In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to install WordPress on your new website at SiteGround with just a few clicks. WordPress is the most popular, easy to use content management system that powers over 30% of the internet. If you can use a word processing app such as Microsoft Word you’ll quickly get the hang of how to use WordPress.
If you don’t already have a domain name and a web host then please read the related article: Domain Names and Web Hosting.
Don’t want to watch the video? Read this instead:
Use this link when you create your SiteGround account to tell ‘em I sent you and claim your discount.
Choose the “Web Hosting” option as it’s fast and secure, costs less, and gives you more control over your site.
Yes, I know we said “WordPress” so we’ll get to that in a minute. It’s easy to install.
Consider the options and choose the one that suits you best.
If you only want one website then go for the “StartUp”. If you have multiple websites with lots of visitors then “GoGeek” will be your choice. The most popular option is “GrowBig”.
Go through the on-screen steps to set up your SiteGround hosting account. You’ll be offered an initial discount on your hosting package. The discount is for your first purchase so it’s a good idea to sign up for as long as you can manage. You’ll save the most with a 36-month package. Make a commitment to yourself and sign up for at least a year.
Then log in to your SiteGround account using the URL, username, and password that were sent to you in the welcome email and follow the prompts to add your website.
Install WordPress
Now you’ve got your website hosted at SiteGround it’s time to install WordPress.
Go to Websites, click on Site Tools then use the menu on the left to go to WordPress > Install & Manage.
The first option is for a plain and simple WordPress website and the second option is for a WordPress plus WooCommerce site.
If you want to create a shop style website then go with the WooCommerce. But this option will install tools that most new website owners are not going to need. So just select WordPress. You’ll still be able to install the WooCommerce plugin at a later time.
Fill out the form with your own info and make sure to create a strong password.
Leave the Installation Path as is to install WordPress in the root directory, that’s where it usually belongs.
Take the tick out of the “Install with WordPress Starter” option to just get a plain and simple installation of WordPress with only the default themes and plugins.
Accept or skip any add-ons and click on the Install button.
Give it a few minutes for the techie stuff to work then you’ll be able to log into your website by typing yourdomainname.com/wp-admin into your browser’s address bar.
This is what your WordPress admin dashboard looks like.
Visit yourdomainname.com in a new tab to see what your site looks like to the rest of the world.
Change the Theme
Now we’re going to set it up so it looks pretty good.
Go to Appearance > Themes > Add New, click on the search box and type in GeneratePress. It’s light-weight, easy to use, and very customizable.
Click Install and Activate.
Now have a look and see how the site has changed.
Much cleaner, neater, and ready to customize to suit your own style.
Install Wordfence Security Plugin
No one wants a hacked website. So go to Plugins > Add New and install the Wordfence security plugin and activate. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up Wordfence so it can protect your website from hackers.
SSL Certificate
We’re not quite finished yet. There’s another very important thing we need to do and that’s to install a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate.
From your SiteGround’s website tab click on Site Tools and use the menu on the left to navigate to Security > SSL Manager.
Select your domain name and choose Let’s Encrypt from the drop-down list. Click the Get button. Scroll down to the Actions button and click on Enforce HTTPS. And flick the switch.
It’s a Wrap
Congratulations! You’ve just created a new WordPress website with fast, secure hosting and a free SSL certificate.
You know how to install a new theme and add plugins.
Now get started writing some awesome content for your new website. And I’ll see you in the next video.
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