WordPress has evolved from a simple blogging platform into one of the most popular and powerful Content Management Systems (CMS) used by millions of websites worldwide. A CMS is a software application that enables users to create, manage, and modify digital content without requiring extensive technical knowledge. It simplifies the process of website creation, allowing individuals and businesses to focus on their content and design without the need for coding expertise.
Benefits of Using WordPress:
User-Friendly:
WordPress offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users. With its easy-to-navigate dashboard, creating and managing content becomes a breeze.
Flexibility and Customization:
WordPress offers a vast library of themes and plugins that allow you to customize your website’s appearance and functionality to suit your specific needs.
Community and Support:
The WordPress community is robust, providing ample support through forums, tutorials, and online resources. If you encounter any issues during installation or usage, you can quickly find assistance from other users or experts.
SEO-Friendly
WordPress is designed with search engine optimization (SEO) in mind, helping your website rank higher in search engine results and attracting more organic traffic.
Responsive Design
WordPress websites are built with responsive design principles, ensuring they look and perform well on various devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
Now, let’s delve into two methods of installing WordPress:
Installing WordPress Through Your Hosting’s One Click Install Tool:
Step 1: Log in to your Web Hosting Control Panel:
Access your web hosting provider’s control panel by visiting your hosting account’s URL and entering your login credentials.
Step 2: Locate Softaculous:
Once logged in, navigate to the section or tab labeled “Softaculous” within the control panel. Softaculous is a popular one-click installer that simplifies the installation process for various applications, including WordPress.
Step 3: Search for WordPress:
In the Softaculous interface, locate the WordPress icon or search for “WordPress” using the search bar.
Step 4: Fill in Details:
Click on the WordPress icon and provide the necessary details, such as the desired username, email address, and website title. Choose the installation directory (usually “public_html” for the main domain) if you have multiple websites on the same hosting account.
Step 5: Complete the Installation:
Once you have filled in the required information, click the “Install” button. Softaculous will automatically install WordPress, and you’ll receive a confirmation message once the process is complete.
Manual Installation of WordPress:
If you prefer a hands-on approach or don’t have access to one-click installers, you can alternatively manually install. It requires a few more steps, but it’s relatively straightforward and allows you to learn and further customize your installation.
Step 1: Download WordPress:
Visit the official WordPress website at wordpress.org/download and download the latest version of WordPress in ZIP format to your computer.
Step 2: Upload to Website via cPanel/File Manager:
Log in to your web hosting control panel (cPanel) and access the “File Manager” tool. Navigate to the “public_html” directory (your primary directory may be named different, or choose a different directory to install WordPress in).
Step 3: Extract the WordPress ZIP file:
Upload the downloaded ZIP file to the desired directory and extract its contents by clicking or right-clicking on the file and selecting “Extract” or “Unzip.”
Step 4: Move WordPress Files to Main Directory:
After extracting, you may find a new folder named “wordpress.” Enter this folder, select all files, and move them to the one directory above (usually “public_html”).
Step 5: Create a MySQL Database and User:
In cPanel, locate and access the “MySQL Database Wizard” tool. Create a new database, a new user, and assign the user to the database, making sure to note down the username and password for the next step.
Step 6: Complete WordPress Installation
Open your web browser and visit your website’s URL (e.g., yourwebsite.com). You will be prompted to begin the WordPress installation process. Enter the required details, including database name, username, and password. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Summary
WordPress is an incredibly versatile and user-friendly CMS that empowers individuals and businesses to build impressive websites without any previous website or coding knowledge. By using Softaculous for a quick one-click installation or opting for manual installation through cPanel, you can embark on your WordPress journey and create a stunning online presence in no time. Explore the vast possibilities that WordPress offers and unleash your creativity to design a website that truly represents you or your brand!
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