Method 1: One-Click Install (Easiest)

Most web hosts include a one-click WordPress installer. This is the fastest method and works on Hostinger, Bluehost, SiteGround and most other hosts.

  1. 1

    Log into your web hosting control panel

    Hostinger: log into hPanel at hostinger.com. Other hosts: typically cPanel. Look for WordPress, Auto Installer or Softaculous.

  2. 2

    Find WordPress and click Install

    Hostinger: Website section → WordPress. cPanel hosts: Softaculous → WordPress → Install Now.

  3. 3

    Fill in the installation details

    Choose your domain. Leave the directory field blank to install at the root. Enter your site name. Create an admin username and strong password. Enter your email. Click Install.

  4. 4

    WordPress is installed in 1–2 minutes

    You receive the URL for your WordPress dashboard (yourdomain.com/wp-admin). Log in with the credentials you set and your site is ready to customise.

Method 2: Manual Installation

  1. 5

    Download WordPress from wordpress.org

    Download the latest version ZIP file from wordpress.org/download.

  2. 6

    Create a MySQL database

    In cPanel → MySQL Databases: create a new database and user, add the user to the database with All Privileges. Note the database name, username and password.

  3. 7

    Upload files and run the wizard

    Upload the WordPress files via FTP to your public_html directory. Visit your domain — the WordPress setup wizard appears. Enter your database details, site name and admin credentials. Install WordPress.

Do these after installingSettings → Permalinks → Post name (for clean URLs). Install Wordfence (free security plugin). Install UpdraftPlus (free backup plugin). Enable SSL — most hosts offer free Let's Encrypt SSL in the hosting control panel.

Frequently Asked Questions

The WordPress software is completely free and open-source. You pay for web hosting ($5–15/month) and a domain ($15/year). Thousands of excellent free themes and plugins exist. A basic WordPress site can cost under $100/year total.
WordPress.com is a hosted service with limited customisation and ads on the free tier. WordPress.org is the free software you install on your own hosting — complete control, no restrictions. For a serious blog or business site, self-hosted WordPress.org is strongly recommended.