This is part 2 of a 4-part series on setting up a self-hosted WordPress Website and/or Blog.
Many people avoid using WordPress simply because they aren’t sure how to install it on their web host. If you choose a host with an auto-installer or one-click option, set up is simple. If you have to install manually, the process takes a little longer, but still isn’t difficult. You’ll need a few tools and less than 30-60 minutes to get everything installed and ready to use.
Gather Your Tools
WordPress requires you to use an FTP program to manage your files. WordPress recommends using Filezilla client, though you can use any FTP client you wish. You’ll use this program to upload files to your web host straight from your desktop. You’ll need your web address and login information to connect the program to your host. Once connected, simply drag and drop files to and from your web host.
Next, you need WordPress itself. Download the file and unzip it. If you use Windows XP or later, right-click the file and choose “Extract All.” At this point, you’re ready to start the installation.
Auto-Installer and One-Click Installation
Login to your web host and look for an auto-installer option. Most use Fantastico or Simple Scripts. If you don’t see an auto-installer, check to see if your host has a one-click installation option. If it does have the latter, follow the prompts to complete the installation. It should take a few minutes at most.
For the auto-installer, click on the auto-installer option. The step-by-step installer takes you through the entire process and installs everything for you automatically. Once again, this should only take a few minutes.
Manual Installation
WordPress boasts the manual installation as taking only five minutes, but if you’re unfamiliar with using FTP, databases and cPanel, it could take much longer. Follow the next steps carefully and you’ll find that you don’t need to be a web expert to manually install a basic WordPress site. As a side note, the steps will vary slightly based upon your web host. Check your host’s help section for host specific steps if the following don’t line up with the options you have.
Most hosts that support WordPress also use cPanel, so the next steps involve using cPanel for installation. Log in to cPanel by typing “http://yourdomain.com/cpanel”. Click “MySQL Database Wizard” under Databases and enter a name for your database. Click “Next” and enter a username and password for your database. Click “Create User” and check “All Privileges.” Click “Next” and write down all database details in the review screen for future reference.
Open the extracted WordPress files on your desktop. Find “wp-config-sample.php” and rename it to “wp-config.php.” Open the file in any text editor, such as Notepad. Under “MySQL Settings,” fill in the following details that you set up in the previous step: DB_Name, DB_User, DB_Password and DB_Host. Save and close the file.
In your FTP client, open the main WordPress folder and move all of the contents to your web host in the appropriate directory. Don’t just drag and drop the main folder. You must use the contents only. If WordPress is powering your entire site, drag it into the root directory. If you’re using it for a sub-section, such as a blog, drag the files into the sub-directory instead.
Open a new browser window and enter “http://yourdomain.com/wp-admin/install.php” if you moved WordPress to your root directory. If you used a sub-directory, enter “http://yourdomain.com/subdirectory/wp-admin/install.php.” Follow the step-by-step prompts to finish the installation.
If this sounds a little too complicated, make sure the web host you use has a WordPress auto-installer or one-click option.
If you find yourself stuck anywhere in the process, Art Schobey Interactive offers complete WordPress Design Services or WordPress training on-site in the Raleigh, NC metro area or anywhere in the USA or Canada over the phone.
Related Articles: