How to install WordPress

Before installing WordPress

Make sure:

• The domain has been added to your hosting account.
• You know whether WordPress belongs on the main domain or in a subfolder.
• No existing website files will be overwritten.
• The domain points to the Webway server if you want to use it immediately.

Free SSL is issued automatically after the domain points to the server.

If you are moving an existing site, see How to move a WordPress site to Webway instead.

Install WordPress with Softaculous

Softaculous is available on DirectAdmin and most cPanel servers.

On cPanel

1. Sign in to cPanel.
2. Find and open Softaculous Apps Installer.
3. Select WordPress.
4. Select Install Now.

If Softaculous is not visible, use WP Toolkit (below) or open a support ticket.

On DirectAdmin

1. Sign in to DirectAdmin.
2. Open Extra Features.
3. Select Softaculous Auto Installer.
4. Select WordPress.
5. Select Install Now.

Choose the installation address

Select:

• https:// as the protocol once SSL is active.
• The correct domain.
• The directory where WordPress should be installed.

Leave the directory field empty to install WordPress at https://example.co.za/. Enter a folder such as blog to install it at https://example.co.za/blog/.

Do not enter public_html in the directory field.

Enter the site details

Enter:

• The website name
• A short description
• The administrator username
• A strong administrator password
• An administrator email address you monitor

Avoid usernames such as admin or administrator. Save the login details in a password manager.

Review updates and backups

Softaculous may offer automatic updates and backups. Automatic security updates are recommended, but major updates can affect compatibility. Keep an independent backup before making significant changes.

Review where backups are stored so old copies do not fill your hosting account.

Complete the installation

1. Review the domain and directory.
2. Start the installation.
3. Wait for Softaculous to finish.
4. Open the website.
5. Sign in at https://example.co.za/wp-admin.
6. Delete unused plugins and themes.
7. Install all available security updates.
8. Test forms and outgoing email.

Install with WordPress Manager on DirectAdmin

DirectAdmin also provides WordPress Manager by Softaculous:

1. Open Extra Features.
2. Select WordPress Manager by Softaculous.
3. Select the installation option.
4. Choose the domain and directory.
5. Enter the administrator details.
6. Complete the installation.

You can also use WordPress Manager to manage existing installations.

Install with WP Toolkit on cPanel

Most cPanel servers provide WP Toolkit.

1. Find and open WP Toolkit.
2. Select Install.
3. Choose the domain and installation path.
4. Enter the site and administrator details.
5. Review the update settings.
6. Start the installation.

If WP Toolkit is not visible, use Softaculous or open a support ticket.

After installation

Check:

• HTTPS works without a certificate warning.
• The WordPress and Site addresses use HTTPS.
• Permalinks are set as required.
• The administrator email is correct.
• Search engines are not discouraged when the site is ready to launch.
• Backups are configured.
• Only one page-caching plugin is active. See How to speed up WordPress.