Install WordPress with Installatron or manually

WordPress is the most popular CMS in the world and runs on more than 40% of all websites. Installing WordPress on your hosting plan is easy, especially with the Installatron one-click installer that is available in DirectAdmin. In this guide we explain both methods step by step.

Method 1: Installing WordPress with Installatron (recommended)

Installatron is an automatic installer that installs WordPress in just a few clicks, including the database and configuration.

1. Log in to DirectAdmin

Go to the DirectAdmin control panel of your hosting plan.

2. Open Installatron

Look for Installatron Applications Installer (or click the Installatron icon). Select WordPress from the list of available applications.

3. Click "Install this application"

Fill in the following details:

• Domain: choose your domain name
• Directory: leave empty to install in the root, or enter a subfolder (e.g. "blog")
• Version: choose the latest version (default)
• Language: choose "Dutch (Nederlands)" for a Dutch-language installation
• Administrator username: choose a unique username (not "admin"!)
• Administrator password: choose a strong password with letters, numbers and symbols
• Administrator email: your email address for notifications
• Website title: the name of your website

4. Click "Install"

Installatron automatically creates a database, downloads WordPress and configures everything. After a few seconds, your WordPress website is ready.

5. Log in to WordPress

Go to yourdomain.nl/wp-admin and log in with the username and password you set. You can now start building your website.

Method 2: Installing WordPress manually

If you want more control or if Installatron is not available, you can install WordPress manually.

1. Download WordPress

Download the latest version of WordPress from wordpress.org.

2. Create a database

Create a new MySQL database in DirectAdmin:

1. Go to Account Manager → MySQL Management
2. Click "Create new database
3. Choose a database name, username and password
4. Write these details down, you will need them in step 4

3. Upload the files

Unzip the WordPress ZIP file on your computer. Upload all files to the /public_html/ folder of your website via FTP or the DirectAdmin File Manager.

4. Configure wp-config.php

Rename the file wp-config-sample.php to wp-config.php and fill in your database details:

define('DB_NAME', 'your_database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'your_database_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_database_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

5. Run the installation

Go to yourdomain.nl in your browser. WordPress shows the installation wizard. Enter your site title, username, password and email address and click "Install WordPress.

Post-install checklist

After installing WordPress, there are a few important steps you should take right away:

• Set up permalinks: go to Settings → Permalinks and choose "Post name" for SEO-friendly URLs
• Activate SSL: Install an SSL certificate and set up HTTPS
• Remove default plugins: remove Hello Dolly and Akismet if you don't use them
• Install a security plugin: install Wordfence or iThemes Security
• Install a backup plugin: install UpdraftPlus for automatic backups
• Choose a theme: choose a professional theme that suits your website
• Check the PHP version: make sure your hosting runs PHP 8.1 or higher
• Search engine visibility: go to Settings → Reading and check that "Search engine visibility" (Discourage search engines from indexing this site) is not checked

Frequently asked questions about installing WordPress

How long does it take to install WordPress?

With Installatron it literally takes 1 to 2 minutes. A manual installation takes 10 to 15 minutes if you follow the steps. The one-click installer is the fastest and easiest method and is recommended for beginners.

Which PHP version do I need for WordPress?

WordPress 6.x requires at least PHP 7.4, but PHP 8.1 or 8.2 is strongly recommended for the best performance and security. You can set the PHP version via DirectAdmin → PHP Selector. Theory7 WordPress hosting runs the latest PHP version by default.

Can I install WordPress in a subfolder?

Yes, you can install WordPress in a subfolder such as /blog or /shop. Enter the folder name in the installation wizard. Your website is then available at yourdomain.nl/blog. This is useful if you have an existing website and only want to use WordPress for a blog.

What if the installation fails?

Check that your database details are correct (database name, user, password). Also check that you have enough disk space on your hosting plan. If you use Installatron, try the installation again. If the problems persist, contact your hosting provider.