reminder that WordPress is not just software—it’s a community built by and for everyone.

Tomorrow Starts with WordPress

The first full day of WordCamp Europe 2025 brought the community together to celebrate the power of open source collaboration and innovation. Opening remarks from both global and local event leads reflected on the journey of WordCamp Europe—from its beginnings in 2013 in Leiden, Netherlands, to the vibrant event in Basel today. This full-circle moment underscored the growth of the WordPress community, united by a shared commitment to an open web.

The day launched into an inspiring program with the keynote session, WordPress Without Borders – The Fight for Digital Freedom, delivered by Noel Tock. Drawing from his experiences—including time on the frontlines in Ukraine—Tock illustrated how open source supports global resilience and serves as a digital human right. His message called on contributors to see their work as part of something greater, offering a compelling and forward-looking vision to energize and unify the WordPress community.

From there, the program unfolded across multiple tracks—each one sparking new conversations and insights. One standout session highlighted social entrepreneurship in Bulgaria, where WordPress is helping grassroots organizations drive change in education, journalism, and social justice. Petya Raykovska shared how nonprofits like Teenovator and the Bulgarian Fund for Women are using WordPress to amplify their work and strengthen their communities.

Designers and developers explored ways to improve workflows and collaboration. In Bridging Design and Development, attendees learned how Figma Design Systems can connect design and development through shared structures mapped to block themes. Real-world examples, like the Novus Media Newspaper Design System, demonstrated how scalable, consistent design can power multi-brand platforms.

Workshops played a key role throughout the day, including the interactive Block Developer Cookbook: WCEU 2025 Edition, where attendees worked through community-voted code recipes featuring the latest WordPress APIs. Sessions also dove into emerging technologies, such as Automating WordPress Setup with Modern AI Tools, which showcased how WP-CLI, scripting, and AI can accelerate project setup and reduce repetitive tasks.

Day Two of WordCamp Europe 2025 opened with a focus on the evolving role of the WordPress community in a rapidly changing digital world. Sessions explored how contributors—from local meetup organizers to global advocates—play a vital part in shaping WordPress’s future. Talks on inclusivity, such as Over the Rainbow, encouraged attendees to consider how individual actions can help build a more welcoming, representative open source ecosystem. Throughout the morning, the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose remained front and center.

As the day progressed, attention turned to the tools and technologies pushing WordPress forward. From sessions on scaling multilingual sites and managing observability to hands-on workshops, developers explored new ways to streamline workflows and enhance performance. Highlights included WordPress Gems for Devs, which introduced the Interactivity API through live coding, and Client-side Web AI Agents, a look at cutting-edge browser-based AI that unlocks new possibilities for web experiences. These talks reflected the platform’s growing capacity to adapt to emerging trends while staying true to its open foundations.

The afternoon brought a blend of practical guidance and inspiring stories across tracks. A case study on accessibility from Switzerland showed how thoughtful design can benefit all users, while a session on brand-building for women entrepreneurs highlighted the creative and economic opportunities WordPress enables. With topics spanning content strategy, business growth, regulatory readiness, and more, the second day of WCEU 2025 affirmed the strength of the WordPress ecosystem—not only as a technology platform, but as a global movement fueled by people, purpose, and possibility.

Fireside Chat

As the final day drew to a close, Matt and Mary shared some thoughts on EU regulation (Open Web Alliance), AI, and the introduction of the WordPress AI team, and then answered questions from the audience.

Closing

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated organizers who brought WordCamp Europe 2025 to life in Basel, the speakers who shared their insights, the attendees who joined us in person, and those who followed along from afar. We hope you leave with fresh ideas, meaningful connections, and renewed energy to help shape the future of the open web.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the final major WordPress events in 2025: WordCamp US (Portland, Oregon, USA). Then join us in Kraków, Poland for WordCamp Europe 2026! Also, if you want to get involved with WCEU, the call for organisers is already open for 2026.

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You did the work, earned the tassel, and crossed the stage. Now what?

Whether you’re job-hunting, applying to grad school, or figuring out next steps, now’s the time to build something that sets you apart: a personal website. It’s your digital home base for showcasing your skills, experience, and what makes you you.

Show potential employers, collaborators, or admissions teams what you bring to the table with a site that grows with you. We’re giving graduates 25% off a new website for a limited time.

The smartest move you haven’t made yet

Chances are, your future employer or admissions officer will Google you. Do you know what they’ll find?

