If you want to build your own website, blog, or online business, WordPress is one of the most popular and successful platforms in the world. More than 43% of websites on the internet are powered by WordPress because it is easy to use and has many benefits.
In this complete guide, you will learn how to install WordPress step by step, including installing WordPress on your hosting and your local computer.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is a Content Management System (CMS) that allows users to build websites without any coding knowledge.
It has thousands of themes and plugins that can be used to customize the design and functionality of the website.
Types of WordPress
There are two types of WordPress:
WordPress.org
It is the self-hosted version of WordPress that can be installed on your own hosting server.
WordPress.com
It is the hosted version of WordPress that has limited customization options.
For the best results, WordPress.org is the best option for building any website because it is best for SEO.
Requirements to Install WordPress
To install WordPress, you need three requirements.
1. Domain Name
A domain name is the address of your website.
For example:
yourwebsite.com
codingjourney.co.in
A good domain name should be:
Short
Easy to remember
Related to your website topic
2. Web Hosting
Web hosting is a server where your website files are stored.
For example:
Web hosting providers are:
Hostinger
Bluehost
SiteGround
Namecheap
Good web hosting helps improve your website speed, security, and ranking on Google.
3. SSL Certificate
SSL helps encrypt the communication between users and your website, along with HTTPS.
Benefits of SSL:
Improves security
Helps improve trust with users
Helps improve ranking on Google
Most web hosting providers offer a free SSL certificate.
Method 1: Installing WordPress Using cPanel (One-Click Install)
This is the easiest method of installing WordPress.
Step 1: Login to cPanel
To begin, you need to login to your account.
Step 2: Open Softaculous Installer
You need to open the cPanel in your account.
Then, open the Softaculous Apps Installer in your cPanel.
Next, click on WordPress.
Step 3: Click Install
Next, click on Install.
Step 4: Configure Website Settings
You need to enter your details:
Choose Protocol
You need to select HTTPS.
Choose Domain
You need to select your domain.
Site Name
You need to enter your site name.
Example:
Coding Journey
Site Description
Example:
Learn Coding, Cybersecurity, AI, and Web Development.
Step 5: Create Admin Account
Admin Username
Strong Password
Admin Email
These details are required to login to the WordPress dashboard.
Step 6: Install WordPress
Click Install.
In a matter of seconds, WordPress will be installed.
Two links will be displayed:
Website URL
Admin URL
Example:
yourdomain.com
yourdomain.com/wp-admin
Method 2: Manual Installation of WordPress
Manual installation is required when the hosting provider does not allow auto installation.
Step 1: Download WordPress
Go to the official website:
wordpress.org
Download the latest version of WordPress.
Step 2: Upload WordPress Files
Login to your hosting File Manager via FTP.
Upload the WordPress ZIP file to:
public_html
Unzip the ZIP file.
Step 3: Create Database
Go to cPanel → MySQL Database.
Create:
Database Name
Database User
Password
Add the user to the database with all privileges.
Step 4: Start Installation
Open your website in your browser.
Example:
yourdomain.com
Choose your language and click Continue.
Step 5: Enter Database Details
Enter:
Database Name
Database Username
Password
Database Host (usually localhost)
Click Submit.
Step 6: Complete Installation
Enter the following information:
Site Title
Username
Password
Email
Click Install WordPress.
Your WordPress website is now ready.
How to Install WordPress Locally on Your Computer
Some developers install WordPress locally on their computers to test themes, plugins, or build a website and then upload it online.
Local WordPress Installation is the term used when you install WordPress locally.
To install WordPress locally, you can choose any of the following:
XAMPP
WAMP
LocalWP
MAMP (For Mac Computers)
We will install WordPress locally using the XAMPP tool because it is the most popular tool.
Install WordPress Locally Using XAMPP
Step 1: Download XAMPP
Visit the official website:
Download the XAMPP package for:
Windows
Linux
Mac
Step 2: Starting Apache and MySQL
To start, open XAMPP Control Panel.
Next, start these services:
Apache
MySQL
These services are needed to run a web server on your computer.
Step 3: Download WordPress
To download WordPress:
wordpress.org
Download the WordPress ZIP file.
Next, extract the folder.
Step 4: Copy WordPress Files
To continue, copy the WordPress folder.
Next, copy it to the XAMPP directory:
xampp/htdocs
For example:
htdocs/wordpress
Step 5: Create Database
To create a database:
localhost/phpmyadmin
Next, click on “New.”
Create a database.
For example:
wordpress_db
No tables are needed since WordPress will create its own tables.
Step 6: Run WordPress Installer
Now open your browser and go to the following URL:
localhost/wordpress
You will now be taken to the WordPress installation page.
