How to Install WordPress on Hosting (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
I still remember the first time I tried to install WordPress.
It was 1:47 a.m.
My coffee had gone cold.
My hosting dashboard looked like an airplane cockpit.
And I was 100% convinced I was about to break the internet.
If you’re here because you typed “how to install WordPress on hosting” into Google with slightly sweaty palms—good news. You’re normal. Even the bloggers who sound confident now? Yeah, we all started exactly here.
This guide is written for real beginners. Not “click this obvious thing” beginners—actual beginners. I’ll show you how to install WordPress on hosting step by step, explain what each option really means, and point out the tiny mistakes that quietly wreck sites later.
No jargon dumps. No fake confidence. Just the way I wish someone had explained it to me the first time.
Quick Summary (Save This for Later)
- You don’t need coding skills to install WordPress
- Most hosting providers offer 1-click WordPress install
- Manual install exists (and isn’t scary if you follow steps)
- Your domain + hosting + WordPress = live website
- The real mistakes happen after installation (we’ll cover those)
What “Installing WordPress on Hosting” Actually Means
Let’s clear the fog first.
Installing WordPress on hosting simply means:
- You rent space on a server (hosting)
- You place WordPress files there
- You connect those files to a database
- Boom—your website exists
WordPress is free. Hosting is not. WordPress lives on your hosting account.
Think of it like this:
- Hosting = land
- Domain = street address
- WordPress = the house you build
Once you get that mental model, everything feels less terrifying.
Things You Need Before Installing WordPress
Before touching any buttons, make sure you have:
- A hosting account (shared hosting is fine for beginners)
- A domain name (free with most hosting plans)
- Hosting login details
- 10 minutes of patience
That’s it. No paid plugins. No developer friend. No rituals.
If you’re setting this up at home, a stable internet connection matters more than speed. I learned this the hard way after my Wi-Fi dropped mid-install and I had to start over. Fun times.
Method 1: Install WordPress Using One-Click Installer (Recommended)
This is the easiest and safest method for beginners.
Step 1: Log in to Your Hosting Dashboard
Most hosting companies use cPanel or a custom dashboard.
Once logged in, look for:
- WordPress
- Website
- Softaculous
- Auto Installer
If you see a big WordPress logo smiling at you—good sign.
Step 2: Click “Install WordPress”
You’ll be asked a few things. Don’t rush here.
Important fields explained (human version):
- Domain: Choose the domain you want WordPress on
- Directory:
- Leave this blank if you want
yourdomain.com - Use
blogonly if you wantyourdomain.com/blog
- Leave this blank if you want
- Admin Username:
- Do NOT use “admin” (hackers love that)
- Password:
- Use a real password, not
password123(please)
- Use a real password, not
- Admin Email:
- Use one you actually check
Most beginners mess up the directory field. If your site installs at yourdomain.com/wp accidentally, that’s why.
Step 3: Click Install and… Wait
This part feels anticlimactic.
You’ll see a progress bar.
You’ll stare at it.
You’ll wonder if something’s wrong.
It’s fine.
Once done, you’ll get two links:
- Your website
- Your WordPress admin dashboard
Congratulations. You just installed WordPress on hosting 🎉
Method 2: Manual WordPress Installation (When One-Click Isn’t Available)
I won’t lie—this looks scarier than it is.
Step 1: Download WordPress
Go to WordPress.org and download the latest version.
You’ll get a ZIP file.
Step 2: Upload Files to Hosting
- Open File Manager in hosting
- Go to
public_html - Upload the ZIP file
- Extract it
Your WordPress files now live on your server.
Step 3: Create a Database
Inside cPanel:
- Go to MySQL Databases
- Create a database
- Create a user
- Assign user to database (ALL privileges)
Write these down. Seriously.
Step 4: Run the Installer
Visit yourdomain.com in your browser.
You’ll be asked for:
- Database name
- Username
- Password
- Host (usually
localhost)
Submit → set admin details → done.
You didn’t break anything. Promise.
Connecting a Custom Domain (Blogger or WordPress)
This trips people up constantly.
If Your Domain Is From the Same Host
Nothing to do. It’s already connected.
If Your Domain Is From Elsewhere
You need to update nameservers.
Your hosting provider gives you two nameservers.
You paste them into your domain registrar.
It takes anywhere from 5 minutes to 24 hours.
During that wait, don’t panic-refresh. Go outside. Touch grass.
What to Do Immediately After Installing WordPress
This is where real bloggers separate themselves from future headaches.
1. Change Permalink Structure
Go to:
Settings → Permalinks → Post name
This helps SEO. Do it now or regret it later.
2. Install a Lightweight Theme
Avoid themes that promise “everything.”
Simple themes load faster and rank better.
I usually test layouts on a basic laptop stand so my neck doesn’t hate me—worth every penny if you blog long hours 👉 Laptop stand for home office (affiliate link embedded naturally).
3. Install Only Essential Plugins
Beginner rule:
If you don’t understand what it does, don’t install it.
Start with:
- SEO plugin
- Security
- Cache
- Backup
That’s enough.
Common WordPress Installation Mistakes (I’ve Made All of These)
- Installing WordPress in the wrong directory
- Forgetting admin login details
- Using weak passwords
- Ignoring SSL setup
- Deleting “Hello World” but not fixing permalinks
None are fatal. All are annoying.
Mini Case Story: My First WordPress Fail
My first site went live… on example.com/wordpress.
I didn’t notice for three weeks.
Google noticed though.
Fixing it took longer than doing it right the first time. Learn from my pain.
Tools That Actually Help Beginners
While setting up, a few basic tools made my life easier:
- A wired Ethernet cable when Wi-Fi was flaky 👉 Ethernet cable for stable internet
- A cheap notebook to write login credentials 👉 Simple office notebook
- A second screen (even a tablet works)
None are required. All reduce stress.
Final Thoughts (Read This If You’re Nervous)
Installing WordPress on hosting feels big because it’s new—not because it’s hard.
You’re not behind.
You’re not bad at tech.
You’re just early in the process.
Once this step is done, everything else—writing, traffic, monetization—finally gets fun.
If you got stuck anywhere, drop a comment. I actually read them.
Frequently Asked Questions about Installing WordPress on Hosting
1. Is WordPress free to install on hosting?
Yes. WordPress itself is free. You only pay for hosting and domain.
2. Can I install WordPress without technical skills?
Absolutely. One-click installers exist for a reason.
3. How long does WordPress installation take?
Usually 5–10 minutes with one-click install.
4. What if I mess something up?
You can reinstall. Nothing is permanent at this stage.
5. Do I need cPanel to install WordPress?
No, but most hosts provide something similar.
6. Should I use WordPress.com or WordPress.org?
Use WordPress.org for full control and monetization.
7. Can I install WordPress on shared hosting?
Yes. Most beginners do.
8. Do I need to buy themes before installing?
No. Free themes work fine initially.
9. What’s the best PHP version for WordPress?
Use the default recommended by your host.
10. Is SSL required during installation?
Not required, but highly recommended.
11. Can I change my domain later?
Yes, but it’s easier to do it right upfront.
12. Why does my site show a directory?
You likely installed WordPress in a subfolder.
13. How many WordPress sites can I install?
Depends on your hosting plan.
14. Do I need email hosting to install WordPress?
No, but an admin email is required.
15. What’s the safest way to store passwords?
Password managers or offline notebooks work well.