Installing WordPress

WordPress is one of the world’s most popular website management systems, allowing you to create professional websites, blogs, online stores, and business platforms quickly and easily.

This guide explains how to install WordPress on your hosting account using cPanel and Softaculous.

What You Need Before Installing WordPress

Before starting, ensure you have:

• An active hosting account
• A registered domain name
• Access to cPanel
• Your hosting login details

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

Access your cPanel account using:

• https://yourdomain.co.za/cpanel

OR

• https://yourdomain.co.za:2083

Enter your username and password.

Step 2: Open Softaculous Apps Installer

1. Inside cPanel, scroll to the Software section.
2. Click on Softaculous Apps Installer.
3. Select WordPress from the available applications.

Step 3: Start the WordPress Installation

1. Click the Install Now button.

You will now need to configure your WordPress installation settings.

Step 4: Configure Installation Settings

Choose Installation URL

Select:

• HTTPS if SSL is installed
• Your domain name

Example:

• https://yourdomain.co.za

Leave the directory field empty if you want WordPress installed on the main domain.

Step 5: Website Settings

Site Name

Enter your website name.

Example:

• My Business Website

Site Description

Enter a short description of your website.

Example:

• Professional Web Hosting & Digital Solutions

Step 6: Create Administrator Account

Create your WordPress login details:

Admin Username

Choose a secure username.

Admin Password

Use a strong password.

Admin Email

Enter your active email address.

These details will be used to log in to your WordPress dashboard.

Step 7: Select Additional Options

Optional settings may include:

• Automatic Updates
• Backup Settings
• Themes
• Plugins

Recommended:

• Enable automatic updates for security.

Step 8: Complete Installation

1. Click the Install button.
2. Wait for the installation to complete.

Once finished, you will receive:

• Your website URL
• Your WordPress admin login link

Example:

• https://yourdomain.co.za/wp-admin

Logging in to WordPress

To access your WordPress dashboard:

1. Visit:

• https://yourdomain.co.za/wp-admin

2. Enter your admin username and password.

You can now begin building and managing your website.

Recommended First Steps

After installation:

• Install a professional theme
• Configure website settings
• Install security plugins
• Set up backups
• Create pages and menus
• Optimize for SEO

Recommended Plugins

Popular WordPress plugins include:

• LiteSpeed Cache
• Elementor
• Wordfence Security
• Rank Math SEO
• UpdraftPlus Backup

Common Installation Issues

White Screen or Errors

• Verify PHP version compatibility.
• Clear browser cache.

Cannot Access wp-admin

• Double-check login credentials.
• Reset password via cPanel if required.

SSL Not Working

• Ensure SSL certificate is installed correctly.

Security Recommendations

• Keep WordPress updated.
• Use strong passwords.
• Install security plugins.
• Regularly back up your website.
• Avoid installing untrusted plugins or themes.

Need Assistance?

If you require assistance installing WordPress or configuring your website, our technical support team is available to assist.

• Support Email: support@gatorhosting.co.za
• Website: www.gatorhosting.co.za

Our team can assist with WordPress installations, migrations, troubleshooting, optimization, and website setup.