How to install WordPress on GHost Cloud

WordPress is a powerful content management system that powers over 40% of the web. Whether you're starting a blog or building a business site, installing WordPress on GHost Cloud can be done manually through cPanel. This guide will walk you through each step of the process, ensuring a smooth setup for your website.

Create a database

Before installing WordPress, you need to create a database using cPanel. This database will store all your WordPress data, including posts, comments, and settings. Follow these steps to create a database:

1. Log in to your cPanel account by accessing the server hostname provided in your welcome email on port 2083. Ensure you have your login credentials ready. If you encounter any issues logging in, double-check your credentials or contact your hosting provider for assistance.
2. Navigate to the 'MySQL Databases' section. You can find this under the 'Databases' category in the cPanel home screen. This section allows you to manage all your MySQL databases and users.
3. Under 'Create New Database', enter a name for your database and click 'Create Database'. Make sure to use a name that is easy to remember and relevant to your website's purpose. This will help you identify the database in the future.
4. Scroll down to the 'MySQL Users' section. Create a new user by entering a username and password, then click 'Create User'. Choose a strong password to enhance security. You can use the password generator tool in cPanel to create a strong and complex password.
5. Assign the new user to your database. Under 'Add User to Database', select the user and the database you just created, then click 'Add'. This step is crucial as it links the user with the database, allowing WordPress to access and manage the data.
6. In the 'Manage User Privileges' section, select 'All Privileges' and click 'Make Changes'. This ensures the user has full access to perform all necessary operations on the database, such as reading, writing, and modifying data.

For more detailed instructions on managing MySQL databases, refer to our guide on creating and managing MySQL databases in cPanel.

Download and upload WordPress

Next, you'll need to download the WordPress software and upload it to your hosting account. Here's how:

1. Visit wordpress.org and download the latest version of WordPress. Always ensure you download WordPress from the official site to avoid any security risks or malware.
2. In cPanel, navigate to 'File Manager' and open the 'public_html' directory. The 'public_html' directory is the root directory for your website, and all files placed here will be publicly accessible.
3. Click 'Upload' and select the WordPress zip file you downloaded. Ensure the upload completes successfully. If your connection is slow, consider using an FTP client for faster uploads.
4. Once uploaded, select the zip file and click 'Extract'. This will unzip the WordPress files into a new directory named 'wordpress'.
5. Move all files from the 'wordpress' directory to the 'public_html' root directory. You can do this by selecting all files within the 'wordpress' directory, then using the 'Move' option to relocate them to 'public_html'. This step is critical as it ensures your site loads correctly from the root directory.

For a comprehensive guide on using the File Manager, see our article on managing files using cPanel File Manager.

Run the installer

With WordPress files in place, it's time to run the installation script:

1. Open your web browser and enter your domain name to start the WordPress installation process. This will direct you to the WordPress setup page.
2. Select your preferred language and click 'Continue'. Choosing the right language is crucial as it affects the WordPress dashboard and user interface.
3. Enter your database details: database name, username, and password. Leave 'Database Host' as 'localhost' and 'Table Prefix' as 'wp_'. Using 'wp_' as a prefix is standard, but you can change it for added security.
4. Click 'Submit' and then 'Run the Installation'. If you encounter any errors, double-check your database details and ensure the user has the correct privileges.
5. Fill in your site details: Site Title, Username (avoid using 'admin'), Password (choose a strong password), and your Email. The email address is essential for recovering your password and receiving WordPress notifications.
6. Click 'Install WordPress'. Once the installation is complete, you'll see a success message. Keep your login credentials safe for future access.

Post-installation checklist

After installation, there are a few important tasks to complete:

• Go to Settings > Permalinks and choose a structure that suits your site. A common choice is 'Post name' for SEO-friendly URLs.
• Delete any sample content like 'Hello World' post and sample page. This ensures your site looks professional and is ready for your content.
• Ensure your site is running PHP 8.2 for optimal performance. You can check the PHP version in cPanel under 'Software' > 'Select PHP Version'.
• Install a security plugin such as Wordfence to protect your site. Security plugins help prevent attacks and monitor your site for vulnerabilities.
• Set up regular backups using a plugin like UpdraftPlus. Regular backups are crucial for disaster recovery and protecting your data.
• Verify your SSL certificate is active. Refer to our guide on installing and managing SSL certificates. An active SSL certificate secures data transmission and boosts your site's credibility.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during installation, here are some common problems and solutions:

• Database connection error: Double-check your database name, username, and password in the wp-config.php file. Ensure there are no typos and the user has the necessary privileges.
• Blank page: This might be due to a PHP error. Check your error logs in cPanel for more details. You can find error logs under 'Metrics' > 'Errors'.
• Cannot access wp-admin: Clear your browser cache and cookies or try accessing from a different browser. If the issue persists, check your .htaccess file for any incorrect rules.

Related guides

• WordPress performance optimisation guide
• How to secure your WordPress site
• How to back up and restore your WordPress site
• WordPress troubleshooting - common errors and fixes
• How to manage files using cPanel File Manager