Whether you’re a job seeker, grad school applicant, freelancer, or creator, a personal website allows you to proactively manage and curate your online presence. It serves as a centralized platform to present a professional image to potential employers or academic institutions, and tailor how you present your skills and experience for each opportunity.

Your future, your website, your rules

Whatever you’re working on next, WordPress.com helps you share it with the world.

From portfolios to blogs to passion projects, here are just a few ways grads are putting WordPress.com to work:

• Build a digital resume: Create a standout online resume that goes beyond a PDF. Share your story, showcase your work, and prove why you’re the right choice.
• Showcase class projects and portfolios: Bring your best work together in one place. Whether you’re designing, writing, coding, or researching, your portfolio deserves more than a shared Google Drive link.
• Start a blog or newsletter: Turn your interests into opportunities. Whether you’re into travel, tech, or hot takes, a blog or newsletter helps you build credibility, showcase your expertise, and grow a following that sets you apart.
• Promote your research or passion projects: Working on a passion project or your next big idea? Your site can help you share it, fund it, and grow your audience. Add donation buttons, sell digital content, and build momentum with every visitor.
• Teach what you know: Use tools like Sensei LMS to create and sell online courses, whether you’re helping underclassmen get ahead or teaching your niche to a wider audience.
• Document your school experience: From first-year memories to final exams, preserve your college story in your own words and photos. Your friends can follow along and leave comments, too.

A little graduation gift from us

Every grad deserves a personal site, so we have a graduation gift just for you.

New graduates (K-12, college, and graduate) can snag 25% off an annual Personal, Premium, or Business WordPress.com plan today through June 16. 

Plus, with the purchase of your discounted annual hosting plan, your first year of a custom domain is on us. This means you can build your brand-new site with a domain (like yourgroovydomain.com) that reflects your personal brand, perfect for resumes, portfolios, and more.

This offer’s only here for a limited time, so don’t wait around. You’ve already done the hard part (hello, diploma), and now’s your chance to launch your site and show the world what’s next. Future you will thank you.

Make a site that says, “this is me”

Never built a website before? No problem. 

When you build a website on WordPress.com, hosting, performance, and security are all handled for you, so you can focus on presenting yourself in a true-to-you way.

Not only that, all WordPress.com sites are built with the most popular website builder in the world (WordPress), and the drag-and-drop editor, stylish themes, and custom domains help you build a site that aligns with your ambitions.

And if you want even more guidance to help you build a site you’re genuinely proud of, our new Create your website on WordPress.com course was made for you. 

This free course walks you through every step of the website-building process. You’ll learn how to:

• Find and activate a theme.
• Build a homepage and add content using blocks and patterns.
• Create additional pages for your site.
• Customize your header and footer.
• Style your site for a cohesive look and feel.
• Edit templates for structural changes.
• Launch your site for the world to see.

If time is of the essence, you can also use our new AI website builder to help you get your site up and running in just minutes.

Your future is calling, answer with a website

Take control of your future and own your online presence with a personal website. Show what you’ve done and be ready for whatever comes next: job interviews, applications, or unexpected opportunities.

With WordPress.com, we take care of hosting, performance, and security for your site, so you can tell your story the way you want it to be told.

Fine print: Graduating students with valid institutional email addresses (K-12, college, and graduate) qualify for this promotion. The discount ends June 16, 2025, and is valid for 25% off one full year of a Personal, Premium, or Business WordPress.com hosting plan. Only for annual plans and new purchases.

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Did you know that the first Asians to enter what we now know as the United States were Filipino sailors on Spanish galleon ships who arrived in central California in 1587? 

As a proud Filipino-American who only arrived here as part of the wave of Asian immigration to the U.S. in the ‘70s and ‘80s, I’m thrilled to showcase some of my favorite Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) creators and bloggers who have made WordPress.com their home. 

Food, glorious food

Millions of us make up the global Asian diaspora in nearly every country in the world, hailing from one or more of the 48 Asian countries. We may come from unique cultures, but there’s one thing that binds us all together: our deep and abiding love of food. 

Check out these mouth-watering food blogs, complete with step-by-step recipes and, of course, plenty of colorful photos to inspire you to break out your favorite wok or kawali. 

My Bay Kitchen

Although this blog hasn’t been updated in a while, with literally hundreds of recipes in the archive, you’ll never run out of dishes to try. Inspired by his years learning traditional cooking techniques from his mother, the author, a San Francisco-based Filipino-American, weaves personal stories into each meticulously developed recipe. 

