WordPress powers a large share of all websites, from personal blogs to major news sites and online stores. One reason for its popularity is how easy it is to install. Most hosting providers offer one-click installation, and even a manual installation takes only a few minutes once you understand the steps.
This guide explains both methods and covers the essential settings you should configure immediately after installing WordPress.
Before You Start
You need:
- A registered domain name
- A web hosting account that supports WordPress (PHP and MySQL/MariaDB)
- Access to your hosting control panel
- An SSL certificate (many hosts provide free SSL)
Method 1: One-Click Installation
Most hosts provide an automatic installer in their control panel, often labelled WordPress, Softaculous, Installatron or “Website Builder”.
Steps
- Log in to your hosting dashboard
- Find the WordPress installer
- Choose your domain and make sure HTTPS is selected
- Leave the directory field empty to install on the main domain (not a subfolder)
- Enter site name and description (you can change these later)
- Create an admin username (avoid “admin”), a strong password and a valid email
- Click install and wait for confirmation
- Log in at yourdomain.com/wp-admin
Method 2: Manual Installation
Manual installation is useful when your host does not offer an installer or when you want full control.
Step 1: Download WordPress
Download the latest version from WordPress.org and unzip the files on your computer.
Step 2: Create a database
In your hosting control panel, create a MySQL or MariaDB database, a database user and a strong password. Give the user full privileges on the database.
Step 3: Upload files
Upload the WordPress files to your website’s root folder (often public_html) using the hosting file manager or an FTP client.
Step 4: Run the installer
Visit your domain in a browser. The WordPress setup wizard asks for the database name, username, password and host (often “localhost”). Then enter your site title and admin details.
Step 5: Log in
Access your dashboard at yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
Essential Settings After Installation
| — | — | — |
|---|---|---|
| Site title and tagline | Settings → General | Set clear brand name and short tagline |
| WordPress and site address | Settings → General | Confirm both use https:// |
| Time zone | Settings → General | Choose your local city |
| Permalinks | Settings → Permalinks | Select “Post name” |
| Search engine visibility | Settings → Reading | Make sure “Discourage search engines” is unchecked when live |
| Comments | Settings → Discussion | Enable moderation or disable if not needed |
| Default category | Settings → Writing | Rename “Uncategorized” to a meaningful category |
Clean Up Sample Content
Delete the default “Hello World” post, the sample page and any unused themes and plugins that came pre-installed. Keep one default theme as a fallback.
Secure Your Installation
- Use a strong, unique password and two-factor authentication
- Avoid the username “admin”
- Keep WordPress, themes and plugins updated
- Install a reputable security plugin
- Set up automatic backups
- Use HTTPS across the site
Install a Theme and Essential Plugins
Choose a lightweight, responsive theme and install only essential plugins: SEO, caching, security, backups, image optimisation, anti-spam and a contact form. Too many plugins can slow your site and create security risks.
Create Key Pages
Create your About, Contact and Privacy Policy pages, then set up your navigation menu under Appearance → Menus or the Site Editor for block themes.
Connect Tools
Set up Google Search Console and analytics, and submit your XML sitemap generated by your SEO plugin.
Common Installation Problems
| — | — | — |
|---|---|---|
| Error establishing database connection | Wrong database details | Check wp-config.php values |
| White screen | PHP error or plugin conflict | Enable debugging, deactivate plugins |
| Site shows “Not secure” | SSL not active | Install SSL and update site URLs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WordPress free?
Yes, the WordPress software is free. You pay for hosting, domain and any premium themes or plugins.
What is the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com?
WordPress.org is self-hosted software you install on your own hosting. WordPress.com is a hosted service with plans.
How long does installation take?
One-click installs take a few minutes; manual installation may take 15 to 30 minutes.
Can I install WordPress on my computer?
Yes, using local development tools, which is useful for testing before going live.
Do I need SSL before installing?
It is best to have SSL ready so the site uses HTTPS from the start.
Should I install WordPress in the root or a subfolder?
Install in the root folder if WordPress is your main website.
Conclusion
Installing WordPress is quick and straightforward with one-click installers or a simple manual process. After installation, configure key settings, remove sample content, secure your site, choose a lightweight theme and essential plugins, create important pages and connect search tools. With these foundations, your WordPress site is ready to grow.
