WordPress remains as the leading Content Management System. It is easy to install and use, even for novices.
WordPress maintains a straightforward interface allowing easy use of plugins for functionality and support. As a user, you can gain access to many free and premium themes that can make your site look impressive. WordPress offers uncomplicated drag-and-drop procedures to place widgets on your site. It has the capacity to add codes for customisation and enhanced features.
Installing WordPress
You can install WordPress manually or by using a software. A practical option is the Softaculous platform. This refers to the commercial script library capable of automating installation of open-source web apps in websites. The Softaculous script is completed from the website control panel’s admin area. Users have a choice of interface tools.
- Plesk
- cPanel
- H-Sphere
- DirectAdmin
- ISP Manager
- InterWorx
Softaculous apps build tables in databases, install software, modify permissions, and adjust web server files for configuration.
Some users choose WordPress manual installation. The process applies to the creation of websites that everybody can view on the Internet. It is also possible to develop a staging platform for development. The manual procedure is not as complicated as some people think. Follow these fundamental steps.
Download WordPress
Your first step is to visit the WordPress website. As much as possible, download the newest version. Save the file to a location on your personal computer. Try saving it to the desktop. This will make it easier to locate the file when you want to use it on your hosting platform.
Upload WordPress
Upload the files to your hosting account (Public_HTML folder) after WordPress downloads the zip file to your PC. Some users own more than one domain linked to the hosting account. Therefore, see to it you upload the file to the appropriate directory. Two ways of uploading files for WordPress hosting are the following:
- Choose a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client like Filezilla. Filezilla refers to the open-source software provided for free. It is a cross-platform FTP, Secure File Transfer Protocol, and FTP-Secure with multiple features and tools. It supports operating systems like Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux.
- Use File Manager in cPanel.
Any of the above-mentioned systems work the same to upload your zip file. However, many users go for cPanel since it does not require any program prior to use. On the other hand, Filezilla gives users a program for creating local backups for your site.
Using File Transfer Protocol Client
FTP represents a functional tool. It is ideal for users who want to determine details of their websites. In using an FTP program such as Filezilla, it is necessary to unload the zip file in your computer. Afterwards, upload all files to the right directory in your hosting account. The FTP’s process in setting up WordPress will consume more time compared to File Manager. Filezilla is ideal for those who work on programming development or who are planning to build a copy of the website.
Using cPanel File Manager
File Manager comes along with a variety of tools. It is more accessible from almost all web browsers of various FTP apps.
- Click in File Manager from the cPanel.
- Access your preferred directory by simply clicking Public_HTML.
- Click ‘Upload’ option in the tool bar after navigating to the proper directory.
- Click on the ‘Select File’. Upload the zip you downloaded from WordPress.org.
- Click the ‘Go Back to…’ after the upload is complete. This is the link found at the bottom.
- Choose the WordPress file. Click ‘Extract’ in the tool bar. Click this file once to select the file.
- A new window will appear. You will receive a notification asking you the intended location of extracted files. At this point, you must leave the default directory. Click on the Extract File or Files button to unpack the zip file.
- You will see the WordPress folder in your directory. You can now transfer the folder’s contents for proper installation. Remember that your website will be relocated at http://www.yourwebsite.com/WordPress if you fail to move your files. This may confuse some visitors which is not good for your website.
- Click on the WordPress directory. This will show your files. Double-click to achieve this.
- Choose all the files and folders. Click Move. In your computer, click on the top folder. Hold down the ‘CTRL’ key while clicking on the last file. For MAC users, look for the ‘Command’ key. A new window appears for moving all folders and files. Take away the WordPress part of your directory. You can find this at the end of the path. Your file path will appear as Public_HTML if you only have a single domain name.
- When you are ready, click on the Move File or Files button.
- Click on the Up One Level button to return to the directory of your website after the files have been moved.
Set up Database
Your next step is to set up the database. Create a database in your hosting account before starting with the installation process. This will enable WordPress to save all data required for your website to work properly.
- Click on the ‘MySQL Database Wizard Tool’ from the cPanel dashboard.
- Provide a name for your database. Click ‘Next Step’. Keep the name simple and easy to remember or identify.
- Choose a username and password. This is the means of connecting your WordPress site to the database. Avoid using the term “Admin” for the username. In addition, use the Password Generator app for maximum security.
- Always keep in mind the Database name, Username, and Password. Write the information down and store it in a secure location.
- You need this information for the next step.
- Click on the Create User button after setting up the details.
- You must assign the privileges for this account in the next screen. This is the primary access point for the WordPress CMS. Click on the checkbox which says ‘All Privileges’.
Your database is now ready for WordPress use. Copy your database name, username, and password correctly.
Installation of WordPress
It is now possible to set up your WordPress blog. To do this, proceed to http://www.yourdomain.com/wp-admin/install.php. In case your blog is in a subdirectory, go instead to this URL: http://www.yourdomain.com/subdirectory/wp-admin/install.php.
The first screen that you can see is the language selection window. Select your primary language and click on ‘Continue’. English may have been chosen by default. This will depend on the version of WordPress you downloaded from the developer’s website.
The next screen will inform you the elements required before installing WordPress. Click on the Let’s go! button found at the bottom left portion of your screen.
- Insert your database name, username and password. Leave the “Database Host” as localhost. This will work with web hosts. If the “localhost” is not suitable for you, obtain the information from your web host or customer support.
- Do not touch the Table Prefix unless you plan to run multiple installations of WordPress in one database. Always watch out for the prefix to your database name and username. This usually starts with the major account name. It looks like “accountname” plus the underscore. You can see is as you set up your database.
- Click on Submit after you input your necessary information.
- Click on the Run the Install button to proceed to the next screen.
- You will need to provide certain admin information. Enter the title of your website, admin username, password, and your email address. It is advisable not to use “Admin” for the administrator account. Bots and hackers will attempt to use that name in trying to access users’ websites.
- Take note of your username and password. You will need these details to login to your WordPress Dashboard for easy site management.
- Once you have provided your information, click on the Install WordPress button at the bottom left portion of your screen.
You have successfully set up your site. All you need to do is click on the Log In button and begin creating content.
Customising the Website
The final step is to customise your WordPress site. WordPress maintains enough flexibility (and even more than you expect) when it comes to the customisation process. For example, users must access over 45,000 plugins to help them design the perfect website that fits their requirements. Spend some time learning the system together with its benefits and features.
Sooner or later, you will be capable of designing a unique and impressive site without learning even one line of code.
If you proceed carefully and correctly, the entire experience will turn out pleasant and edifying.