5 Ways to Install WordPress

There are many different ways to install WordPress depending on your needs. This guide covers all the most popular methods used for installing WordPress on your web server or your local computer.

Using cPanel

This is both the fastest, easiest and most common way to install WordPress on your web server using your cPanel software, simple scripts or fantastico deluxe.

The 2 most common software programs (apps) used to install WordPress are Fantastico De Luxe and Simple Scripts. All these 8 web hosts offer these installation software which is referred to in the industry as ‘one click WordPress installation’ or ‘quick install’.

Simply choose one of these best WordPress hosts and use the installation script that host offers which is normally located in the software section in cPanel.

You’ll receive your login details and url link to cPanel in an email after you choose a web host and sign up for a web hosting plan.

Using MS Webmatrix

This method involves using a free software program named, Microsoft Webmatrix for Windows users which allows you to install WordPress on your local computer. No live web server is needed as the software creates a local server, database and everything else needed on your local pc including WordPress.

Once you have developed your WordPress installation you can easily transfer the files and database to a live web server after you have chosen a web host and hosting plan.

Locally Using WAMP or MAMP

This installation method involves downloading the free software, WAMP, XAMMP or MAMP for Mac users to install WordPress on your local pc or mac.

The software installs an Apache server, MySql Database and PhpMyAdmin which is everything you need to host WordPress. Then its a matter of installing WordPress manually to WAMP or MAMP, creating a new database for WordPress in Php My Admin and editing your wp-config file.

All 3 software programs are very similiar with MAMP being used specifically for MAC users.

Manually Using Cpanel or FTP

Installing WordPress manually can be completed using cPanel or FTP as both programs offer similar features. It involves uploading the WordPress core files to the root directory of your site folder on your web server and creating a new database to connect your files and database.

Manually editing of the WordPress configuration file is required and is not recommended for beginners unless you are prepared for a steep learning curve depending on your technical skill level.

In a Sub Directory or Sub Domain

This method is generally used when adding a WordPress blog to a website or creating multiple installations of WordPress after creating a new sub domain or sub directory where the WordPress files will be installed.

You can install WordPress in a sub domain or sub directory using your cPanel software like Simple Scripts or Fantastico or install WordPress manually into a sub domain or sub directory.

This method would be used when you are using a VPS hosting account as they normally don’t provide access to one click installation software.