WordPress Installation Tutorial
This is a WordPress installation guide for beginners: first prepare the domain and server, then choose the installation method based on shared hosting, VPS, or panel environment, and finally complete backend basic settings, themes, plugins, and go-live checks.
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Most WordPress installation failures are not due to WordPress itself being difficult, but because the domain, server, database, and permissions are not ready.
Prepare the following 5 items before starting. If any item is missing, complete it first; do not jump directly to the installation wizard.
Don't jump straight into manual installation steps. First, determine your hosting type and choose the path that is most convenient and least error-prone.
| Installation method | Who It's For | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| One-click installation from hosting control panel. | For users of SiteGround, Hostinger, shared hosting, etc. | Recommended. The control panel automatically creates the database and files, best for beginners. |
| Installation via panels like Baota/WP Panel. | For beginners who bought a VPS but don't want to type commands. | Suitable as an entry point to VPS; practice on a test site first. Baota users can continue withBaota Panel WordPress Installation Tutorial.。 |
| Manual upload of installation package. | For those who want to understand the relationship between WordPress files and the database. | Suitable for learning and troubleshooting; can also be used for production projects. |
| Local installation. | For those who only want to experience the backend or practice themes/plugins. | Not suitable for going live; suitable for learning and testing. |
Below is the general manual installation process. Even if you use one-click installation, it is recommended to understand these steps for future troubleshooting.
WordPress is not ordinary software installed on your own computer; it is deployed on a server and accessed via a browser to manage the website backend.
Point the domain to the server and prepare PHP, database, web server, and HTTPS. Virtual hosting users can usually skip environment configuration.
Prefer downloading the latest version from the official WordPress.org website. The English version can also switch to the Chinese language pack in the backend.
Place the WordPress files in the website root directory, e.g., public_html, wwwroot, or www. Baota Panel users can download and extract online directly.
WordPress requires a database to store posts, pages, settings, users, and plugin data. Prepare the database name, username, and password before installation.
Visit your domain in a browser, and WordPress will prompt you to fill in database information and basic site information.
After successful installation, enter the backend, first handle permalinks, language, timezone, SSL, default posts and pages, and basic security settings.
Installation errors usually involve database, file permissions, PHP environment, and access path. First troubleshoot in the following order.
First check if the database name, username, password, and database host are correct. For VPS local databases, usually use localhost; for shared hosting, check the database host provided by the host. Also confirm that the database user has permission to access this database.
Check if the domain resolution has taken effect, if the website root directory is correct, and if the domain bound to the server site is correct. If WordPress files are left in a subdirectory like wordpress, the access path may not be as expected.
Usually due to incorrect file permissions or owner. Panel users can change the website file owner to the web user in file management, and confirm that the wp-content directory has write permissions.
You can prepare content via temporary domain, IP, or local testing, but using a domain to access a domestic server usually requires filing. For websites targeting overseas users, consider overseas servers.
Successful WordPress installation is just the beginning. The following settings will affect subsequent SEO, security, and maintenance experience.
These issues mainly come from beginners installing WordPress for the first time.
Building your own independent website usually uses the open-source program provided by WordPress.org. WordPress.com is an official hosting service that is worry-free but differs in freedom and business control.
Usually it is your domain name followed by /wp-admin/. If you cannot log in, first check whether domain resolution, HTTPS, cache, and security plugins are affecting access.
Baota Panel is suitable for beginners who have already purchased a VPS but do not want to manually write commands. The typical process is to first install the web environment, then add a site, create a database, upload or download the WordPress installation package online, and finally visit the domain name to enter the installation wizard. You can refer toBaota Panel WordPress Installation Tutorial.。
First complete the WordPress core installation and basic settings, then choose a theme. Do not frequently install and delete themes before planning the page structure.
It is possible, but it is recommended to use a panel to reduce difficulty and make backups. Beginners who do not want to manage the server at all can consider WordPress hosting first.
First check in order: domain resolution, whether the server is running, site binding, HTTPS, database connection, and PHP error logs. Do not change too many things at once, otherwise it will be difficult to locate the problem.
You can first try to install it yourself following the tutorial. If you encounter problems such as database connection failure, HTTPS, permissions, theme or plugin installation failure, then contact me to determine whether one-time assistance or website building coaching is suitable.
For a beginner using Shared Hosting, how do I upload the downloaded WordPress installation files to the server? Is there a detailed tutorial?
I don't know which Shared Hosting provider you are using. You can ask their customer service. Generally, Shared Hosting has a one-click WordPress installation option.
I purchased hosting services and a template extension website from HOSTINGER. Is it not possible to install WordPress? The customer service said I need to export the website and did not provide the root directory path.
I haven't used that pre-built website that comes with Hostinger. Check the source code to see if it contains wp-contact. If it doesn't, then it's not WordPress.
The website built based on the Theme displays differently on different devices. Is there any way to handle this?
Modern website designs are typically responsive; they automatically adjust the layout based on different screen resolutions.
I have finished creating the page and clicked publish, but when I open the official website, there is nothing. What is the reason for this?
It is likely that your server has caching enabled. Manually clear the cache and it should be fine.
Hello teacher, I have set up the product categories, and there are corresponding products in each category. However, when I click on a category, it does not redirect to the corresponding product page. What could be the issue? Looking forward to your reply, thank you!
The product category has its own URL, and individual products have their own separate URLs. It depends on which URL you click; it will then go to the corresponding page.