WordPress is known for being one of the most popular content management system (CMS) software options available to date. One of the main reasons for this is because WordPress is easy to use and meets the needs of almost any type of website and business.
Installing the CMS is a simple process that only takes about five minutes. But if you’re new to the software, installing WordPress may seem daunting.
That’s why we’ve created this guide to take you through the installation process step-by-step so you can quickly get your website up and running.
We’re going to review four common WordPress installation methods together.
5 Steps to Prepare You to Install WordPress
Before you get started with the installation process, you’ll need to tackle these five simple tasks. These steps will help speed up the installation process and ensure you are completely ready to go.
1. Obtain Web Server Access
You’ll need to make sure you have web server access before installing WordPress. A web server is a software dedicated to hosting, or “serving”, websites. Web servers store, process, and deliver your web pages to those searching for your site online.
One of the most popular web server software options is Apache. It’s possible to create your own web server to install WordPress on, however, it’s more common for users to purchase a hosting provider that runs on a web server, such as Bluehost or SiteGround.
If you are using a hosting provider, you’ll need to make sure it meets Wordpress’ three requirements prior to installation. These requirements include:
- PHP version 7.2 or greater.
- MySQL version 5.6 or greater OR MariaDB version 10.0 or greater.
- HTTPS support
2. Obtain a Text Editor
You’ll also need to make sure you have a text editor, such as Notepad. Text editors allow you to open, view, and edit plain text files without any formatting. This is how you will edit your WordPress files. If you use a word processor such as Microsoft Word, which comes with its own formatting, you could potentially cause damage to your files and code.
3. Obtain an FTP Client
FTP, or file transfer protocol, is the method in which you will upload, download, and manage your WordPress files on your server. If you choose a hosting provider, this should be taken care of for you.
4. Choose a Web Browser
You can choose any web browser (e.g. Safari, Chrome, Firefox) of your choice to download and install WordPress.
5. Download the Latest Version of WordPress
You can always make sure you have the latest version of WordPress by visiting their website and downloading their most recent update.
Now, let’s review your WordPress installation options.
How To Install WordPress
WordPress keeps installation simple — no matter which method method you choose, the process should only take about five minutes. We will discuss the four WordPress installation options below and who they are most beneficial for.
We recommend the simplest option — finding a hosting provider that offers automatic WordPress installation. But, really, it’s up to you.
1. Choose a Hosting Provider With Automatic WordPress Installation
There are a number of website hosting providers that offer automatic WordPress installation, such as Bluehost, WP Engine, or Dreamhost, making this the easiest installation method. This is a great option if you’re new to WordPress or don’t have a background in web development. If you’re unsure whether or not your provider offers automatic WordPress installation, check out their website — that information is typically listed on their support page.
2. Install WordPress on your computer
You can install WordPress directly to your computer. This method is uncommon because, although you’ll have a fully-functioning website, WordPress will only be accessible locally. This method is typically only useful if you’re just looking to play around with the CMS on your own and don’t want a website that others can access.
3. Use the cPanel and Auto-Installers
Installing WordPress through the cPanel is a good option if you want a bit more of a hands-on experience. This is more common for web developers or people who have some sort of technical background who want to tailor the installation process.
The cPanel is a dashboard that many hosting providers give you access to upon sign up. Once you login to your panel with the credentials provided by your host, you should see a section in your cPanel called “auto-installers”. All cPanels look something like this:
Under the auto-installer section in your cPanel, click on the WordPress icon.
You should be redirected to a page where you can click “Install Now”. Once you have clicked that button, you will be asked to enter the domain name where you want WordPress to be installed. No matter the cPanel or auto-installer you are using, this page should look similar.
Under “Protocol”, the default is “http”. We recommend you stick with this unless you have installed an SSL certificate — in which case, you should use “https”. You’ll also be asked if you want to enter a “Directory”. In most cases, you’ll want to leave this blank to ensure WordPress is installed to your main domain. If you leave the field blank, your URL will look like this: www.mysite.com. If you enter a directory, your URL will look like this: www.mysite.com/blog, meaning WordPress will only be installed on a portion of your site.
You can also enter the name of your website (read: business name) and description (read: purpose of your website) under “Site Settings”. If you want to change these later, you can always go back in and update them.
The last thing you’ll need to do is complete your admin page information. Enter your admin username, password, email address, and anything else required — there may be a few more questions to complete based on the auto-installer you chose. Then, click “Install”.
You should now be able to access the backend of your site on WordPress at www.mysite.com/wp-admin. This is also where you can edit your admin details if needed.
4. Manually Install With FTP
Between the number of website hosting providers that automatically install WordPress for you, as well as the auto-installers available in your cPanel, there isn’t really a need to manually install the software with an FTP. However, if you do choose this installation route, you can follow the steps below.
First, you’ll need an FTP program such as SmartFTP or FileZilla (as mentioned in the five tasks you need to complete prior to beginning installation).
Next, head to the WordPress website and download the latest version of the CMS.
Then unzip the WordPress file and upload it to your public directory, which should look something like this: public_html.
Go to your cPanel and find the “MySQL Databases” button. All cPanel’s should have a similar look, although your MySQL button may be located in a slightly different location.
Follow the prompt that asks you to enter your database name. Once you have done that, click “Create Database”.
Now that the database has been created, you’ll be asked to create a “user” for your MySQL account. Complete your username and password and click “Create User”.
Give that user access to your database by adding their information as well as the name of the database you’re adding them to.
On the following page, you’ll be asked about the privileges you want to provide that user — make sure they are all checked.
By now your FTP transfer should be complete and it’s time to visit your domain to complete the install. If the transfer was successful, WordPress will prompt you to choose your language when you visit your domain.
Pick your desired language and click “Continue”.
You’ll then be asked to enter your Database “Name”, “Username”, “Password”, “Database Host”, and “Table Prefix”.
Once you’ve completed those fields, click “Submit”.
Click the button that says “Run the Install”. You’ll be asked to give WordPress your admin information. This will include your “Site Title”, “Username”, “Password”, and “Email” that you created previously.
Finally, click “Install WordPress”. You should now be able to log into WordPress with your username and password.
Congrats! You’ve manually installed WordPress.
Final Thoughts on WordPress Installation
If you’re able to choose a hosting provider that meets your needs, WordPress installation will be easy and automatic — this option is highly recommended for anyone completely new to WordPress, or website creation in general. However, should you choose to install WordPress yourself, your options are still straightforward and easy to follow.
If you need help at any point during the installation process, you can check out the WordPress FAQ or troubleshooting pages. No matter your background, the WordPress installation process is quick and easy, allowing you more time to focus on the things that matter, such as customizing your website and creating a great user experience for your visitors.