Installing WordPress is easier than it was when this article was first published. Many hosts now provide automated installation, while WordPress.org also documents manual installation for people who need more control.
This guide covers both approaches and then focuses on the configuration steps that matter after WordPress is installed.
What You Need Before Installing WordPress
- A domain or temporary website address.
- Hosting that meets the current WordPress requirements.
- HTTPS/SSL support.
- A database when using a manual installation.
- Access to your hosting control panel or FTP/SFTP credentials.
WordPress.org currently lists PHP 8.3 or greater, MySQL 8.0 or MariaDB 10.11 or greater among the recommended requirements for the latest release.
Option 1: Install WordPress with Your Hosting Provider
For most beginners, this is the simplest method. Log in to your hosting control panel, find the WordPress installer, select the domain, create your administrator credentials and complete the installation.
The exact interface varies by host, so follow the provider’s current documentation rather than an old screenshot-based tutorial.
Option 2: Manual WordPress Installation
1. Download WordPress
Download the latest package from WordPress.org. Extract the ZIP file on your computer.
2. Create a Database
Create a MySQL or MariaDB database through your hosting panel. Keep the database name, username, password and host available for the installation wizard.
3. Upload the Files
Upload the WordPress files to the domain’s document root using FileZilla, SFTP or your hosting file manager. The directory name varies by provider and may be public_html, www or another location.
4. Open the Installation URL
Visit your domain. WordPress will ask for the database connection details and then guide you through creating the site and administrator account.
Essential WordPress Configuration After Installation
Set the Site Identity
Go to Settings and configure the site title, tagline, language and timezone. Use a clear site title that reflects the website’s purpose.
Configure Permalinks
Choose a clean URL structure suitable for your content. Avoid changing permalink structures after a site has accumulated search traffic unless you have a proper redirect plan.
Enable HTTPS
Verify that the website loads correctly over HTTPS. Update internal references and confirm that HTTP requests redirect correctly if your host manages the redirect.
Review Search Visibility
If the website is ready to be discovered, make sure search-engine visibility is configured appropriately. For a development site, keep it blocked until the site is ready.
Install Only Necessary Plugins
Avoid installing plugins simply because they are popular. Choose maintained plugins from trusted sources and remove plugins you do not need.
Choose and Configure a Theme
Select a maintained theme and configure navigation, typography, branding and responsive layouts. Test the site on mobile devices before publishing.
Security Checklist
- Use a unique administrator password.
- Enable multi-factor authentication where available.
- Keep WordPress, plugins and themes updated.
- Set up automated backups and periodically test restoration.
- Use HTTPS.
- Remove unused plugins and themes.
- Limit administrator accounts to people who need them.
SEO Checklist After Installation
- Set a clear site title and description.
- Configure your preferred permalink structure.
- Create useful navigation and category architecture.
- Verify XML sitemap availability.
- Connect Google Search Console and analytics when appropriate.
- Check robots.txt and indexability.
- Make sure important pages are internally linked.
Final Takeaway
The installation itself is only the beginning. A production-ready WordPress website needs correct hosting, HTTPS, backups, security updates, clean information architecture and appropriate search visibility settings. Use the automated installer when it fits your environment; use manual installation when you need more control.
Related: If you prefer manual deployment, see our guide to uploading WordPress with FileZilla.
