Choose a Hosting Provider

Before installing WordPress, you need to choose a hosting provider that supports WordPress. A hosting provider stores all your website’s files and makes them accessible to users on the web.

When choosing a host, look for one that offers:

• Good performance (fast loading times)
• 24/7 customer support
• One-click WordPress installation
• Affordable pricing

Popular Hosting Providers

• Bluehost – Officially recommended by WordPress and offers beginner friendly features.
• SiteGround – Known for excellent customer support and speed.
• Hostinger – A budget option for those starting out.

Once you’ve selected a host, sign up for a hosting plan and follow their instructions for account setup. Many hosting providers offer domain registration, which makes the setup process even easier.

Domain Name Registration

Your domain name is your website’s address on the internet (for example, ez-wp.com). It’s how people will find your site, so choosing the right domain name is important.

Tips for Choosing a Domain Name:

• Keep it short and simple
• Avoid numbers
• Make it easy to remember and spell
• Use keywords if possible (but don’t force them)

Most hosting providers allow you to register a domain during the signup process. Alternatively, you can register a domain separately through services like GoDaddy or Namecheap, then connect it to your hosting account later.

One-Click WordPress Installation

Most modern hosting providers offer a one-click WordPress installation feature, making the setup process quick and easy.

Here’s how to do it using cPanel, a common control panel provided by hosts:

1. Log in to your hosting account and access cPanel.
2. Look for the WordPress icon under “Website” or “Softaculous Apps Installer.”
3. Click on the WordPress icon, then click Install.
4. Choose the domain where you want to install WordPress.
5. Enter your Site Name, Admin Username, and Admin Password.
6. Click Install Now.

That’s it! WordPress is now installed, and you can access your dashboard by going to yourdomain.com/wp-admin

Manual WordPress Installation (For Advanced Users)

While most users will use the one-click installation method, some may prefer to manually install WordPress, especially if they want more control over the process. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Manual Installation:

1. Download WordPress:
   Go to WordPress.org and download the latest version of WordPress.
2. Upload Files to Your Server:
   Use an FTP client like FileZilla to upload the WordPress files to your server. Connect to your hosting account via FTP and upload the WordPress files into the public_html directory (or another directory, if you’re installing it in a subfolder).
3. Create a MySQL Database:
   • Log in to your hosting account and navigate to cPanel.
   • Under the Databases section, click on MySQL Databases.
   • Create a new database and a database user, then assign that user full privileges for the new database. Make sure to take note of the database name, username, and password—you’ll need them in the next step.
4. Configure wp-config.php:
   • Locate the wp-config-sample.php file in the WordPress files you uploaded.
   • Rename it to wp-config.php.
   • Open the file in a text editor and input your database name, username, and password.
   • Save the file and upload it to your server.
5. Run the Installation Script:
   In your browser, go to yourdomain.com/wp-admin/install.php. This will run the WordPress installation script. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

After this, your WordPress installation should be ready to go!

First-Time Setup

Once WordPress is installed, you’ll be taken to the Welcome page to complete the initial setup. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Choose a Language:
   Select your preferred language for the WordPress dashboard.
2. Site Title:
   Enter a name for your website. You can change this later in the WordPress settings.
3. Admin Username and Password:
   Choose a username and a strong password for your admin account. It’s essential to avoid using “admin” as your username for security reasons.
4. Your Email:
   Provide an email address for important notifications like password resets.
5. Search Engine Visibility:
   Decide whether you want search engines to index your site immediately. If your website isn’t ready for the public, you can check the box to discourage search engines from indexing it, and enable it later.

Click Install WordPress, and your site will be ready to use. You can now log in by going to yourdomain.com/wp-admin and entering your login details.

Choosing a Theme and Plugins

Now that WordPress is installed, it’s time to customize your website.

Choosing a Theme:

• Go to Appearance > Themes in your dashboard.
• You can browse the free themes available directly within WordPress. There are thousands of options, from minimalist designs to feature-rich templates.
• Once you’ve found a theme you like, click Install and then Activate.

You can also upload premium themes you’ve purchased elsewhere by going to Appearance > Themes > Add New > Upload Theme.

Some Essential Plugins to Consider Installing:

• Yoast SEO or Rank Math for search engine optimization.
• Akismet to block spam comments.
• Wordfence for security.
• WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache or WP-Optimize for improving your site’s speed.
• WooCommerce if your website is an online shop.
• UpdraftPlus for backing up your website.

To install plugins:

• Go to Plugins > Add New.
• Search for the plugin you want, click Install Now, and then Activate.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed WordPress and are ready to start building your website. Now that your site is up and running, you can explore different themes, plugins, and features to make it truly yours. If you’re looking for more guidance, check out our other posts on optimizing your WordPress site for SEO, enhancing security, and speeding up performance.