Setting up WordPress

Setting up WordPress

Description:

In this module, you’ll learn how to set up WordPress in two ways: locally for testing and on a live server for production. The video covers Option 1: Setting up WordPress locally using tools like XAMPP, WAMP, or Local by Flywheel, highlighting the benefits of local development for testing. Option 2: Choosing a web hosting provider, with recommendations and key features to look for, followed by a walkthrough of the installation process via cPanel or other hosting dashboards. The video concludes with a brief overview of the WordPress dashboard to familiarize you with the interface.

Introduction

WordPress is one of the most popular tools for building websites, loved for its simplicity and flexibility. Whether you’re creating a blog, portfolio, or online store, setting up WordPress is your first step. This guide covers two easy ways to get started: a local setup on your computer and a live server setup on a web host. A local WordPress setup lets you test and play around safely, while a live setup makes your site public for the world to see. Both options are simple to follow, and we’ll walk you through each one.

Getting your WordPress setup right is key to a smooth website experience. A proper installation saves you from headaches like slow loading times, security risks, or broken features down the road. With a local setup, you can experiment with themes and plugins without worry. On a live server, a correct setup ensures your site runs fast, stays secure, and ranks well on search engines like Google. By learning how to install WordPress the right way, you’re building a strong foundation for your online success.

Introduction to WordPress and WooCommerce

Setting up WordPress Locally

What is Local Development?

Local development refers to installing and running WordPress on your computer instead of a live server. This method allows you to build, test, and customize your website offline without affecting your live site.

Benefits of Local Development:

• No internet connection required
• Fast and secure testing environment
• Free setup without hosting fees
• Easy troubleshooting before going live

Using local environments helps developers experiment with themes, plugins, and custom code without risking the site’s functionality.

Tools for Local Development

To set up WordPress locally, you’ll need server software that creates a local server environment on your computer. Popular tools include:

• XAMPP: Cross-platform server software supporting PHP, MySQL, and Apache.
• WAMP: Windows-based server package with Apache, MySQL, and PHP.
• Local by Flywheel: User-friendly tool designed specifically for WordPress development.

Each tool offers an easy way to set up a PHP environment and MySQL database, both essential for running WordPress locally.

Installation Process

Step 1: Download and Install Local Server Software

Choose your preferred local server tool (XAMPP, WAMP, or Local by Flywheel) and follow the installation instructions from their official websites.

Step 2: Set Up the Database

• Open the local server control panel.
• Access phpMyAdmin or the database manager tool.
• Create a new MySQL database for your WordPress site.

Step 3: Install WordPress

• Download the latest version of WordPress from wordpress.org.
• Extract the files into your local server’s htdocs (XAMPP/WAMP) or designated site folder (Local by Flywheel).
• Visit http://localhost/your-folder-name in your browser.
• Complete the WordPress installation by entering your database details, username, and password.

Step 4: Access the Local WordPress Site

Once installed, access your site via your local server URL (e.g., http://localhost/mysite). You can now start designing, testing, and customizing your WordPress site offline.

Setting up WordPress locally provides a safe and flexible environment to develop your website before making it live.

Setting up WordPress on a Live Server

Choosing a Web Hosting Provider

• Recommended Hosting Providers
  Picking the right host is crucial for a smooth WordPress site. Top options include Bluehost (beginner-friendly with one-click installs), SiteGround (fast and secure), and Hostinger (affordable with great support). These providers are trusted for WordPress hosting and make setup easy.
• Key Features to Look For
  Focus on these must-haves when choosing a host:
  • Uptime: Aim for 99.9% or higher to keep your site online.
  • Security: Look for SSL certificates, backups, and malware protection.
  • Customer Support: 24/7 help via chat or phone is a lifesaver for beginners.
    A good host ensures your WordPress site runs fast, stays safe, and grows with you.

Domain Registration

• Importance of a Domain Name
  Your domain name (e.g., www.yoursite.com) is your website’s address online. It’s how people find you, so it’s a big part of your brand. A custom domain also looks professional and boosts trust compared to free subdomains.
• Tips for Choosing the Right Domain
  • Keep it short, simple, and memorable (e.g., “mysite” vs. “my-long-site-name”).
  • Use keywords if possible (e.g., “bobsbakery” for a bakery).
  • Stick to .com if you can—it’s the most recognized.
    Register your domain through your hosting provider or a registrar like Namecheap or GoDaddy for easy setup.