Step 7: Enter Database Details
Enter the following details:
Database Name: wordpress_db
Username: root
Password: Leave it blank
Database Host: localhost
Click on “Submit.”
Step 8: Complete Installation
Enter the following details:
Site Title
Username
Password
Email
Click on “Install WordPress.”
This will install WordPress locally.
You can access WordPress at the following URL:
localhost/wordpress/wp-admin
Important Settings After Installing WordPress
There are a number of important settings that you should be aware of.
Change Permalink Structure
To change your permalink structure:
Go to:
Settings → Permalinks
Select Post Name.
Example URL:
yourwebsite.com/how-to-install-wordpress
SEO-friendly URLs improve Google ranking.
Install SEO Plugin
SEO plugins are useful for optimizing your website for search engines.
Popular SEO plugins are:
Rank Math
Yoast SEO
All in One SEO
As you are already using Rank Math, it is recommended.
Install Essential Plugins
Essential plugins are:
Security
Wordfence Security
Speed
LiteSpeed Cache
Backup
UpdraftPlus
SEO
Rank Math
Tips to Rank Your WordPress Website on Google
You have installed WordPress successfully, but it is just the beginning!
Publish High Quality Content
Publish articles related to your niche.
Use Target Keywords
Insert your keywords in:
Title
Headings
URL
Meta Description
Keyword example:
how to install WordPress
Improve Website Speed
A fast website is essential for ranking high.
How to improve website speed:
Using lightweight themes
Enabling caching
Optimizing images
Building Backlinks
Backlinks are essential for increasing domain authority.
Where to create backlinks:
Medium
Quora
LinkedIn
Guest blogging
Forums
Submit Sitemap to Google
Use Google Search Console for this purpose.
For example:
yourdomain.com/sitemap_index.xml
This will help you in faster crawling by Google.
Conclusion
WordPress is one of the most powerful tools for creating a website. Whether you install WordPress on your hosting or locally on your PC, it takes only a few minutes for WordPress installation.
Once you install WordPress on your domain or locally on your PC, you can concentrate on SEO, content creation, and website optimization for better rankings on Google. WordPress can help you in creating a successful website with a proper strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the definition of WordPress Installation?
WordPress Installation is the process of setting up the content management system WordPress on a server or computer for the purpose of building a website.
2. How much time does it take to install WordPress?
It takes 1-5 minutes to install WordPress using a one-click installer such as Softaculous.
3. Can I install WordPress as a beginner?
Yes, a beginner can easily install WordPress using cPanel, Softaculous, or XAMPP without any coding skills.
4. How do I install WordPress on localhost?
You can easily install WordPress on localhost using tools such as XAMPP, WAMP, and LocalWP.
5. Is WordPress free to install?
Yes, the software is free to download and install from the official WordPress website at wordpress.org.
6. What are the requirements for installing WordPress?
You need:
Domain name
Web hosting
Database (MySQL)
PHP support
7. Can I install WordPress without hosting?
Yes, you can install WordPress locally using XAMPP or WAMP.
8. What is the easiest way to install WordPress?
The easiest way to install WordPress is by using the one-click installation method via Softaculous in cPanel.
9. What is the WordPress admin login URL?
The WordPress admin login URL is:
yourdomain.com/wp-admin
10. Can I move WordPress from localhost to live server?
Yes, it is possible to migrate WordPress from localhost to a live server using WordPress migration plugins.
11. Which software is best for WordPress installation on localhost?
The software used for WordPress installation on localhost is:
WAMP
LocalWP
MAMP
12. Do I need coding knowledge to install WordPress?
No, coding knowledge is not required for WordPress installation.
13. What database does WordPress use?
WordPress uses MySQL or MariaDB databases.
14. Can WordPress run on Windows?
Yes, WordPress can run on Windows, Linux, and Mac using local servers.
15. Why do we need to install WordPress locally?
Local WordPress installation is required by developers to test themes, plugins, and design before making them publicly available online.
16. What is XAMPP in the installation of WordPress?
It is the server software required to run WordPress on your computer.
17. Is WordPress good for SEO?
Yes, it is good for SEO and has plugins like Rank Math and Yoast.
18. How do I secure my WordPress installation?
You can secure your WordPress installation by:
Installing security plugins
Using strong passwords
Updating your plugins and themes
19. Can I install multiple WordPress sites on localhost?
Yes, you can install multiple WordPress websites by creating separate folders in the htdocs folder.
20. What do I do after the installation of WordPress?
After the installation of WordPress, the following are the steps to be taken:
Installing SEO plugins
Changing the permalink settings
Installing a theme
Start publishing content
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