In this guide, we’ll explain how to install WordPress on your hosting account.

WordPress is one of the most popular website platforms and can be used to create blogs, business websites, online shops and many other types of websites.

Before Installing WordPress

Before you begin, make sure that:

• Your domain is pointing to your hosting account
• Your hosting account is active
• You know which domain or subdomain you want to use for WordPress
• You have access to your hosting control panel

If you already have a website installed on the domain, make sure you have a backup before installing WordPress.

Installing WordPress in cPanel

If your hosting account uses cPanel, WordPress can normally be installed using the WordPress management tools available in your control panel.

1. Log in to your cPanel account.
2. Locate the WordPress or WP Toolkit section.
3. Select the option to install WordPress.
4. Choose the domain where you would like WordPress to be installed.
5. Enter your website title.
6. Choose an administrator username.
7. Enter a strong administrator password.
8. Enter your administrator email address.
9. Review the installation settings.
10. Click Install.

The installation normally completes within a short time.

Installing WordPress in DirectAdmin

If your hosting account uses DirectAdmin, WordPress can normally be installed using the available application installer.

1. Log in to your DirectAdmin account.
2. Open the application installer or WordPress installation section.
3. Select WordPress.
4. Choose the domain where you want WordPress installed.
5. Enter your website title.
6. Choose an administrator username.
7. Enter a strong password.
8. Enter your administrator email address.
9. Review the installation settings.
10. Click Install.

Installing WordPress in a Folder

By default, WordPress is usually installed directly on your domain.

For example:

https://example.com

If you want WordPress installed inside a folder, you may be given the option to enter a directory.

For example, entering:

blog

would install WordPress at:

https://example.com/blog

If you want WordPress to load from the main domain, leave the directory field empty.

Choosing an Administrator Username

Avoid using obvious administrator usernames such as:

admin

Instead, choose something that is harder to guess.

For example:

davewebsite

or another unique username.

Choosing a Strong Password

Your WordPress administrator password should be:

• Long
• Unique
• Difficult to guess
• Different from passwords you use elsewhere

The installer may offer to generate a secure password automatically.

We recommend using this option.

Logging In After Installation

Once WordPress has been installed, you can normally log in at:

https://example.com/wp-admin

or:

https://example.com/wp-login.php

Replace example.com with your own domain name.

Enter the administrator username and password you created during installation.

After Installing WordPress

Once you have logged in, we recommend checking the following:

• Your WordPress version is up to date
• Your plugins are up to date
• Your theme is up to date
• HTTPS is enabled
• Your administrator email address is correct
• Any sample content you do not require is removed

You can then begin creating pages, installing themes and adding plugins.

Important

Do not install WordPress into a directory that already contains an existing website unless you understand that the existing files may be overwritten or affected.

Always create a backup before replacing an existing website.

Conclusion

WordPress can normally be installed directly from your hosting control panel in just a few steps.

Once the installation is complete, you can log in to the WordPress Dashboard and begin building your website.

If you have any difficulty installing WordPress, please log in to your hosting account and submit a support ticket for assistance.