Installing WordPress via cPanel or Hosting Dashboard

• One-Click Installation Method
  Most hosts offer a quick way to install WordPress. Log in to your hosting dashboard (like cPanel), find the “WordPress” or “Softaculous” installer, and click it. Enter your site details (name, admin username, password), pick your domain, and hit “Install.” In minutes, your live WordPress site is ready at your domain (e.g., www.yoursite.com).
• Manual Installation Method
  For more control, go manual:
  1. Download WordPress from wordpress.org and unzip it.
  2. Use FTP (e.g., FileZilla) to upload the files to your host’s “public_html” folder.
  3. Create a database in cPanel (under “MySQL Databases”)—note the name, username, and password.
  4. Visit your domain (e.g., www.yoursite.com), run the setup wizard, and enter your database details.
     This takes longer but lets you tweak settings from the start.

Exploring the WordPress Dashboard

Once WordPress is installed, the dashboard is your control center. Access it by logging in at yoursite.com/wp-admin with your username and password. The WordPress dashboard is user-friendly, showing a menu on the left and a main area with updates or stats. It’s where you’ll build, manage, and customize your site—think of it as your website’s backstage.

Key Sections: Posts, Pages, Media, Plugins, and Settings

• Posts
  Found in the left menu, “Posts” is where you create blog articles. Add a title, write content, and hit “Publish” to share news or updates. It’s perfect for regular posts like a blog feed.
• Pages
  Under “Pages,” you make static content like “About Us” or “Contact.” Unlike posts, pages don’t show in a feed—they’re standalone and great for core site info.
• Media
  The “Media” section stores images, videos, and files. Upload them here, then add them to posts or pages. It’s your library for all visual content.
• Plugins
  “Plugins” lets you add features—like SEO tools or contact forms. Click “Add New,” search for a plugin (e.g., Yoast SEO), install, and activate it to supercharge your site.
• Settings
  In “Settings,” tweak basics like your site title, tagline, and timezone. Adjust permalinks here (e.g., yoursite.com/post-name) for SEO-friendly URLs. It’s the hub for site-wide options.

Best Practices and Tips

Keeping WordPress Updated

Staying current is key to a healthy site. WordPress releases updates for security, bug fixes, and new features—log in to your dashboard and check for notifications under “Updates.” Click to update WordPress core, themes, and plugins when prompted. An updated site runs smoothly and stays safe from hackers, so make it a habit to check monthly.

Backing Up Your Site

Backups save you if something goes wrong—like a crash or hack. Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack to automate backups. Set it to save your files and database weekly (or more) to your hosting server, Google Drive, or another safe spot. Test restoring a backup once to ensure it works. With a backup, you can recover your WordPress site fast and stress-free.

Securing Your WordPress Installation

A secure WordPress site keeps intruders out. Start with a strong admin password (mix letters, numbers, and symbols). Install a security plugin like Wordfence or iThemes Security to block threats and monitor logins. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) via your hosting or a plugin for extra protection. Finally, use an SSL certificate (most hosts offer free ones) to encrypt your site—look for “https” in your URL. These steps make your site tough to crack.

Conclusion

You’ve now learned two ways to set up WordPress. A local setup lets you test and tweak your site on your computer using tools like XAMPP or Local by Flywheel—perfect for experimenting safely. A live server setup puts your site online with a hosting provider and domain, ready for visitors. Both methods give you a strong start: local for practice, live for launching your vision to the world.

With WordPress installed, you’re ready to build a website that’s all yours. Don’t worry if it feels big—just start small, play with the dashboard, and add your first page or post. Whether it’s a blog, shop, or portfolio, every step brings you closer to a site you’re proud of. So, dive in, have fun, and watch your WordPress journey unfold!

You may visit our Facebook page for more information, inquiries, and comments. Please subscribe also to our YouTube Channel to receive  free capstone projects resources and computer programming tutorials.

Hire our team to do the project.