Installing and Managing WordPress

WordPress is the most popular content management system in the world. It powers everything from personal blogs to business websites and online shops. cPanel makes it easy to install and manage WordPress.

Please note: Screens and options may vary slightly depending on your cPanel version and hosting plan.

Installing WordPress

The easiest method is through Softaculous:

1. Log in to cPanel and open Softaculous Apps Installer.
2. Search for WordPress and click on it.
3. Click Install Now.
4. Configure the settings:

- Protocol: https:// (ensure SSL is installed first). - Domain: Select your domain. - Directory: Leave blank for the root, or enter a folder name. - Admin Username: Choose something other than "admin" for security. - Admin Password: Use a strong, unique password. - Admin Email: Your email address.

1. Click Install.

Accessing the WordPress Admin Panel

After installation, access the admin panel at: https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin

Log in with the admin credentials you set during installation.

Essential Post-Installation Steps

1. Install an SSL certificate (if not already done) and ensure WordPress uses HTTPS. Under Settings > General, set both the WordPress Address and Site Address to https://.
2. Set your permalink structure — Settings > Permalinks > choose "Post name" for clean, SEO-friendly URLs.
3. Delete default content — Remove the sample post, page, and comment.
4. Update everything — Go to Dashboard > Updates and install any available updates for WordPress core, themes, and plugins.
5. Install a security plugin — Wordfence, Sucuri, or iThemes Security provide login protection, malware scanning, and firewall features.
6. Set up backups — Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus, or rely on Softaculous/JetBackup backups.
7. Configure caching — Install WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache, or LiteSpeed Cache to improve performance.

Keeping WordPress Secure

• Keep WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated at all times.
• Remove unused themes and plugins — they can still be exploited even when deactivated.
• Use strong, unique passwords for all user accounts.
• Limit login attempts with a security plugin.
• Enable two-factor authentication for admin accounts.
• Regularly back up your site (files and database).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• White Screen of Death — Usually a PHP error. Enable debugging by adding define('WP_DEBUG', true); to wp-config.php, then check the error.
• Login loop (can't access wp-admin) — Clear browser cookies, check the WordPress and Site URLs in the database, and ensure .htaccess is correct.
• 500 Internal Server Error — Rename .htaccess to .htaccess_backup and rename the plugins folder to plugins_disabled to isolate the issue.
• Database connection error — Verify the database credentials in wp-config.php and check that the database user is assigned to the database in cPanel.

Tips

• Don't install plugins from untrusted sources. Only use the official WordPress plugin directory or reputable developers.
• Use a child theme for customisations so your changes aren't lost when the parent theme updates.
• WordPress's built-in cron system (wp-cron) runs on page loads. For busy sites, disable it and use a real cron job instead.

What Next?

• Installing Applications with Softaculous — Install other applications.
• Customising PHP Settings — Increase memory limits and upload sizes for WordPress.

Related Articles

• Installing Applications with Softaculous
• Customising PHP Settings (php.ini / .htaccess)
• Improving Website Performance with Caching
• Backing Up and Restoring a Database