How to Install WordPress: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Introduction

Are you ready to create your own website with WordPress? This step-by-step guide will show you how to install WordPress manually or with one-click installation on your hosting provider.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to:

• Choose the right hosting and domain
• Install WordPress using cPanel, Softaculous, or manually
• Configure essential settings for better performance and security

Let’s get started! 🚀

Step 1: Choose a Domain and Hosting

Before installing WordPress, you need two things:

1. Domain Name – Your website’s address (e.g., yourwebsite.com)
2. Web Hosting – A server to store your website files

Best WordPress Hosting Providers

✅ Bluehost – Beginner-friendly and officially recommended by WordPress.

✅ SiteGround – Fast, secure, and great customer support.

✅ Kinsta – Best for high-performance WordPress hosting.

✅ Hostinger – Affordable and reliable.

👉 Tip: Choose a hosting plan with one-click WordPress installation for an easy setup.

Step 2: Install WordPress (3 Methods)

Method 1: Install WordPress Using One-Click Install (Recommended)

Most hosting providers offer a one-click WordPress installation via Softaculous, cPanel, or other tools.

Follow these steps:

1. Log in to your hosting account.
2. Go to cPanel → Find Softaculous Apps Installer.
3. Click on WordPress → Select Install Now.
4. Fill in your site details:
   • Choose a domain
   • Set admin username & password
   • Set site name & tagline
5. Click Install and wait for completion.
6. Visit yourwebsite.com/wp-admin to log in!

✅ Easiest method for beginners!

Method 2: Install WordPress Manually (For Advanced Users)

If you prefer manual installation, follow these steps:

1. Download WordPress

• Visit WordPress.org and download the latest version.

2. Upload WordPress Files to Your Server

• Use FTP software (FileZilla) to upload the files to the public_html folder.

3. Create a MySQL Database

• Log in to cPanel → Go to MySQL Databases.
• Click Create Database → Note down the details.

4. Configure wp-config.php

• Rename wp-config-sample.php to wp-config.php.
• Open it and enter database details.

5. Run WordPress Installation

• Go to yourwebsite.com/wp-admin/install.php.
• Follow the setup wizard and complete the installation.

✅ Best for developers and manual control!

Method 3: Install WordPress on Localhost (For Testing)

Want to install WordPress on your computer before launching live? Use XAMPP or Local by Flywheel:

1. Download XAMPP or Local by Flywheel.
2. Install and start the Apache & MySQL servers.
3. Place WordPress files in the htdocs folder.
4. Create a local database in phpMyAdmin.
5. Run localhost/yourfolder to install WordPress.

✅ Best for development and testing!

Step 3: Configure WordPress Settings

After installation, make sure to set up your WordPress site properly.

1. General Settings

• Go to Settings → General.
• Set your Site Title & Tagline.
• Configure your timezone & date format.

2. Change Permalinks (For SEO)

• Go to Settings → Permalinks.
• Select Post Name (yoursite.com/sample-post) for SEO-friendly URLs.

3. Install Essential Plugins

• Yoast SEO – For better search rankings.
• Elementor – For drag-and-drop page building.
• WPForms – To create contact forms easily.
• Wordfence – For security and malware protection.

✅ These settings improve SEO, speed, and security!

Step 4: Secure & Optimize Your WordPress Site

1. Install an SSL Certificate (HTTPS)

Most hosting providers offer free SSL certificates via Let’s Encrypt.

2. Enable Automatic Updates

• Go to Dashboard → Updates → Enable Auto Updates.

3. Backup Your Site Regularly

• Use plugins like UpdraftPlus for automatic backups.

✅ Security & speed improvements make your site perform better!

FAQs About Installing WordPress

1. How long does it take to install WordPress?

• With one-click installation, it takes 5 minutes.
• Manual installation takes around 15-30 minutes.

2. Can I install WordPress for free?

• Yes! WordPress is free, but you need a domain & hosting.

3. Do I need coding skills to install WordPress?

• No! WordPress installation requires zero coding knowledge.

4. How do I access my WordPress admin panel?

• Visit yourwebsite.com/wp-admin and log in with your credentials.

5. Can I switch hosting providers after installation?

• Yes! You can migrate your WordPress site using plugins like All-in-One WP Migration.

Conclusion

Installing WordPress is quick and easy, especially with one-click installers. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced user, following this guide will help you set up your WordPress site the right way!

👉 Need help? Drop your questions in the comments below! 😊