If you’re looking to build a professional website, how to install WordPress on the host is one of the first steps you should take. WordPress is the most popular content management system in the world, thanks to its ease of use and extensive features. With WordPress, you can easily configure WordPress to align with your personal or business needs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the installing WordPress process on your host, along with the initial steps for setting it up. Our aim is to provide you with clear and friendly instructions, ensuring you feel confident in creating your own website.
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Differences Between Installing WordPress on the Host and Local Host
The primary difference when it comes to installing WordPress on the host versus installing WordPress on a local host lies in the setup stage, specifically regarding the location of the WordPress files:
- On the Host: WordPress files should be placed in the public_html folder. This folder serves as the root of your web hosting space, meaning that any file uploaded here will be accessible to users over the internet.
- On the Local Host: For local installations, WordPress files are typically placed in the root folder, which is usually named htdocs (in software like XAMPP or WAMP). This folder functions similarly to public_html but is only accessible on your personal system.
In both scenarios, after placing the WordPress files in the correct directory, you can proceed with the installation steps to get your website up and running.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing WordPress on the Host
Installing WordPress on the host is a straightforward process. Below, we will explain the steps to install WordPress on your hosting account in simple terms:
Downloading WordPress from the Official Website
To download WordPress from the official site, follow these steps:
- Visit the Official WordPress Website: Go to wordpress.org.
- Click on the Download Button: On the homepage, find and click the Download WordPress button. This will initiate the download of the latest version of WordPress as a compressed zip file.
- Save the File: Once the download is complete, save the zip file on your computer. You will need this file to transfer it to the root folder of your host in the next steps.
- File Contents: This zip file contains all the necessary tools and files required to install WordPress on the host.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be ready to proceed with the installation process!
Transferring WordPress Files to the Root Folder of Your Host
To transfer WordPress files to the root folder of your host, follow these steps in order:
- Access Your Hosting Control Panel: Log in to your hosting control panel (for example, cPanel or DirectAdmin).
- Navigate to File Manager: From the dashboard, locate and click on the File Manager section.
- Find the public_html Folder: In the File Manager, look for the public_html folder (or the root folder of your host) and enter it. This folder is where your website files will reside and will be accessible via the internet.
- Upload the WordPress Zip File: Click on the Upload option and select the compressed (zip) file of WordPress that you downloaded from the official site.
By following these steps, you will successfully transfer WordPress files to the root folder of your host, preparing them for installation.
Extracting WordPress Files and Deleting the Zip File
To extract WordPress files and delete the compressed (zip) file from your host, follow these steps:
- Access File Manager: After uploading the WordPress zip file to the public_html folder, go to the File Manager in your hosting control panel (such as cPanel or DirectAdmin).
- Locate the Zip File: Find the WordPress zip file that you previously uploaded. Right-click on it to open the context menu.
- Select Extract: Choose the Extract option to unzip the file. After a few moments, all the WordPress files will be fully extracted into the public_html folder.
- Delete the Zip File: Once the extraction is complete, right-click on the zip file again and select Delete to remove the unnecessary zip file, freeing up space on your host.
By completing these steps, the WordPress files will be properly placed on your host and ready for the next installation steps.
Creating a Database on the Host
Creating a database on your host is a crucial step in setting up WordPress. This part of the installation process ensures that your site’s information is stored and managed correctly. Follow these steps carefully:
- Log into Your Control Panel: First, access your hosting management panel (usually cPanel) and navigate to the Databases section.
- Create the Database: In the Databases section, select MySQL Databases. In the provided field, enter a name for your database and click Create Database. Choose a name that aligns with your project’s purpose for better organization.
- Create a Database User: Scroll down the page to find the MySQL Users section. Here, you will need to create a user for the database. Enter a username and a strong password, then click Create User.
- Assign User to Database: After creating the user, go to the Add User to Database section. Select the user and the database you just created, then click Add. On the next page, ensure all privileges are checked for the user, and then click Make Changes.
- Note Your Database Credentials: Finally, jot down your database name, username, and password, as you will need this information during the WordPress installation process.
By completing these steps, your database will be ready for the installation and configuration of WordPress, allowing your site to operate optimally and securely.
How to install WordPress on the host via Domain Access
After transferring the WordPress files to your host and creating a database, it’s time for the installation process by accessing your domain. This section provides a detailed guide on how to do it:
- Access Your Domain: Open your browser and enter your domain name (e.g., www.yoursite.com). You will automatically be redirected to the WordPress installation and configuration page.
- Select Language: In the first step, WordPress will ask you to choose the installation language. Select your preferred language and click Continue.
- Enter Database Information: In this step, you need to input the database information you created earlier in your host. The required information includes:
- Database Name: The name of the database you created.
- Database Username: The username you set for your database.
- Database Password: The password assigned to your database user.
- Database Host: This is usually set to localhost, unless your hosting provider specifies otherwise.
- Table Prefix: If you plan to install multiple WordPress sites in one database, you can use different prefixes for each site. The default is wp_, but you can change it if desired.
- Run the Installation: If the database information is correct, WordPress will move to the next step. Click the Run the Installation button to proceed with the installation.
- Enter Site Information: At this stage, WordPress will request your site’s basic information:
- Site Title: Your website’s name (e.g., “My Blog”).
- Admin Username: This will be used to log into the WordPress dashboard. Choose this carefully, as it cannot be changed later.
- Admin Password: Set a strong password for accessing the site’s administration area.
- Admin Email: The email address used for password recovery and notifications.
- Search Engine Visibility: If you want your site to be indexed by search engines, do not check this option. If you prefer to temporarily prevent indexing, you can enable it.
- Complete Installation and Access the WordPress Dashboard: Upon successful completion of the installation, you will see a message confirming that WordPress has been installed successfully. Now you can log into the WordPress dashboard using the username and password you set in the previous step.