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Installing WordPress on an empty site can seem intimidating, especially if you’re not familiar with web hosting or FTP. However, with a little bit of guidance, you can have your new WordPress site up and running in no time! In this article, we’ll go over two different methods for installing WordPress: manually uploading files via FTP, and using the setup wizard in cPanel.
Prerequisites
Before you start, you’ll need a few things:
- A domain name: This is the web address that people will use to access your site. If you don’t have one yet, you can purchase one through a domain registrar like Google Domains, GoDaddy or Namecheap.
- Web hosting: In order to run WordPress, you’ll need a place to store your files and database. This is where web hosting comes in. There are many hosting providers to choose from, such as Bluehost, HostGator, and SiteGround. Just make sure you choose a hosting plan that meets the requirements for WordPress.
- FTP client: FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is a way to transfer files between your computer and your web server. You’ll need an FTP client, such as FileZilla or Cyberduck, to upload your WordPress files to your hosting account.
Method 1: Installing WordPress via FTP
Installing WordPress via FTP (File Transfer Protocol) allows you to manually upload the WordPress files to your web hosting account, giving you more control over the installation process. This method is especially useful if you’re having trouble using the setup wizard in cPanel, or if you just prefer a more hands-on approach.
Step 1: Download WordPress
The first step in installing WordPress via FTP is to download the latest version of WordPress from the WordPress.org website. To do this, visit the site and click the “Download WordPress” button. This will download a zip file containing all of the WordPress files and directories to your computer.
Step 2: Extract the WordPress Files
Next, extract the contents of the zip file to a folder on your computer. This will create a folder called “wordpress” that contains all of the WordPress files and directories.
Step 3: Connect to Your Web Host
Open your FTP client and enter your web host’s FTP information. This should include the hostname, username, and password, which you can usually find in your hosting account’s control panel or welcome email.
Step 4: Upload the WordPress Files
Once you’re connected to your web host, navigate to the folder where you want to install WordPress. This is usually the “public_html” or “www” folder.
Next, select the “wordpress” folder and all of its contents, and drag them to the remote server. This will begin the upload process, which may take a few minutes depending on your internet connection and the size of the WordPress files.
Step 5: Create a MySQL Database
In order for WordPress to work, you’ll need to create a MySQL database for it to use. Most hosting providers have a tool in their control panel for creating databases, such as cPanel’s MySQL Database Wizard.
Follow the prompts to create a new database, and make note of the database name, username, and password. You’ll need this information in the next step.
Step 6: Run the WordPress Installer
Once the upload is complete, visit your domain name in a web browser. This will launch the WordPress installer, which will guide you through the rest of the installation process.
Enter the database name, username, and password that you created in the previous step, and follow the prompts to finish setting up your site.
Finishing the Installation Process
Once you’ve entered the database name, username, and password that you created earlier, click the “Submit” button to finish the installation process. WordPress will now create the necessary database tables and configure your site. This process may take a few minutes, depending on the speed of your hosting account and internet connection.
Once the installation is complete, you’ll be given a success message and a link to your new WordPress site. Click the link to visit your site and log in with the username and password you created earlier.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install WordPress via FTP on your web hosting account. With a little bit of planning and patience, you’ll be well on your way to building a great WordPress site!
Method 2: Installing WordPress with the cPanel Setup Wizard
If you prefer a more streamlined approach to installing WordPress, most hosting providers offer a setup wizard in their control panel that can walk you through the process. Here’s how to use the cPanel setup wizard to install WordPress:
Step 1: Log in to cPanel
First, visit your hosting provider’s website and log in to your cPanel account. This is usually done by visiting a URL like “yourdomain.com/cpanel” and entering your login information.
Step 2: Find the WordPress Installer
Once you’re logged in to cPanel, look for a tool or icon labeled “WordPress” or “WordPress Installer.” This will typically be located in the “Software” or “Website” section of the control panel.
Step 3: Start the Installation Process
Click the WordPress installer icon to launch the installation wizard. You’ll be asked to choose a domain or subdomain to install WordPress on, and to enter some basic information about your site, such as the site title and admin username and password.
Step 4: Select Your Language and Preferences
Next, you’ll be asked to select your preferred language and some optional settings, such as whether to enable multisite and which WordPress theme to install. Make your selections and click “Continue.”
Step 5: Run the Installer
The setup wizard will now install WordPress on your site and create a MySQL database for it to use. This process may take a few minutes, depending on the speed of your hosting account and internet connection.
Once the installation is complete, you’ll be given a success message and a link to your new WordPress site. Click the link to visit your site and log in with the username and password you created earlier.
Additional Tips and Considerations for Installing WordPress
- Make sure you have a strong password for your WordPress admin account. This will help protect your site from unauthorized access and hacking attempts.
- Keep your WordPress installation up to date by regularly checking for and installing new updates. This is important for security and performance reasons.
- Consider using a security plugin, such as Wordfence or Sucuri, to help protect your site from threats.
- If you run into any issues during the installation process, don’t hesitate to contact your hosting provider for assistance. Most hosting companies offer 24/7 support for their customers.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install WordPress on an empty site using either the manual FTP method or the cPanel setup wizard. With a little bit of planning and patience, you’ll be well on your way to building a great WordPress site!
Conclusion
Installing WordPress on an empty site is a relatively straightforward process, whether you choose to upload the files manually via FTP or use the cPanel setup wizard. In either case, it’s important to follow the steps carefully and make sure you have all the necessary prerequisites, such as a domain name, web hosting, and an FTP client.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to get your WordPress site up and running in no time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you run into any issues along the way, and remember to keep your WordPress installation up to date to ensure the best performance and security for your site.
Additional Resources
- WordPress.org: The official website for WordPress, with downloads, documentation, and support resources.
- cPanel: A web-based control panel for managing hosting accounts, with tools for creating databases, installing software, and more.
- FTP clients: Software programs for transferring files between your computer and a web server, such as FileZilla and Cyberduck.
- Domain registrars: Companies that sell domain names, such as Google Domains, GoDaddy, and Namecheap.
- Web hosting providers: Companies that offer hosting services, such as Bluehost, HostGator, and SiteGround.
