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. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to install WordPress on your new website with just a few clicks.
If you don’t already have a domain name and a web host then please read the related article: Domain Names and Web Hosting.
You’ll need to log into the control panel of your web host using the URL, username, and password that were sent to you in the welcome email.
Each hosting provider has their own method of installing WordPress. But, thankfully, these web hosts make it easy for you.
Learn how easy it is to create a new WordPress website to start blogging or set up an online business.
Table of Contents
Installing WordPress at SiteGround
Don’t want to watch the video? Here’s the text version.
Log into your SiteGround account and
Written Version
Watch this video to learn how to create a brand new website from scratch.
Marion here from Marion Black Online dot com.
In this video you’re going to learn how easy it is to create a new WordPress website to start blogging or set up an online business.
Domain Name
Your first step is to choose a domain name. You’ll want something that’s easy to remember, easy to spell, no hyphens or numbers, and doesn’t infringe on anyone else’s brand.
Use namemesh.com to help you find an awesome domain name.
And strive to get a dot com.
Create Your SiteGround Account
The next step is to get hosting for your new website at SiteGround.
Use the link below when you create your SiteGround account to tell ‘em I sent you.
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.
Then log into your SiteGround account and follow the prompts to add your website.
Install WordPress
Once 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. This option will install tools that most new website owners are not going to need.
So just select WordPress.
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 so we just get a plain and simple installation of WordPress with only the default themes and plugins.
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 your domainname.com/wp-admin into your browser’s address bar.
This is what your WordPress dashboard looks like.
And up here, right-click on that to open in a new tab to see what the site looks like to 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 let’s have a look and see how the site has changed.
Much cleaner, neater, and ready to change to suit your own style.
Install Wordfence security plugin
Next we’re going to go to Plugins > Add New and install 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 the 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 website with fast, secure hosting and an 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.
Installing WordPress at Bluehost
Use this link to create your Bluehost account.
Log in to your Bluehost control panel. Click on the My Sites tab from the side navigation bar to the left. Click Create New Site under the Helpful Links section. Enter Admin Information
Site Name: This will be the name displayed on your site. This is not the URL, but simply the name used on your site. Type in the reader-friendly version of your domain name.
Admin Email Address: This will be where your login information will be sent.
Admin Username: The desired login name for your application
Admin Password: The desired password for this application
The installer will take a couple of minutes to install your application.
Installing WordPress at DreamHost
Use this link to create your DreamHost account.
In the Websites panel
- Log into your panel and go to the Websites page.
- Find your website and press the Manage button.
- Scroll down to the WordPress section and select the blue Install button.
- Confirm the installation by pressing the Install WordPress button. Within 15 minutes, an email is sent to you at the primary email listed on your DreamHost account. This email details further steps to take to complete the installation.
Job done! Easy Peasy! You’ve now got a fully functioning WordPress website.
Now the fun begins!
Your tasks:
- Choose your preferred hosting provider and purchase a 12, 24, or 36 months package.
- Install WordPress on your new website.