How to Install WordPress – Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world, powering over 40% of websites globally. Its ease of use, flexibility, and thousands of plugins make it the top choice for beginners and professionals alike. If you want to create your website quickly, the first step is installing WordPress on your hosting account. In this guide, we will show you how to install WordPress step by step, whether you are a complete beginner or looking to improve your setup.
Step 1: Choose the Right Web Hosting Provider
Before installing WordPress, you need a reliable hosting provider. The hosting provider stores your website files on a server so that visitors can access your site online. Popular hosting providers that offer WordPress-friendly plans include:
Bluehost – Recommended by WordPress.org, beginner-friendly.
Hostinger – Affordable hosting with one-click WordPress installation.
SiteGround – High performance and excellent support.
Namecheap – Budget-friendly with WordPress support.
Tip: Always choose a plan labeled WordPress Hosting, as it is optimized for WordPress performance.
Step 2: Log in to Your Hosting Account
After purchasing hosting, log in to your account using your credentials. Most hosting providers provide a control panel (cPanel) where you can manage your website, domains, email accounts, and more.
Go to your hosting provider’s website.
Click Login and enter your username and password.
Open cPanel or dashboard, depending on your host.
Step 3: Use the One-Click WordPress Installer
Most hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installers, which simplify the installation process. Look for:
Softaculous Apps Installer
WordPress Manager
Auto-Installer
Steps:
Click the WordPress icon in your dashboard.
Select Install to start the process.
Step 4: Configure Your WordPress Settings
Before installation, you need to fill in important fields:
Choose Protocol: Select
http://orhttps://. Use HTTPS if SSL is installed for security.Select Domain: Choose the domain where WordPress will be installed.
Site Name & Tagline: Add your website name and a brief tagline describing your site.
Admin Username & Password: Create a strong username and password to protect your website.
Admin Email: Enter a valid email to receive notifications and password resets.
Tip: Avoid using “admin” as your username.
Step 5: Choose Plugins and Themes (Optional)
Some installers allow you to select default plugins or themes during installation. You can skip this step and install them later from the WordPress dashboard.
Step 6: Complete the Installation
Click Install and wait a few seconds.
The installer will finish automatically and display a success message.
You will see your WordPress admin URL — usually:
https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin
Step 7: Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard
Open your WordPress admin URL in a browser.
Enter the username and password you created during installation.
Once logged in, you will see the WordPress dashboard, where you can manage content, install themes, add plugins, and customize your site.
Step 8: Secure and Optimize Your WordPress Site
Install security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri.
Keep WordPress, plugins, and themes updated regularly.
Enable SSL to encrypt data and improve trustworthiness.
Consider a caching plugin to speed up your website.