WordPress is the world's most popular content management system, powering over 40% of all websites. Installing WordPress on your hosting account is quick and easy.
Prerequisites
Before installing WordPress, ensure you have:
- An active hosting plan
- A domain name pointed to your hosting server
- A MySQL database created (see "How to Create a MySQL Database")
Method 1: One-Click Installation (Easiest)
If your control panel offers a one-click installer:
1. Log in to your control panel.
2. Find the "One-Click Installer" or "WordPress" section.
3. Click "Install WordPress."
4. Select the domain and directory where you want to install.
5. Enter your desired site title, admin username, and admin password.
6. Click "Install."
WordPress will be installed in minutes, and you can access your admin dashboard at yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
Method 2: Manual Installation
For more control over the installation:
1. Download WordPress from wordpress.org.
2. Extract the zip file on your computer.
3. Create a MySQL database and user through your control panel (note the credentials).
4. Upload the WordPress files to your public_html directory via FTP or File Manager.
5. Visit your domain in a browser. The WordPress setup wizard will appear.
6. Select your language and click "Continue."
7. Enter your database details:
- Database Name: your database name
- Username: your database user
- Password: your database password
- Database Host: localhost
- Table Prefix: wp_ (or customize for security)
8. Click "Submit" then "Run the Installation."
9. Enter your site title, admin username, password, and email.
10. Click "Install WordPress."
After Installation
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard at yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
- Install a theme to customize your site's appearance.
- Install essential plugins (security, SEO, caching).
- Configure permalinks under Settings then Permalinks.
- Enable SSL by updating your site URL to use https://.
- Create your first page or blog post.
Tip: Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated to maintain security and performance.