How to Install WordPress: Easy and Advanced Methods

Installing WordPress can be simple or a bit complex, depending on how you choose to do it. You can either use automatic tools provided by your web host or install it manually if you want more control. This guide will explain both methods so you can set up WordPress in the way that suits you best.

How to Install WordPress Automatically (Using Hosting Tools)

Most web hosting companies offer tools to automatically install WordPress, making this the quickest and easiest method.

Here’s a simple way to do it:

Using One-Click Install Tools

Many hosting providers like SiteGround, Bluehost, or WP Engine have a one-click installation option for WordPress. This method lets you set up WordPress on your hosting account with just a few clicks, without needing to upload files or set up a database yourself.

Steps:

1. Log In to Your Hosting Account: Access your hosting account and go to the control panel.
2. Find the WordPress Installer: Look for an icon or link named “WordPress” or “One-Click Installs” in the dashboard.
3. Start the Installation: Click on the WordPress installer icon and follow the instructions. You’ll choose where to install WordPress (on a domain or in a subfolder).
4. Complete the Setup: Enter details like your site’s name, admin username, and password. The installer will set up WordPress automatically.

Using one-click install tools is very convenient, especially for beginners who want to set up their site quickly.

Using cPanel

If your hosting provider uses cPanel but doesn’t offer one-click installs, you can still install WordPress easily:

Steps:

1. Log In to cPanel: Access cPanel through your hosting provider’s website or a link in your welcome email.
2. Find the WordPress Installer: Look for an installer tool like Softaculous or QuickInstall.
3. Start the Installation: Click the Install button and choose where to install WordPress (root directory or subdirectory).
4. Set Up Installation Options: Enter your site’s name, description, admin username, password, and email. You can also adjust advanced settings if needed.
5. Complete the Installation: Click Install, and the tool will set up WordPress, including the database and files. You’ll get a confirmation message with links to your site and admin dashboard.

This method allows for a bit more customization than one-click installs and helps ensure your site is set up securely.

How to Install WordPress Manually (Using FTP and MySQL)

Manual installation is more involved but gives you complete control over the setup process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Upload WordPress Files to Your Server

• Download WordPress: Go to WordPress.org and download the latest version of WordPress as a zip file.
• Unzip the File: Extract the zip file on your computer.
• Choose an FTP Client: Use an FTP client like FileZilla to upload files from your computer to your hosting account.
• Connect to Your Server: Open your FTP client, enter your server’s address, username, and password, and connect to your server.
• Upload Files: Navigate to the directory where you want WordPress (usually public_html for the main site). Upload all files from the extracted WordPress folder.

2. Create a MySQL Database and User

• Open the MySQL Database Wizard: In cPanel, find the MySQL Database Wizard under the Databases section.
• Name Your Database: Give your new database a name related to your site.
• Create a User: Set up a user with a strong password and assign it to your database. Record these details as you’ll need them later.
• Assign Privileges: Ensure the user has all privileges to manage the database.

3. Complete the Manual Installation

• Run the Installation Script: Open your web browser and go to your website’s URL. If you uploaded WordPress to the root directory, use your domain name. If in a subdirectory, add the subdirectory’s name (e.g., yourdomain.com/blog/).
• Start the Installation: You’ll see the WordPress installation wizard. Choose your language and click Continue.
• Enter Database Details: Input the database name, username, password, and host (usually localhost). Click Submit.
• Run the Installation: If the database connection is successful, click Run the installation.
• Set Up Site Details: Enter your site title, admin username, password, and email. Click Install WordPress.
• Log In: Once installation is complete, you can log in to your WordPress admin dashboard with the username and password you created.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed WordPress manually. Now you can start customizing your site and adding content.