First of all, let’s get you started with the topic of How to install WordPress or the basics of WordPress server. Technically, WordPress is open-source software that can be utilized in creating a website, blog, or app.
Its powerful features and creative appearance have made it one of the most used platforms on the internet. About 41% of the web is based on WordPress.
And the biggest reason for this success is its diverse and easy-to-use options. Before we begin with its installation procedure, there are some things you should know about WordPress.
WordPress.org vs WordPress.com
The biggest dilemma for a beginner would be what to choose. These two companies have the same name, which often confuses a new user entering the market. However, the difference between them is quite clear.
WordPress.org allows you to host your own site. If you visit its download page, you’ll see that it recommends you some top hosting services. On the other hand, WordPress.com itself is a host. And thus, cannot give you this liberty.
Another difference between the two is the cost plans. WordPress.org gives you a lot of host options, like Bluehost. Thus, you can suitably choose the best plan according to your budget and needs.
WordPress.com, on the other hand, has fixed plans for its users. And if you need to use the site for business, you’ll have to go with its basic plan. Both the options are widely used and managed. So, at the end of the day, it’s all down to what you actually need from your site.
WordPress Installation: The Different Methods
If you’re still reading, you want to know how to install WordPress. And not only that, but you’ll also be worried about how you’re going to set up WordPress.
Stop sweating, because we’ve got you covered. We’ve listed all the methods you can have of installing WordPress. The reason for having so many methods for its installation is linked to the several hosts and servers benefitting from it.
You can choose the method that suits you the best. Of course, this call will depend on what hosting site or database you’re looking to create.
Method 1:
How to Install WordPress on a Host
As we’ve established, WordPress dominates the server and website market. Because of this trait, there are many hosting databases and server sites that are WordPress-specific.
Some of them even have WordPress pre-installed in them. Such sites save you from the trouble of installing WordPress on your computer. You can just follow some simple steps. And you’ll be ready to start with your blog or article.
Although WordPress is free to use, yet in the case of managed WordPress hosts, you will have to take into account the package comparisons.
There are a lot of hosts out there. But you’ll be looking to choose the best option that is easy to download and light on the pocket. Below are some of the best host web servers and their installation setup:
1. Using Bluehost
Bluehost is one of the most trusted and recommended hosting sites of WordPress. It allows you to automatically create a WordPress setup on your domain name.
- You just need to go to the sites tab of the software and click “Log in to WordPress”.
- You will notice that the webserver will take you to the WP admin area.
- This is where you’ll be deciding on your package plan depending upon your need for the program. It’s not free but offers the best prices in the market.
- Click on the “Create Site” button in the site menu.
- A WordPress installation wizard will pop up.
- It’ll need you to enter information and details, regarding the site name and tagline.
- Once you’re done, click “Next”.
- Enter the managed domain name and directory details.
- Make sure to get help from valuable plugins and concept themes.
- Once done, click “Next”.
- The information will connect, thereby installing WordPress on your computer.
2. Using SiteGround
SiteGround is a reliable and workable choice if you’re new to WordPress and are looking to work on a blog or article. Some may even argue that it gives out the best support plans. SiteGround provides a WordPress installation option to every new user that signs up. So, if you’ve just signed up and have installed it, you can catch up to step 5. Otherwise, begin at step 1.
- Login to your SiteGround account with user and password.
- Make sure that your password is secure.
- On the “My Accounts” dashboard, click “Go to cPanel”.
- File to the Auto Installers section and click WordPress.
- After installing it, select the protocol and domain name.
- Add the site name and description.
- Enter the account user and password.
- Make sure to check out the plugins.
- Check the “WordPress Starter”.
- Click “Install”.
- WordPress installation is done.
3. Using HostGator
Just like the other two, HostGator is also a popular web hosting server that can get you started on your blog site in no time.
- Log into HostGator using your account and password.
- Root out to the Software section.
- Click “QuickInstall”.
- Click WordPress under “Site Builders and CMS”.
- Enter the domain name and directory path.
- It’ll need you to enter information and details, regarding the site title and a password reset email address.
- Click “Install”.
- WordPress installation is done.
4. Using WPEngine
WP Engine is arguably a top managed WordPress hosting site. It turns the installation of your site into a rather easy procedure. WP Engine has a much better environmental configuration than its competitors.
- Enter your account password and log into WP Engine.
- Go to the sites tab and click “Add Site”.
- Create a production environment and give it a name.
- WP Engine will create your login credentials.
- Enter your domain DNS into the environment.
- Make sure you know your site’s IP address and CNAME.
- Enter the domain information and details.
- Click on “DNS and Nameservers”.
- Edit the “A” record with “@” sign.
- Enter its IP as the one provided by WP Engine.
