WordPress Installation Guide

Introduction

Installing WordPress is the first step to building a website with this powerful content management system (CMS). Whether you're creating a blog, business site, or e-commerce platform, a proper installation ensures a stable foundation. This comprehensive guide walks you through the process of installing WordPress on a self-hosted server, covering prerequisites, manual installation, one-click installation, and post-installation setup. Aimed at beginners and intermediate users, this article provides detailed instructions to get your WordPress site up and running.

Prerequisites for Installing WordPress

Before installing WordPress, ensure you have the following:

  1. Domain Name: A unique web address (e.g., example.com) registered through a provider like Salama Hosting.
  2. Web Hosting: A hosting account with a Salama Hosting that supports WordPress.
  3. Server Requirements:
  4. PHP version 7.4 or higher.
  5. MySQL version 5.7 or higher (or MariaDB 10.3 or higher).
  6. HTTPS support for secure connections.
  7. A web server like Apache or Nginx.
  8. FTP Client (Optional): Software like FileZilla for manual file uploads.
  9. Web Browser: A modern browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for accessing the WordPress dashboard.
  10. Text Editor (Optional): For editing configuration files, use tools like Notepad++ or VS Code.

Choosing a Hosting Provider

Selecting a reliable hosting provider is critical for WordPress performance and security. Consider the following when choosing a host:

  • WordPress Optimization: Look for hosts offering one-click WordPress installation, automatic updates, and caching.
  • Uptime and Speed: Ensure the host guarantees at least 99.9% uptime and fast server response times.
  • Support: 24/7 customer support with WordPress expertise is essential.
  • Scalability: Choose a host that allows upgrading resources as your site grows.

Recommended providers include: - Bluehost: Affordable and beginner-friendly with one-click WordPress installation. - SiteGround: Known for speed, security, and excellent support. - WP Engine: Premium managed hosting for high-traffic sites.

Installation Methods

There are two primary ways to install WordPress: one-click installation and manual installation. Both methods are covered below.

Method 1: One-Click Installation

Most hosting providers offer a one-click installation process, ideal for beginners. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Log in to Your Hosting Account:
  2. Access your hosting provider’s control panel (e.g., cPanel, Plesk).

  3. Locate the “WordPress” or “Website” section.

  4. Select WordPress Installer:

  5. Find tools like Softaculous, Installatron, or the host’s proprietary WordPress installer.

  6. Click “Install WordPress” or a similar option.

  7. Configure Installation Settings:

  8. Domain: Choose the domain or subdomain where WordPress will be installed.
  9. Directory: Leave blank for installation at the root (e.g., example.com) or specify a folder (e.g., example.com/blog).
  10. Site Name and Description: Enter your website’s name and tagline.
  11. Admin Credentials: Set an admin username, password, and email. Use a strong password (e.g., 12+ characters with letters, numbers, and symbols).

  12. Database: Most installers create a database automatically. If prompted, note the database name, username, and password.

  13. Install WordPress:

  14. Click “Install” and wait for the process to complete (usually a few minutes).

  15. You’ll receive a confirmation with your site URL (e.g., example.com) and admin URL (e.g., example.com/wp-admin).

  16. Log in to WordPress:

  17. Visit the admin URL and log in with your credentials.
  18. You’re now in the WordPress dashboard, ready to customize your site.

Method 2: Manual Installation

Manual installation gives you more control and is useful if your host doesn’t offer one-click installation or if you need a custom setup.

  1. Download WordPress:

  2. Visit wordpress.org and download the latest WordPress version (a .zip file).

  3. Create a Database:

  4. Log in to your hosting control panel and find the “Databases” or “MySQL Databases” section.
  5. Create a new database (e.g., wp_database).
  6. Create a database user and password, then assign the user to the database with full privileges.

  7. Note the database name, username, and password.

  8. Upload WordPress Files:

  9. Unzip the WordPress file on your computer.
  10. Use an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla) to connect to your server.

  11. Upload the WordPress files to the desired directory:

    • For root installation (example.com), upload to the public_html folder.
    • For a subdirectory (example.com/blog), create a folder (e.g., blog) and upload files there.

  12. Run the Installation Script:

  13. In a web browser, visit your site’s URL (e.g., example.com or example.com/blog).

  14. WordPress will prompt you to select a language and proceed to the installation page.

  15. Configure wp-config.php:

  16. Enter your database details (name, username, password, and host, usually localhost).

  17. WordPress generates a wp-config.php file. If prompted, copy the provided code, create a wp-config.php file in the WordPress root directory, and paste the code.

  18. Complete Installation:

  19. Enter your site title, admin username, password, and email.
  20. Click “Install WordPress” to finish.
  21. Log in at example.com/wp-admin with your credentials.

Post-Installation Setup

After installing WordPress, configure the following to optimize your site:

  1. Choose a Theme:
  2. Go to Appearance > Themes in the dashboard.
  3. Install a free theme (e.g., Astra, OceanWP) or upload a premium theme.

  4. Customize the theme via Appearance > Customize.

  5. Install Essential Plugins:

  6. SEO: Yoast SEO or Rank Math for search engine optimization.
  7. Security: Wordfence or iThemes Security to protect your site.
  8. Performance: WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache for speed optimization.

  9. Backups: UpdraftPlus for regular backups.

  10. Configure General Settings:

  11. Go to Settings > General to set your site title, tagline, and timezone.

  12. Update the site language and date format.

  13. Set Permalinks:

  14. Go to Settings > Permalinks and choose a SEO-friendly structure (e.g., “Post name” for URLs like example.com/sample-post).

  15. Create Essential Pages:

  16. Create pages like Home, About, Contact, and Privacy Policy via Pages > Add New.

  17. Set the homepage under Settings > Reading.

  18. Secure Your Site:

  19. Enable HTTPS by installing an SSL certificate through your hosting provider.
  20. Update the admin password and avoid using “admin” as the username.
  21. Limit login attempts with a plugin like Login LockDown.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

  • Database Connection Error: Verify database name, username, password, and host in wp-config.php.
  • White Screen of Death: Check for plugin/theme conflicts or increase PHP memory limit in wp-config.php (e.g., define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');).
  • File Upload Issues: Ensure correct file permissions (755 for folders, 644 for files) via FTP.

Conclusion

Installing WordPress is straightforward with one-click installers, but manual installation offers greater control. By following this guide, you can set up a WordPress site tailored to your needs. Post-installation configuration, such as themes, plugins, and security settings, ensures your site is functional and secure. With WordPress installed, you’re ready to explore its vast ecosystem and build a professional website.