WordPress : 4 Steps to Install and Setup Manually

What is WordPress

WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) that powers more than 40% of websites on the internet. Whether you want to create a blog, an online store, or a corporate website, WordPress is a flexible and user-friendly platform that can help you achieve your goals.

Prerequisites:

1. A domain name: You will need a domain name for your WordPress site. Make sure to choose a domain name that is easy to remember and relevant to your site.
2. Web hosting: You will need a web hosting provider to host your WordPress site. Make sure to choose a reliable and secure web hosting provider.
3. PHP version: WordPress requires a minimum PHP version of 7.4, but it’s recommended to use PHP 8.0 or higher.
4. MySQL version: WordPress requires a minimum MySQL version of 5.6 or MariaDB version 10.1, but it’s recommended to use MySQL 8.0 or higher.
5. FTP client: You will need an FTP client to upload WordPress files to your web host.

How to Install WordPress

Step 1: Choose a web host and domain name

The first step in installing WordPress is to choose a web hosting provider and a domain name. A web host is a company that provides server space where your website can be hosted, and a domain name is the web address that people use to access your website. There are many web hosting providers to choose from, including Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator.

Here is a list of popular WordPress hosting providers in 2023

Step 2: Download and install WordPress

Once you have chosen a web host and domain name, you can download and install WordPress. Many web hosts offer one-click WordPress installations, which make the process very easy. To install WordPress manually, follow these steps:

1. Download the latest version of WordPress from the official website.
2. Unzip the WordPress file and upload it to your web host using an FTP client or cPanel.
3. Create a MySQL database and user in your web host’s control panel.
4. Open the wp-config.php file and enter your database details.
5. Save the wp-config.php file and run the WordPress installation script by accessing your website’s URL.

Step 3: Set up WordPress

Once WordPress is installed, you can log in to the dashboard and start setting up your website. Here are some things you should do:

1. Choose a theme: WordPress comes with a default theme, but you can choose from thousands of free and premium themes that can change the look and feel of your website.
2. Install plugins: Plugins are small software programs that add functionality to your website. You can install plugins for things like SEO, security, social media sharing, and more.
3. Create pages: Pages are static content that don’t change often, such as an About page or a Contact page. You can create pages using the built-in WordPress editor.
4. Write posts: Posts are blog entries that are displayed in reverse chronological order on your website’s home page. You can write posts using the WordPress editor.
5. Customize settings: WordPress has many settings that you can customize to suit your needs, such as site title and tagline, permalinks, and comments.

Here is a list of top free WordPress Themes

Step 4: Maintain your website

Once your website is up and running, you will need to maintain it to keep it secure and up to date. Here are some things you should do:

1. Update WordPress: WordPress releases updates regularly that fix bugs and security issues. Make sure to update your WordPress installation when new updates are available.
2. Update plugins and themes: Like WordPress, plugins and themes also need to be updated regularly. Make sure to update them to the latest versions to ensure compatibility and security.
3. Back up your website: Back up your website regularly in case something goes wrong. You can use a plugin like UpdraftPlus to automate the backup process.
4. Secure your website: WordPress is a popular target for hackers, so it’s important to take steps to secure your website. You can use a plugin like Wordfence to add extra security measures.

Precautions

1. Choose a reputable web host: It’s important to choose a web host that has a good reputation for reliability and security. Make sure to do your research and read reviews before choosing a web host.
2. Use a strong password: When setting up your WordPress account, make sure to use a strong password that is difficult to guess. You can use a password generator to create a strong password and store it securely.
3. Keep your WordPress software up to date: WordPress releases updates regularly that fix bugs and security issues. Make sure to update your WordPress installation when new updates are available to ensure your site remains secure.
4. Use secure plugins and themes: Plugins and themes can add functionality to your site, but they can also introduce security vulnerabilities. Only use reputable and secure plugins and themes from trusted sources.
5. Limit login attempts: You can limit the number of login attempts to your WordPress account to prevent brute force attacks. You can use a plugin like Login Lockdown to limit login attempts.
6. Backup your website: Backing up your website regularly is important in case something goes wrong during the installation process or in the future. You can use a plugin like UpdraftPlus to automate the backup process.
7. Enable HTTPS: HTTPS is a secure version of HTTP that encrypts data sent between a user’s browser and a website. Enabling HTTPS on your WordPress site can help protect sensitive information and prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.