- Make sure you have a CNAME record with “www” as its name. If you don’t have one, create one.
- Enter its Content as the subdomain provided by WP Engine.
- WordPress installation is done.
- Link onto essential WordPress themes and plugins.
Method 2:
How to Install WordPress from cPanel
CPanel is not a hosting site. Rather, it is software that is often used by hosting servers and database sites. It has a simple web interface and fulfills your need for a managed WordPress site, regarding a blog, article, business, or whatever.
Generally, WordPress installation and setup from cPanel is a small process. It comprises auto-installer software that will be discussed below. You can install WordPress using any of these top support software.
1. Softaculous
Softaculous is popular auto-installer software that resides in the control panel of some very influential hosting sites, like SiteGround and InMotion Hosting. It has one of the best auto-installer scripts which then root out to get top blog support.
- Login to cPanel.
- Get to the Auto Installers section.
- Click on the Softaculous icon.
- You will step on an information overview on WordPress.
- Click the “Install” tab.
- Get the protocol and enter a domain name.
- Enter the site name and description for your example blog.
- Choose a username and password for the site.
- Enter a password recovery email.
- WordPress installation is done.
2. Fantastico
Like the previous, Fantastico is also managed by several hosting servers and websites. It is an easy and efficient step to install and set up WordPress.
- Login to cPanel.
- Get to the Software section.
- Click on the Fantastico icon.
- In the left section, open the Blogs menu and find WordPress.
- You will step on an information overview on WordPress.
- Click the “Click here to Install WordPress” button.
- Enter the domain name.
- Choose a username and password for the site.
- Enter a password recovery email.
- Enter the site title for your blog.
- WordPress installation is done.
3. QuickInstall
We’ve discussed HostGator in the previous method. But it’s fascinating to know that HostGator houses the QuickInstall software, allowing an alternative and easy WordPress installation to its users.
- Login to cPanel.
- Get to the Software section.
- Click on the QuickInstall icon.
- Get to the “Site Builder and CMS” tab in Website Essentials.
- Click on the WordPress icon.
- Enter the domain name.
- It’ll need you to enter information regarding the site title, username, password, and email address.
- WordPress installation is done.
Method 3:
How to Install WordPress Manually
Installing WordPress manually on your computer is the most popular and direct way. It houses no third-party involvement and each step is accessible through the official website.
It is a 5-minute installation method that requires FTP software to upload files. It is also called the 5-minute method on Google. However, this FTP software method can be a little confusing to beginners.
That is why most of the simple folks prefer the basic auto-installer guides on Google (you can see the step above).
- Go to WordPress.org.
- Click Download WordPress.
- Download the latest version.
- Unzip the file.
- The folder will contain some WordPress files that are to be uploaded to your web server.
- Connect the FTP client to the webserver.
- If you want to install WordPress on your root directory (which is mostly the case). Then you’ll have to upload the file to “public_html”. You can also create a subfolder in the directory.
- Login to your cPanel account.
- Get to the Databases section.
- Click on “MySQL Databases”.
- Create a new database.
- Enter the name of the database.
- Create a username and password.
- Add the user to the database created.
- Give All Privileges to the user.
- Once the FTP transfer is complete, you can go to the domain and set up the installation wizard.
- It’ll need you to enter some information.
- Create a site title.
- Fill in the rest of the user details.
- Click “Install WordPress”.
- WordPress installation is done.
Method 4:
How to Install WordPress on Your Computer
We mostly need WordPress for its various plugins, themes, and support configuration. However, some people think that they need WordPress on their computers.
This Google query is more common than you think. And this is why you see the SEO Google algorithm suggesting this feature to beginners.
Although beginners should prefer their WordPress themes and plugins on a local cloud web server. This is because if you’re creating a blog, you’ll want traffic on it. So, more people can reach your blog.
But, when you install WordPress on your computer rather than the server, then it’s only visible to you. Still, some developers need their WordPress set up on their computers. These are the ones that link networks just to test various WordPress plugins and the quality of the site’s SEO. Nevertheless, we’ll have a look at this procedure as well.
Using WAMP
WAMP is a compilation of PHP, Apache web server, MySQL. Even though the process of installing them isn’t easy, WAMP helps you to install these open-source software in minutes. The Mac version of WAMP is MAMP. The step by step guide of installing WordPress using WAMP is given below:
- Install the WAMP software.
- Create a blank MySQL database.
- Click on the green WampServer icon at the bottom right corner of your window.
- Click on phpMyAdmin.
- It’ll take you to the phpMyAdmin login screen.
- Enter “root” as the username. Leave the password blank.
- Download WordPress and extract the file into a “www” folder in the directory where WAMP is installed.
