WordPress basics on web hosting

WordPress is a popular system for building websites and blogs without writing everything by hand. It is made of PHP files plus a database, so your hosting must support both.

What WordPress needs

• A recent PHP version. Check wordpress.org for the current requirements.
• A MySQL or MariaDB database.
• Enough storage for the core files, themes, plugins and your uploads.
• HTTPS, ideally from the start.

Not every hosting plan supports PHP and databases the same way. Before you start, ask us in our Discord whether your plan suits WordPress.

Getting started

1. Get the WordPress files from the official site, wordpress.org.
2. Create a database and database user, and note the name, user, password and host.
3. Upload the WordPress files to your site folder using the Files tab or a file manager your plan provides.
4. Open your domain in a browser and follow the setup wizard, entering your database details.
5. Choose an admin username and a strong password.

First things to do

• Set your site title and permalink structure.
• Delete themes and plugins you do not use.
• Install a good theme and only the plugins you really need.
• Switch your site address to HTTPS once SSL is working.

Keep it safe

• Update WordPress, themes and plugins regularly.
• Use unique strong passwords and consider two-factor login.
• Install plugins only from trusted sources.
• Make backups before big changes.

Keep it fast

Too many plugins slow a site down. A caching plugin and compressed images help a lot.

When something breaks

A white screen or error usually points to a plugin or theme. Rename the plugins folder temporarily through the Files tab to turn all plugins off, then enable them one at a time.