WordPress is arguably the most popular blogging program and content management system, which accounts for the rapidly growing number of users with questions.
Before describing how to use cPanel for WordPress hosting, it is essential to have a good understanding of cPanel. Putting it simply, cPanel is an online hosting control panel provided by several hosting providers to website owners, helping them run and administer their websites from an online interface. It is an easy to use program which provides users with a graphical interface from which they can make changes to specific portions of the hosting plan. The facilities provided in the web-based application are constructed to streamline the processes involved in running and controlling a website.
It is also important to note that with cPanel, you can control various aspects of the server and the website directly. cPanel is commonly opened via https or by adding “/cpanel” after the main domain name for the hosting. Generally, cPanel comes with an auto-installer (depends on the hosting provider – but, we include it).
By installing WordPress with cPanel, cPanel can then be used to access some fantastic features which are offered. Some of these features include the capacity to oversee databases, domain names, mail accounts, and back-ups. With cPanel, it is easy for users to run their account with little or no technical knowledge of website hosting.
Detailed steps on how to use cPanel for WordPress hosting
STEP 1: find the “SOFTWARE” section in your cPanel and click on Softaculous Apps Installer
STEP 2: The preceding step opens up a screen with a wide selection of apps. Put your cursor over the WordPress icon and click the “Install” button.
STEP 3: Fill out the Softaculous form to perform the WordPress installation. This step will be divided into sub-steps:
Filling the Software Setup section:
- Select the WordPress version you want to install. (choosing the latest version is highly recommended)
- Choose your preferred Protocol: i.e. https:// or http:// (depending on your preference)
- Select Domain: A drop-down list displays available domain names.
- Set Directory based on your preference(make sure this is blank, unless you want something like domainname.example/WP/)
Filling the Site Settings section:
- Site Name: Give your site a name. It is important to note that this name can always be edited within WordPress.
- Site Description: Write a brief description of your website.
- Enable Multi-site: Most times, it is advisable not to check this box. It is more useful for users who want to run more than one WordPress installation on the same domain.
Filling the Admin Account section:
- Admin Username: You should think carefully before choosing a username. The more complex your admin username, the harder it is for your account to be hacked.
- Admin Password: most times, the installer suggests a secure password, but if you’re not comfortable with it, choose a strong password with capital letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Admin Email: This field is pre-filled; check to make sure there are no mistakes.
Fill in the Choose Language section:
You should select your preferred language, irrespective of your geographical location.
Fill in the Select Plugins(s) section:
If you think you’ll need plugins, you can install them. Else you can skip this section and install the plugins later.
Fill in the Advanced Options section:
You don’t have to fill anything here, except if you’re already into technical stuff.
Fill in the Select Theme section:
It is much easier to select a theme once WordPress is installed. However, you can pick one from here to get started. You can always install a better theme from within WordPress later.
STEP 4: Once you’ve completed the step above, click on “Install” to get the installation finalized. After a few seconds, you will get a notification that your WordPress has been successfully installed.
By following these steps, users can use cPanel to install, moderate, and use WordPress hosting in an easy way. You generally don’t need to know much. If you get something wrong, you can always uninstall and start again (if it isn’t easily fixed).
cPanel makes running a hosted WordPress website more enjoyable. It’s easy to use menu system makes everything from setting up email, or optimizing your website delivery (gzip) a breeze.