Jama’s Alphabet Soup

An eclectic mix of book reviews, poetry, recipes, and personal essays, this site is a whimsical journey through the writer’s culinary and reading adventures. 

Pop culture

These sites dive into the vibrant, ever-evolving world of AAPI pop culture, amplifying voices, dissecting trends, and celebrating representation.

Nerds of Color

The dazzling mosaic of pop culture-infused images in the header of this site lifts my mood every time I visit. Although it’s not specifically positioned as an Asian-American pop culture site, a quick perusal of its posts makes clear its creative roots in our community. 

Generasian

Yes, this blog is written by and for students at New York University, but it’s really for anyone who shares their passion for AAPI representation in pop culture, especially among Gen Alpha. 

Add to your TBR

I think just about every other site publishes “to be read” listicles of AAPI authors and books in May. Let’s give it up to those creators and bloggers who focus their reviews on our community’s literary output year-round. 

READING (AS)(I)AN (AM)ERICA

Thirty-something Taiwanese-American blogger Shenwei shines a spotlight on YA, adult fiction, and middle-grade books through an “Asian-Americanist lens.” She doesn’t just provide quick summaries; she also includes author interviews and curated playlists for select books. 

Little Corner Reads

There is a specific subgroup of book lovers who love books about books. And bookstores. I’m a card-carrying member of this special subgroup, and when I saw this particular post show up on my Reader feed, I knew I’d found a kindred spirit. She’s a voracious reader, and I love her joyful and authentic voice. 

Stories that stay with you

When identity spans countries, cultures, and histories, stories like these delve deeply into questions of culture, family, and what it means to find one’s place in the world.

Red Thread Broken

This blog powerfully documents the singular experiences and challenges of transracial adoptions. The writer, herself one of 80,000 adoptees from China who now live in the US, is a professional social worker, prolific author, and speaker on the topic. 

I’m always looking for more blog recommendations about the AAPI experience, so please share your favorites in the comments!

And if you’re feeling inspired to start your own, WordPress.com has everything you need to bring your story to life, like beautiful themes, powerful tools, and a community that’s got your back.

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At WordPress.com, we’re proud to support mission-driven organizations and individuals who use the web to create real-world impact. That’s why we’re excited to share that nominations are now open for the 2025 .ORG Impact Awards, a global celebration of those using .org domains to build a better, more equitable future.

What are the .ORG Impact Awards?

Hosted by the Public Interest Registry, the .ORG Impact Awards recognize the changemakers and community builders behind some of the world’s most inspiring .org websites. From fighting hunger to promoting education, the honorees are celebrated for the powerful work they do both online and in the real world.

This year, awards will be given across seven categories, including Health and Healing, Environmental Stewardship, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. One outstanding finalist will be named .ORG of the Year and will receive a $40,000 donation to support their mission. Category winners receive $10,000 each, and all finalists are invited to an in-person celebration in Washington, D.C.

In 2024, the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation from the Philippines earned the top honor for its creative solution to a basic challenge: getting kids to school. 

Their answer? Boats. The foundation provides transportation for children in remote coastal villages, making education accessible, one ride at a time.

Stories like these remind us of the power behind every .org site and company.

How to participate this year

If you are doing meaningful work through a .org site—or if someone you know is—nominate yourself or them. Visit the .ORG Impact Awards site to submit your nomination.

Here are a few key dates to keep in mind:

• Nominations close: June 4, 2025
• Finalists announced: August 12, 2025
• Awards ceremony: October 7–8, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

Should you get a .org domain?

If you’re on a mission to make a difference, a .org domain is your digital badge of purpose. It’s trusted globally by nonprofits, open-source projects, grassroots campaigns, and values-driven brands. 

A .org domain tells your audience you’re here to serve, support, and inspire—not just sell. Whether you’re starting a new initiative, launching a community project, or building credibility for your cause, a .org domain gives your message the home it deserves.

Get your .org domain at WordPress.com and start building your impact today. It’s free for the first year with any annual hosting plan, or you can register one to use anywhere at our lowest-ever price, as part of our commitment to supporting mission-driven organizations and democratizing publishing. In fact, we currently host over 80,000 .org domains!

And if you need a website to promote your organization, our AI website builder helps you launch your site fast. 

Let’s celebrate the web’s potential for greatness because every click, story, and site can spark change.

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