How to Install WordPress on DirectAdmin Hosting

Categories: DirectAdmin

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS), powering millions of websites due to its flexibility and ease of use. If you have a hosting account with DirectAdmin, installing WordPress is straightforward. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned web admin, this guide will walk you through the process of installing WordPress on DirectAdmin.

1. Log In to Your DirectAdmin Account

To get started, log in to your DirectAdmin control panel. You should have received login credentials from your hosting provider, typically accessible at a URL like http://yourdomain.com:2222 or http://serverIP:2222.

• DirectAdmin Dashboard: Once logged in, you’ll see the main dashboard with icons organized into sections, including Account Manager, Email Manager, and more.

Tip: Familiarize yourself with the DirectAdmin layout so you can easily navigate to the sections we’ll be using in this guide.

2. Set Up a New Database for WordPress

WordPress requires a MySQL database to store its content and settings. In DirectAdmin, creating a new database is simple.

• To create a new database:
  1. Go to Account Manager > MySQL Management.
  2. Click on Create New Database.
  3. Choose a database name, username, and password. Write down these details, as you’ll need them during the WordPress installation.
  4. Click Create to finish setting up the database.

Tip: Use a strong, unique password for your database to enhance security. Keep your database credentials secure, as they are necessary to connect WordPress to your database.

3. Upload WordPress Files to Your Server

To install WordPress, you’ll need to upload the WordPress files to your server. You can download the latest version of WordPress from wordpress.org.

• Upload via File Manager:

  1. In DirectAdmin, go to System Info & Files > File Manager.
  2. Navigate to the public_html directory (or a subdirectory if you’re installing WordPress on a subdomain).
  3. Click Upload Files, and select the WordPress .zip file you downloaded.
  4. Once uploaded, right-click on the file and select Extract to unpack WordPress files into the public_html directory.

• Upload via FTP (Optional):

  • If preferred, you can use an FTP client like FileZilla to upload the WordPress files. Connect to your server via FTP, navigate to public_html, and upload the extracted WordPress files.

Tip: Make sure all WordPress files are in the public_html folder and not within a sub-folder called “wordpress” unless you specifically want your site URL to include /wordpress.

4. Start the WordPress Installation Wizard

Once the files are uploaded, you can start the installation by accessing your domain in a web browser. Type in http://yourdomain.com, and the WordPress setup wizard should appear.

• Select Language: Choose your preferred language for WordPress and click Continue.

• Database Information: On the next screen, WordPress will ask for your database information:

  • Database Name: Enter the database name you created.
  • Username: Enter the database username.
  • Password: Enter the database password.
  • Database Host: Typically, “localhost” works for most hosts. If unsure, confirm with your hosting provider.
  • Table Prefix: You can leave this as wp_ or change it if you want added security.

• Click Submit and then Run the Installation to continue.

Tip: Double-check your database credentials to ensure there are no typos, as incorrect details will prevent WordPress from connecting to the database.

5. Set Up Your WordPress Site Information

After connecting to the database, WordPress will prompt you to configure basic site information.

• Site Title: Enter the name of your website or blog.
• Username and Password: Create a secure username and password for the WordPress admin area. Avoid common usernames like “admin” for added security.
• Your Email: Enter an email address where you’ll receive WordPress notifications and password recovery options.
• Search Engine Visibility: If you’re setting up a staging or development site, check the box to discourage search engines from indexing it. You can update this setting later if necessary.

Click Install WordPress to complete the setup.

Tip: Use a unique, strong password for your WordPress admin account to protect against unauthorized access.

6. Log in to Your New WordPress Site

Once the installation is complete, you’ll see a success message with a link to log in to the WordPress dashboard.

• To log in to WordPress:
  • Visit http://yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
  • Enter the admin username and password you created during setup.
  • You’ll now be in the WordPress dashboard, where you can begin customizing your site, installing themes, and adding content.

Tip: Bookmark the login URL for easy access. Consider enabling two-factor authentication for added security.

7. Basic WordPress Configuration for Your New Site

With WordPress installed, it’s time to perform some basic configurations to get your site ready for visitors.

• Choose a Theme: Go to Appearance > Themes to select and activate a theme. You can choose a free theme from WordPress’s built-in theme library or upload a premium theme.
• Set Up Permalinks: Go to Settings > Permalinks and choose a URL structure (e.g., Post Name) that is SEO-friendly and easy to remember.
• Install Essential Plugins: Plugins extend the functionality of WordPress. Consider adding plugins for SEO (e.g., Yoast SEO), security (e.g., Wordfence), and caching (e.g., WP Super Cache) to improve your site’s performance.

Tip: Don’t overwhelm your site with too many plugins. Only install those that are necessary to avoid slowing down your site.

8. Securing Your WordPress Site

Security is a priority for any website, and WordPress offers several tools and settings to help protect your site.

• SSL Certificate: Ensure you have an SSL certificate installed for secure HTTPS access. You can set this up in DirectAdmin under Account Manager > SSL Certificates.
• Security Plugins: Install a security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri to add features such as firewall protection, malware scanning, and brute-force login prevention.
• Regular Backups: Set up regular backups to protect your data. Many plugins (like UpdraftPlus) allow for easy, scheduled backups to cloud storage.

Tip: Use strong passwords and consider two-factor authentication for your WordPress login to further secure your site.

Installing WordPress on DirectAdmin is quick and easy, even for beginners. By following these steps, you’ll have a fully functional WordPress site ready to customize and launch. With DirectAdmin’s user-friendly interface and WordPress’s powerful content management system, you can create a professional, dynamic website without the need for technical expertise. Start exploring your WordPress dashboard, add some content, and make your mark online!