Introduction
How to install WordPress step by step.Installing WordPress is one of the first important steps when creating a self-hosted WordPress website.
The process may sound technical when you’re new, but most modern hosting providers make WordPress installation relatively simple.
In many cases, you can install WordPress using an automated installer without manually uploading files or creating a database.
In this guide, we’ll explain the common ways to install WordPress and the basic steps you should follow after installation.
What You Need Before Installing WordPress
Before installing WordPress, you normally need:
- A domain name
- Web hosting
- Access to your hosting account
- An SSL certificate
- A database or automatic WordPress installer
Your domain is the address visitors use to find your website.
Your hosting provides the server where WordPress will run.
If you haven’t chosen hosting yet, read our guide on how to choose the best web hosting for WordPress.
Choose Your WordPress Installation Method
There are several ways to install WordPress.
Automatic Installation
Many hosting providers offer a WordPress installer.
This is usually the easiest option for beginners.
The installer may automatically:
- Create the database
- Download WordPress
- Configure the installation
- Connect WordPress to your database
Manual Installation
You can also install WordPress manually.
This involves downloading WordPress, uploading the files to your server, creating a database and completing the installation through your browser.
Manual installation provides more control but requires additional technical knowledge.
For most beginners, the hosting provider’s automatic installer is the easiest choice.
Step 1: Log In to Your Hosting Account
First, log in to your hosting provider’s control panel.
The interface will depend on your hosting provider.
Look for an option such as:
- WordPress
- Install WordPress
- Website
- Applications
- Auto Installer
The exact wording can vary.
Step 2: Start the WordPress Installation
Select the option to install WordPress.
Your hosting provider may ask you to choose the domain where WordPress should be installed.
Select the correct domain.
Be careful if your hosting account contains multiple domains.
Step 3: Choose Your Website Address
Make sure WordPress is installed on the correct website address.
For most websites, you want WordPress installed on the main domain.
For example:
example.com
rather than:
example.com/wordpress
unless you specifically want WordPress installed in a subdirectory.
Step 4: Create Your WordPress Administrator Account
The installer will usually ask you to create an administrator username and password.
Choose a strong password.
Avoid simple usernames and passwords that are easy to guess.
Your administrator account provides access to important website settings, so protect it carefully.
Step 5: Enter Your Website Information
The installer may ask for information such as:
- Website name
- Website description
- Administrator email address
Use an email address that you regularly check.
Your WordPress website can use this address for important notifications and administrative messages.
Step 6: Complete the Installation
Review your settings and start the installation.
Your hosting provider should then install WordPress on your website.
The process may take a few moments.
When the installation is complete, you’ll normally receive information about your WordPress login.
Step 7: Log In to WordPress
Your WordPress administration area is normally available at:
yourdomain.com/wp-admin
For example:
example.com/wp-admin
Enter the administrator username and password you created during installation.
You’ll then see your WordPress dashboard.
Step 8: Check Your Website
After logging in, visit the front end of your website.
Check that:
- The website loads
- Your domain works
- HTTPS is working
- WordPress is accessible
- There are no obvious errors
If something doesn’t work, check your hosting settings before making unnecessary changes.
Step 9: Configure Basic WordPress Settings
After installation, go to:
Settings → General
Review:
- Site Title
- Tagline
- WordPress Address
- Site Address
- Administration Email Address
- Language
- Time Zone
Make sure these settings are correct.
Step 10: Set Your Permalink Structure
Go to:
Settings → Permalinks
Choose:
Post name
This creates cleaner URLs.
For example:
example.com/how-to-install-wordpress/
is easier to understand than a URL containing a post ID.
After changing the permalink setting, save the changes.
Step 11: Choose a WordPress Theme
The next step is choosing your website’s design.
Go to:
Appearance → Themes
You can install a free theme from the WordPress theme directory or upload a premium theme.
Choose a theme that is:
- Responsive
- Fast
- Easy to customize
- Regularly updated
- Compatible with your plugins
For more information, read our guide on how to choose a WordPress theme.
Step 12: Create Important Pages
Most websites need several basic pages.
Common examples include:
- Home
- About
- Contact
- Privacy Policy
- Terms and Conditions
Depending on your website, you may also need an Affiliate Disclosure or other pages.