- Open a browser and add the directory of the WordPress folder.
- It’ll need you to enter some information.
- Create a site title.
- Fill in the rest of the user details.
- Click “Install WordPress”.
- WordPress installation is done.
Moving WordPress from Local Server to Live Site
- Install and set up the Duplicator plugin on your local site.
- Open it and go to the Packages tab.
- Click “Create New”.
- Click “Next” and let the tests run.
- Click the “One-Click Download” button.
- Unpack the archive file. This downloaded file is a script that will automate the migration.
- Before running the installer, create a MySQL database for your website.
- For this, log in to cPanel.
- Get into the Databases section and select MySQL Databases.
- Enter a name for the database.
- It’ll need you to enter information, such as username and password for the new user.
- Add user to the database.
- Use an FTP client to connect to your site network.
- Make sure the root directory is empty.
- Upload the installer file from the Duplicator to the empty root directory.
- Run the migration script by typing “http://example.com/installer.php” in your browser. Make sure to replace the example with your domain name.
- Check the terms and continue.
- The Duplicator will need you to enter some details.
- Click “Next”.
- Update the data information for your site.
- Click “Admin Login”.
- WordPress moved from local server to site.
Things to do after installing WordPress
Now that we’ve seen how to install WordPress by its different methods. We head to the more important discussion: What to do after installing WordPress? WordPress is generally free software.
But like others, it also has some features that don’t fall in the free category. So, your package certainly depends on your budget and need.
Aside from that, there are some important free features that you should be looking into if you want your blog to succeed. These are mentioned below.
1. Setup Security
Originally, WordPress is quite secure and reliable. But still, it cannot hurt to have extra security at your door. You need to make sure that your site does not have any weak links.
Always go with stronger passwords, recovery emails, and timely updates. Furthermore, there are many WordPress security plugins that you can utilize. One such plugin is Sucuri, one of the best WordPress security plugins in the market.
It defends your website against hacks, DDoS attacks, and monitors it for threatening indicators. With its malware protection, your website not only remains secure but also shows increases site speed and performance.
2. Choose a WP Theme
If you’re planning on starting a blog or are looking to digitalize your business, your main objective will be to appeal to customers. And what better way to attract them than to create a new brand strategy.
The visual appearance of your website will be the main factor behind its success or failure. According to some research, a client analyzes your professionalism just by taking a look at your website build-up.
And interestingly, WordPress offers thousands of themes and designs; most of which are free. You can develop a creative outlook of your site, just by using these free WordPress themes.
3. Install WP Plugins
Currently, there are more than 60,000 free plugins in the WordPress market. The reason? WordPress has become so popular that developers are now turning to ease and functionality.
There is literally a plugin for everything. Crucial plugins like WPForms, OptinMonster, Constant Contact, SeedProd, UpdraftPlus, and WP Rocket have eased the concept of web development and maintenance.
These plugins help every bit of your work. Whether you’re struggling with contact and e-mail marketing, or are just looking for proper backup and cache plugins, they’ve got you covered in every department.
4. Install & Setup SEO
Search Engine Optimization is the main constituent of increasing your traffic and creating a successful website. A proper SEO-oriented webpage gathers more audience and ranks higher on searches.
This provides free digital promotion to your brand. Whatever your aim with the WordPress site, it’ll only come to completion if your ideas reach the public.
And that is only through SEO. Now, WordPress doesn’t complicate SEO enough, only to be deciphered by professionals. Rather it allows a layman to understand SEO terms and get the reason behind its site analytics.
Top SEO plugins like All in One SEO and Yoast SEO allow you to handle each and every minute detail. They take your content under their wing and highlight the key departments where you could increase your rank and visibility.
SEO is all about maintaining the quality of your site and giving people what they want to see.
5. Perform Analytics
Once you’re done installing WordPress, you’ll have to keep in touch with your site analytics. Even in this department, there are certain plugins like Google Analytics and MonsterInsights that help you rank your site performance.
You can compare your website with your rivals. Or can just set up small milestones. These analytics will give you a complete insight into what’s going wrong with your site.
This is why such plugins are in top demand. They show you exactly how many people visit your site, what they read, where they spend their time, and what attracts them.
How to install WordPress: Conclusion
WordPress is the leading CMS in the digital world. The reason why all hosting sites prefer it is its ever-growing popularity and business. Over the years, it seemed like the platform would lose its touch. But it has proved everyone wrong by watering its ever-increasing library of innovative themes and plugins.
Now, I know that there are a lot of methods to install WordPress. And everyone prefers what suits them. But the bigger picture is that it has you covered with all its features and programs.
So, even if installing it may seem an arduous task at first. You know that you’ll get the reward later on by having access to its limitless plugins and artistic themes.
