Setup A WordPress With Hosting Site
If you're new to the world of website building, WordPress is the easiest way to get things up and running. It is more than just the most popular blogging platform out there (it boasts over 66 million sites worldwide) offering plugins and themes for free. Users can also download software from WordPress.org in order to create their own website.
But if you've never built a website before, it can seem a little scary. Where do you begin? Read on for information regarding creating your own WordPress site from domain name registration to finished product!
Setup A WordPress With Hosting Site
1. Choose WordPress.org Or WordPress.com
What is the difference? It's simple. WordPress.org offers you more customization options and uploading power than WordPress.com. Yes, WordPress.com is simple to use, but it is really more restrictive, and forces you to use the domain “yoursite.wordpress.com”.
WordPress.org is more than just a blog. It is actual software you install on your computer and a site that is hosted by a web hosting company, more advanced, and offers a high level of customization. And no, it isn't free because you have to procure hosting services and pay for a domain name.
2. Domain Name And Cheap Hosting Company
First, you should register your domain name. Many domain name services will work, but it might be wise to register that domain name with your hosting provider.
Bluehost is a great option, as it offers auto-install of your WordPress site, unlimited storage, data transfer, and domains on the same account. If you choose to go elsewhere, just make sure that the hosting provider meets WordPress' minimum requirements.
It's good to choose a host that partners with WordPress, as setup is easier, costs are lower, and features are offered that you can't find anywhere else.
3. How To Download And Install Without One-Click
Obviously, one-click is the way to go. If you want to take the task on yourself, start by ensuring you have a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client to upload files to your website. One recommendation: FileZilla, a free option, or Cyberduck. You also need web server access, a plain text editor, and a web browser.
Head to the download page and click ‘Download WordPress 3.5.2' to download the compressed file, and then unzip the file to your hard drive.
Create a database just for WordPress on your web server, as well as a MySQL user that is granted access to all data relating to the site: posts; metadata; comments; etc. This may have been done by your hosting provider, or has at the very least provided instructions on how to do this. If not, create one yourself manually within cPanel, phpMyAdmin, MySQL Client, or Direct Admin.
Enter this information into the file ‘wp-config-sample.php' and rename it ‘wp-config.php'. Then, integrate WordPress and your domain by relocating the files contained in the unzipped WordPress directory (NOT the directory file itself) into the root directory located on your web server.
Head to your URL by typing ‘http://yoursite.com/wp-admin/install.php’. Enter your information, log in using the temporary username and password provided by WordPress, and that's it. Your website is installed.
4. Themes And Plugins
Now that your site is created, you can select a theme. This is a good idea for those that want a quick and easy way to streamline the look of their pages. With 1,764 themes offered, you're sure to find something that you like!
Don't forget to peruse the directory of 25,229 plugins, such as WP Optimize for security and Akismet to filter unwanted spam.
Head to the forums to learn new things about WordPress through their articles and discussions.
Did you know it was that easy to setup your website with WordPress?
Photo courtesy of Sean MacEntee Via Flickr Creative Commons
