Manual WordPress Installation on Any Web Hosting: Step-by-Step

Take full control of your WordPress installation process on any hosting platform

Introduction

1. Importance of Manual WordPress Installation

Installing WordPress manually gives you full control over the installation process, ensuring a secure and tailored setup for your website. It’s like building your own house from scratch, where you can customize every brick and beam to your liking. By taking the time to do it yourself, you’ll have a deeper understanding of your WordPress setup, making it easier to troubleshoot and maintain in the future. It’s like having a secret superpower that gives you the ability to fix any WordPress hiccup with ease!

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Uploading WordPress Files 💻

Uploading WordPress files is a crucial step in the manual installation process. You’ll need an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client, like FileZilla or Cyberduck, to connect to your hosting account and transfer the WordPress files. Once connected, navigate to the root directory of your website (usually public_html or www). Create a new directory called wp-content. This directory will store all your WordPress content, including themes, plugins, and uploads.

Next, download the latest version of WordPress from WordPress.org and extract the contents of the zip file. Upload all the extracted files and folders to the root directory of your website, except for the wp-content folder. That goes in the wp-content directory you created earlier.

4. Uploading WordPress Files ⚡

Now it’s time to beam those WordPress files up to your hosting account! 🛸 Using an FTP client like FileZilla, connect to your hosting account and navigate to the public_html directory. This is where you’ll upload the WordPress files you downloaded earlier.

Once you’re connected, drag and drop the WordPress files into the public_html directory. You’ll see a progress bar as the files are uploaded. Once they’re all there, you’ll have a fresh copy of WordPress ready to go! 🌐

Creating the wp-content Directory 📁

Hold your horses! Before you proceed, let’s create a special directory called wp-content. This directory will store all your themes, plugins, and uploads. Right-click inside the public_html directory and select “Create Directory.” Name it “wp-content” and click “OK.”

Now, you’re all set to move on to the next step and create your database! 💻

5. Creating the Database 🌐

To store your WordPress data, you’ll need a database. Think of it like a digital filing cabinet, keeping all your posts, pages, and settings organized.

Accessing Your Hosting Control Panel

Log into your web hosting account’s control panel. It’s like the dashboard for your website. Look for a section called “Databases” or “MySQL Databases.”

Creating a Database and User

Click on “Create New Database” and give it a name. Then, create a new database user and assign them a strong password. It’s like giving your database a unique key and lock.

Connecting WordPress to the Database

In your WordPress files, open the wp-config.php file. This is where you’ll tell WordPress how to connect to your database. Update the following lines with the database name, username, and password you just created:

define('DB_NAME', 'your_database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'your_database_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_database_password');

Now, your WordPress installation is all set to store its data securely in your database. It’s like giving your website a dedicated filing system to keep everything running smoothly.

HOW TO INSTALL WORDPRESS MANUALLY ON ANY WEB HOSTING ON YOUTUBE

Running Installation 🏃‍♂️

7. Completing the Installation Wizard 🧙‍♂️

Now, it’s time to let the magic happen! Visit your website’s URL in a browser. You’ll be greeted by the WordPress installation wizard. Follow the steps carefully, providing your site’s title, username, password, and email. Just like a puzzle, you’ll be piecing together the foundation of your WordPress home.

But wait, there’s more! You’ll also need to choose a theme to give your site its unique personality. Think of it as picking the perfect outfit for your WordPress masterpiece. Once you’ve made your selections, click “Install WordPress” and watch as your site comes to life before your very eyes. It’s like witnessing the birth of a digital masterpiece!

Securing Your Installation 🔒

Once your WordPress site is up and running, it’s crucial to protect it from potential threats. Here’s how:

8. Install Security Plugins 🛡️

Consider installing security plugins to enhance your site’s protection. These plugins scan for vulnerabilities, block malicious traffic, and provide additional security measures. Some popular options include Wordfence, Sucuri, and iThemes Security.

Troubleshooting

Common Errors and Solutions

Installing WordPress manually can sometimes lead to errors. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

• “Error establishing a database connection”: This error indicates that WordPress is unable to connect to the database. Check if the database name, username, and password are correct in wp-config.php. Also, verify that the database user has the necessary permissions.

• “The wp-config.php file is not writable”: WordPress needs to be able to write to the wp-config.php file to save your settings. Make sure that the file permissions are set to 644 or 755.

• “The wp-content directory is not writable”: WordPress needs to be able to write to the wp-content directory to store your themes, plugins, and uploads. Make sure that the directory permissions are set to 755 or 775.

• “The MySQL server is not responding”: This error indicates that WordPress is unable to connect to the MySQL server. Check if the MySQL server is running and that your firewall is not blocking the connection.

Conclusion

A Journey of Empowerment 🏆

Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated the intricacies of manual WordPress installation. You now possess the power to fully customize and control your website. Embrace the freedom to tweak every aspect, from design to functionality, and make it truly your own.

Remember, the journey doesn’t end here. WordPress is a dynamic platform, constantly evolving with new features and updates. Stay curious, explore its vast potential, and continuously enhance your website to meet your ever-changing needs.

The Rewards of Ownership 💰

By taking the manual installation route, you’ve gained invaluable knowledge and a deeper understanding of your website’s inner workings. You’re no longer at the mercy of automated installers or third-party services. You’re the master of your digital domain, with the ability to troubleshoot issues, optimize performance, and secure your site like a pro.

So, go forth and conquer the WordPress world! Your website is a blank canvas, ready to be painted with your creativity and ambition. May it bring you endless success and satisfaction.

David Damstra

Business Leader and Business Developer, Project Manager and Full Stack Developer & Designer Creative Director, Brand Guardian, Minister of Company Culture Co-Author of Professional WordPress. Currently in Third Edition. Seasoned web developer using practical technology to rapidly create standards compliant dynamic websites. Experienced with web development, software development and systems and network management and consulting.