Create these pages before launching your website publicly.
Step 13: Install Essential Plugins
Plugins can add useful functionality to WordPress.
Depending on your website, you may need plugins for:
- SEO
- Security
- Backups
- Performance
- Contact forms
- Analytics
Don’t install plugins simply because they are popular.
Only install plugins that provide features you actually need.
Step 14: Create Your Navigation Menu
Your navigation menu helps visitors find important areas of your website.
Include your most important pages and categories.
For example, a website about WordPress might have navigation links such as:
- Home
- WordPress
- Hosting
- Themes
- Plugins
- WooCommerce
- Blogging & SEO
Keep your navigation simple and easy to understand.
Step 15: Configure Your Homepage
WordPress can display either your latest blog posts or a static homepage.
If you’re building a business or content website, you may prefer a static homepage.
Go to:
Settings → Reading
Then choose your preferred homepage settings.
Make sure your homepage displays the content you want visitors to see.
Step 16: Set Up Your Site Identity
Add your:
- Site title
- Logo
- Favicon or site icon
- Tagline
A consistent site identity helps make your website look more professional.
Step 17: Make Sure HTTPS Is Working
Your website should normally use HTTPS.
Check that your website address begins with:
https://
rather than:
http://
If HTTPS isn’t working correctly, contact your hosting provider or check the SSL settings in your hosting account.
Step 18: Test Your Website on Mobile
Don’t check your website only on a desktop computer.
Open it on a mobile phone or use your browser’s responsive preview.
Check:
- Navigation
- Text size
- Buttons
- Images
- Page spacing
- Forms
Your website should be easy to use on smaller screens.
Step 19: Set Up Backups
Before adding lots of content, make sure you have a backup strategy.
Backups can help you recover your website if something goes wrong.
Your hosting provider may provide backups, and you can also use a suitable WordPress backup solution.
Understand where your backups are stored and how you would restore them.
Step 20: Keep WordPress Updated
WordPress regularly receives updates.
Themes and plugins also receive updates.
Keeping your website updated can help with:
- Security
- Compatibility
- Bug fixes
- New features
Before major changes, having a recent backup is a good practice.
Common WordPress Installation Mistakes
Using a Weak Administrator Password
Use a strong, unique password.
Using an Easy-to-Guess Username
Avoid predictable administrator usernames.
Installing Too Many Plugins Immediately
Install only what you need.
Ignoring HTTPS
Make sure SSL is configured correctly.
Forgetting Permalinks
Set a clean permalink structure before publishing lots of content.
Skipping Backups
Set up a backup strategy early.
Ignoring Mobile Users
Always check your website on mobile devices.
WordPress Installation Checklist
Before considering your installation complete:
☐ Domain connected
☐ Hosting active
☐ WordPress installed
☐ Administrator account created
☐ Strong password set
☐ HTTPS working
☐ Site title configured
☐ Permalinks configured
☐ Theme selected
☐ Important pages created
☐ Essential plugins installed
☐ Navigation configured
☐ Homepage configured
☐ Mobile version tested
☐ Backup strategy established
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WordPress difficult to install?
For most modern hosting providers, WordPress installation is relatively easy because automatic installers are available.
Can I install WordPress without coding?
Yes.
Most beginners can install WordPress without writing code.
Can I install WordPress manually?
Yes.
WordPress can be installed manually, although automatic installation is usually easier for beginners.
Where do I log in to WordPress?
The WordPress dashboard is commonly accessed through:
yourdomain.com/wp-admin
Do I need hosting before installing WordPress?
For self-hosted WordPress, yes. You normally need a hosting environment where WordPress can run.
Can I change my WordPress theme after installation?
Yes.
You can change your theme later, although you should test the new theme carefully before switching on a live website.
Conclusion
Installing WordPress is an important milestone when building a website.
The exact installation process depends on your hosting provider, but most beginners can use an automatic installer to get WordPress running quickly.
After installation, don’t immediately start adding dozens of plugins and changing everything.
Take some time to configure your basic settings, choose a suitable theme, create your important pages, set up backups and make sure your website works correctly on both desktop and mobile.
Once the foundation is ready, you can start creating useful content and growing your website.
A properly configured WordPress installation gives you a strong foundation for everything you build next.