Building a website can be a time consuming and arduous task. You have to actually imagine learning a programming language and the code that runs behind. Moving ahead, you need to be skillful with coding skills to make the site appealing. But, thankfully, the free open source publishing system, WordPress can empower a website. It’s easy to set up everything while you simply have to copy paste the content and click the button to make it viral. So, with this in mind, we have listed certain steps to get started.
Domain & Hosting
The first step you should always consider to own a domain that is the name of the server. Things become simpler once you have bought the domain hosting services and the website name from a single provider. Later, you require a MySQL database or else you would have a tough time in installing WordPress.
Downloading WordPress
WordPress has to be downloaded from the URL : wordpress.org/download/. Since the files are available in zip format, they need to be unzipped first. Later, you have to integrate the CMS with the domain carefully. As you avail the hosting services, you would be furnished with cPanel that helps you control everything.
Setting Up A Database
As stated earlier, it’s essential to set up a database. You need to log in the website’s CPanel and navigate to a section that permits you to create a database. Ensure that you have created a user. Setting up a database simply doesn’t work because a user is required to give access to the installation process.
Setting Up Wp-Config.Php
Post database setup, open the downloaded package and modify the name ‘wp-config-sample.php’ to ‘wp-config.php’. Later, open the file in Notepad. Scroll further down to access MySQL settings. Based on the way in which you set up the database, you need to fill up certain details. Data which includes ‘DB_NAME’, ‘DB_USER’ and ‘DB_PASSWORD’ should then be saved in the wordpress-config.php file.
Uploading WordPress
After you have filled the information, you need to access the server using FTP client. Then, copy paste the contents of the unzipped folder to the location you wish to. Ideally, you should paste it in the root directory or a folder named ‘/blog’. As you begin with the process, you should establish a connection using the login credentials.
Installing WordPress
Now that the package has been uploaded, go to the install script.
If uploading is done in root then follow the path ‘www..com/wp-admin/install.php.
But, if the package is loaded in a folder, then you can direct yourself by typing ‘www..com/blog/wp-admin/install.php.
If you encounter zero errors, then you can very well install WordPress and wait till the welcome message pops up. In case of errors, you should visit the official website of ‘WordPress’ and view each step closely. This would help you know where you might have gone wrong.
Once you’re directed to the ‘Welcome Window’, access the CMS by entering the login credentials.
Availing A New Theme
The theme helps you preview the appearance of your website. You can always look for free designs / templates. You may get charged for a WordPress theme unless and until you want to build an online presence differently. Much beyond that, you can edit the theme’s HTML and CSS file at your own risk. This would not only allow you customize the theme but also enhance the site with a fresh look.
In the end, you should start posting content by navigating to ‘Posts >> Add New’.
Setting Up Plugins
If you want to empower the CMS, then you can download Plugins and widgets. While some of these can help you secure the site against malicious attacks, other can help you make the domain SEO friendly. Not just that, you can also create slider banners once a certain plugin is incorporated.
On a concluding note, we just like to mention that WordPress is easy and simple. In case you don’t have time, then you can always search for website developer near the location. The expertise would help you implement out of the box ideas and project a unique snapshot. You are sure to stay in the competitive market once the project is executed by any professional web development company.
Author Bio
By Vishal Patel
Vishal Patel is the Chief Technology Officer at Loyal Web Solutions, where he has been a key leader since 2011. With a deep understanding of web technologies and a passion for innovation, Vishal has guided the company to consistently deliver top-tier digital solutions. His expertise in the industry ensures that every project is executed with precision and excellence.