Installing WordPress: Pick the Method That Works for You

A Comprehensive Guide for All Levels

Installing WordPress is the first step in building a website, whether for a blog, an online store, or a professional portfolio. This guide covers everything from beginner-friendly one-click installations to manual setups for advanced users and even local installations for testing environments.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to install WordPress, troubleshoot common issues, and optimize the process using tools like FileZila, Softaculous, Adobe Dreamweaver...

Let’s Get Started!

1. Prerequisites for Installing WordPress

Before we go into WordPress installation methods, ensure you have the following:

Basic Requirements:

1. Domain Name and Hosting: Choose a provider like Bluehost, Hostinger, or Namecheap. If you don’t have one, use a reliable registrar and host.
2. Access to Hosting Panel: Familiarize yourself with tools like cPanel, Plesk, or proprietary dashboards.
3. Basic Tools for Manual Installation (if needed):
   • An FTP client (e.g., FileZilla)
   • A text editor (e.g., Notepad++)
   • WordPress installation files from WordPress.org.

Tools for Advanced Users:

1. Adobe Dreamweaver: A premium alternative to FileZilla for managing server files, offering real-time previews and direct FTP/SFTP connectivity.
2. Adobe Photoshop: Optimize your website’s logo, banners, and images for performance.
3. An IDE (Integrated Development Environment): Tools like Visual Studio Code or PhpStorm make code edits efficient.

2. WordPress One-Click Installation Guide

What is One-Click Installation?

This is the fastest and easiest way to install WordPress, ideal for beginners who don’t want to go through technical configurations. Most popular hosting providers offer this feature.

How to Perform WordPress One-Click Installation:

Here’s how to use one-click installers on common hosting panels:

cPanel (Softaculous):

1. Log in to your cPanel dashboard.
2. Navigate to Softaculous Apps Installer and select WordPress.
3. Fill in details like:
   • Site Name
   • Admin Email
   • Admin Username and Password
4. Choose your domain (e.g., example.com).
5. Click Install, and the process completes in minutes.

Plesk:

1. Log in to your Plesk dashboard.
2. Go to Applications > WordPress Toolkit.
3. Click Install WordPress and follow prompts to set up.

Proprietary Panels (e.g., Bluehost, Hostinger):

1. Log in to the hosting dashboard.
2. Locate the One-Click Installer (commonly under “Website” or “My Sites”).
3. Select WordPress, fill out the required fields, and click Install.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Ensure your domain points to your hosting server.
• Check for email notifications from your hosting provider with login details.

3. WordPress Manual Installation Guide

Why Choose Manual Installation?

Manual installation offers maximum control over your website’s setup, ideal for developers or users working with custom hosting environments.

Retrieve FTP Details

FTP access is essential for manual installations and troubleshooting. Here’s how to retrieve your FTP details from popular hosting providers:

cPanel:

1. Log in to your cPanel dashboard.
2. Go to Files > FTP Accounts.
3. Note down the FTP server address, username, and port (usually 21).

Plesk:

1. Log in to Plesk.
2. Navigate to Web Hosting Access under your domain settings.
3. Copy your FTP hostname, username, and set/reset the password if required.

Hetzner:

1. Access Hetzner’s admin console.
2. Open the FTP Access section under your server details.
3. Record the server address, port, and credentials.

How to Install WordPress Manually

1. Download WordPress:
   • Visit WordPress.org and download the latest version.
2. Upload Files to Your Server:
   • Use an FTP client like FileZilla, Adobe Dreamweaver or the file manger to upload WordPress files to your hosting server.
3. Create a Database:
   • Log in to your hosting panel.
   • Open phpMyAdmin and create a new database with a unique name.
   • Note the database name, username, and password.
4. Configure wp-config.php:
   • Open the wp-config-sample.php file in a text editor or IDE.
   • Add your database details:
     • define('DB_NAME', 'database_name');
     • define('DB_USER', 'username');
     • define('DB_PASSWORD', 'password');
5. Run the WordPress Installer:
   • Go to yourdomain.com/wp-admin/install.php.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

4. Install WordPress Locally

Why Install WordPress Locally?

Local installations are perfect for testing and development without affecting live websites.

Popular Tools for Local Installation

1. XAMPP:
   • Download and install XAMPP.
   • Start the Apache and MySQL services.
   • Place WordPress files in the htdocs folder.
   • Access the setup wizard at localhost/wordpress.
2. Local by Flywheel:
   • A beginner-friendly tool with a streamlined setup process.
   • Download the Local app.
   • Create a new site by entering site details.
   • Start the environment and launch WordPress locally.
3. Largaon (Advanced):
   • Install Largaon, an open-source local hosting tool.
   • Configure environments for running WordPress.
   • Ideal for advanced users looking for a lightweight and customizable solution.

5. WordPress Installation Troubleshooting Tips

Common Errors:

• Database connection error? Double-check your database credentials in wp-config.php.
• Permission issues? Set file and folder permissions to 755 and 644, respectively.

Useful Tools:

• Pingdom Tools: Check if your domain is resolving correctly.
• GTmetrix: Verify website speed after installation.
• Choosing the Right Hosting Provider: Look for reliable providers with fast servers, good support, and one-click installation options.

6. FAQs

Q: How long does it take to install WordPress?
A: With one-click installers, it takes less than 5 minutes. Manual installations may take 15–20 minutes.

Q: Can I move a local site to live hosting?
A: Yes! Use tools like Duplicator or manually migrate your files and database.

Q: What if I already have a website?
A: You can add WordPress as a subdirectory or create a subdomain.

Installing WordPress can be a breeze with the right approach. Whether you opt for one-click installation, manual setup, or a local environment, this guide ensures you’re equipped to handle it all.