6 Easy Steps to Install WordPress

The Power of WordPress: Easy Installation and Customization

WordPress, a globally renowned content management system (CMS), has earned the trust of numerous leading brands worldwide. Its widespread popularity can be attributed to its straightforward installation process and user-friendliness. This article will guide you through the steps of installing WordPress and provide valuable insights into optimizing your website’s performance.

Why Opt for WordPress for Your Website?

WordPress (WP) stands out as a premier CMS choice, backed by compelling reasons. With a staggering 40% of the internet powered by WP, it boasts an impressive user base, including giants like BBC America, PlayStation, TED Blog, The Walt Disney Company, and Skype.

Beyond its broad user adoption, WP is free. While you’ll need to invest in a domain name and hosting plan to take your website live, the CMS itself is available for download and use at no cost, thanks to its General Public License (GPL). Under this license, you have the liberty to:

1. Utilize the software for various purposes, including commercial ventures.
2. Distribute the software, along with any derived works, without financial obligations or permission requests.
3. Modify the software and share your enhancements.
4. Share the software’s source code openly.

WordPress is not only free in terms of cost but also in terms of creative freedom.

Customization sets WP apart in a league of its own. It empowers you to personalize your website’s theme, fonts, homepage layout, scrolling functionality, featured images, logos, background images, login pages, display avatars, and almost any other element you can imagine. With some practice, you can craft a unique website that stands out amidst your niche competitors.

No technical expertise is required to embark on your WP journey. Countless successful WordPress website owners have no coding skills whatsoever. Furthermore, WP seamlessly integrates with an extensive library of plugins, granting you the ability to enhance your site’s functionality with a few clicks.

Lastly, the versatility of a WordPress website knows no bounds. Whether you aspire to start a blog, establish an online store, create a business website, offer online courses, or explore various other possibilities, WordPress is up to the task. In 2017, global ecommerce sales reached an estimated $23.8 trillion, with projections pointing towards continued growth. WP presents an opportunity to claim your share of this lucrative ecommerce landscape.

The Cost of Installing WordPress

As previously mentioned, installing WordPress itself is cost-free, but there are expenses associated with launching your website.

1. Web Hosting

Unlike standalone applications like Microsoft Word, WordPress requires a web host to store your website’s code, HTML, CSS, images, and other components for online accessibility. Opting for a web host recommended by WordPress, such as Bluehost, DreamHost, or SiteGround, is a safe choice. However, numerous hosting options are available, and we suggest referring to our “Best WordPress Hosting Services” post for comprehensive guidance.

Web hosting plans can start as low as $2.59 per month for basic packages, ensuring affordability tailored to your needs.

2. Domain Name

A domain name serves as your website’s address, enabling visitors to find your site. Domain prices typically commence at $9 per year, and many web hosts offer complimentary domain names as part of their plans. You also have the option to purchase a domain from your chosen web host.

With these prerequisites in place, you’re prepared to download and install WordPress. The installation process involves the following steps:

6 Simple Steps to Install WordPress

Installing WordPress is more straightforward than you might think and doesn’t require extensive technical knowledge.

1. Select a Web Host

Choosing a reliable web host is crucial for your website’s performance. We strongly recommend Nexcess as your hosting provider due to its affordability and exceptional managed WordPress hosting plans. With managed hosting, Nexcess takes on the responsibility of maintaining your website’s stability, allowing you to focus on its aesthetics and promotion.

Tasks you’d need to handle without managed hosting include managing traffic surges, updating WordPress core files, creating backups, maintaining plugin compatibility, monitoring security, and troubleshooting issues. Nexcess offers budget-friendly plans starting at just $12.67 per month.

While we’ll guide you through the process using Nexcess, the steps remain consistent regardless of your chosen web host.

2. Download WordPress

Retrieve the latest version of WordPress, which is WordPress 5.7 at the time of writing, from the official website. Unzip the downloaded files and store them in an easily accessible location on your computer.

3. Create a MySQL Database

A MySQL database serves as the repository for your website’s files on the server. If you’re using Nexcess, access the Nexcess control panel (SiteWorks) to create your MySQL database.

After logging in, navigate to Hosting Features > MySQL > Databases in the main menu. Enter a name for your database, such as “WordPress,” ensuring it contains no special characters or spaces (use underscores if necessary). Tick the “Create User” box and establish login credentials. Permissions are usually enabled by default in SiteWorks.

Your newly created database will be listed in the “Existing Databases” section.

4. Transfer WordPress Files to the MySQL Database

To proceed, upload the WordPress files into the MySQL database created earlier. Ensure you transfer the actual files within the WP folder, not the entire folder.

For a hassle-free file transfer, employ an FTP program like Cyberduck or WinSCP. In this example, we’ll use WinSCP for Windows. This file transfer client encrypts files during transfer, reducing the risk of interference from bots, malware, or hackers.

Begin by downloading a file transfer client, such as the free WinSCP. Install and launch the program to initiate the transfer process. Click “New” from the startup menu and complete the following fields:

• Host name: Your domain name or website name.
• Username and Password: Credentials for the server, identical to those used for your hosting account.
• Port: Enter 24.

Click “Login” after entering your details. You may encounter an alert about connecting to a remote machine; click “Yes” to proceed. Now, you’re connected to your Nexcess server, ready to drag and drop files from your computer into the WordPress folder within the MySQL database from the previous step. Remember to transfer the contents of the WordPress folder, not the entire folder itself.

5. Execute the Installation

Open a new browser window and enter your domain name in the following format:

6. Complete the Installation

After entering your WordPress URL, you’ll encounter the WordPress setup page. Select your preferred language and click “Continue.”

Next, fill in the essential fields, including your site title, username, password, and email address. You can leave the site title blank if you haven’t decided on one yet.

The “Search Engine Visibility” option at the bottom determines whether your site appears in search engine results. If you want your website to be discoverable on search engines, leave this option unchecked.

Click “Install WordPress,” and you’ll receive a confirmation message on your screen, signaling the successful installation.

Now, you can log in to your account and embark on the journey of building your website.

What Comes Next?

After completing the WordPress installation, several crucial steps remain to create a successful website:

Create Your Site Title

Your site title plays a pivotal role in conveying your website’s purpose to both users and search engines. It appears in search engine results when users search for relevant keywords. Choose a site title that accurately reflects your website’s content. Remember that your site title doesn’t necessarily have to match your URL precisely; it can be adjusted later if needed.

In conclusion, WordPress offers a wealth of opportunities for website creation, with its user-friendly installation process, extensive customization capabilities, and compatibility with a myriad of plugins. By investing in quality web hosting and a domain name, followed by following the straightforward installation steps, you can unlock the full potential of WordPress to craft a unique and successful online presence.