Introduction

WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) on the internet, powering over 40% of all websites. GoDaddy, on the other hand, is one of the largest web hosting providers globally, making it an excellent choice for hosting WordPress sites.

In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of installing WordPress on GoDaddy. We will cover everything you need to know, from pre-installation preparations to post-installation steps.

Pre-installation Preparations

Before installing WordPress on GoDaddy, there are a few things you need to do to ensure a smooth installation process.

Checking the PHP version and compatibility

WordPress requires a minimum PHP version of 7.3, but it is recommended to use the latest version for better performance and security. GoDaddy provides PHP 7.4 by default, but you can change it in the cPanel if needed.

Creating a database for WordPress

WordPress requires a MySQL database to store and retrieve data. You can create a new database in your GoDaddy cPanel by clicking on the “MySQL Databases” option.

Setting up FTP access

FTP is the most common way to upload files to your web hosting account. You can set up FTP access in the cPanel by navigating to the “FTP Accounts” section. Ensure that you create a new FTP account with a unique username and password for security purposes.

Once you have completed these preparations, you are ready to download WordPress and start the installation process.

Downloading WordPress

To download the latest version of WordPress, navigate to the official WordPress website and click on the “Download WordPress” button. Once the download is complete, extract the downloaded file to a folder on your computer.

Next, you will need to upload the WordPress files to your GoDaddy hosting account using FTP. To do this, open your FTP client and connect to your GoDaddy account. Navigate to the public_html folder and upload the extracted WordPress files to this folder.

Installing WordPress

Once you have uploaded the WordPress files to your GoDaddy account, you can start the installation process.

Accessing the GoDaddy cPanel

To access the GoDaddy cPanel, log in to your GoDaddy account and click on the “My Products” option. Select “Web Hosting” and click on the “Manage” button next to your hosting account. You will be redirected to the GoDaddy cPanel.

Running the installation script

In the cPanel, navigate to the “WordPress Installer” section and click on the “Install this Application” button. Follow the prompts to select the domain name, set up the database, and create an admin account.

Configuring WordPress

Once WordPress is installed, you can log in to your WordPress dashboard and start configuring your site. You can choose a theme, install plugins, and customize your site’s settings to your liking.

Congratulations, you have successfully installed WordPress on GoDaddy! With your new WordPress site, you can now start building your online presence and creating content that resonates with your audience.

Post-installation Steps

After successfully installing WordPress on GoDaddy, you can now move on to the post-installation steps.

Installing essential plugins

Plugins are add-ons that extend the functionality of WordPress. They can help you add new features or improve existing ones. Some essential plugins you should consider installing include Yoast SEO, Jetpack, and WPForms.

Choosing a theme

A theme determines the overall design and layout of your website. WordPress offers thousands of free and premium themes that you can choose from. You can browse the WordPress theme directory or purchase a premium theme from a third-party website.

Customizing WordPress

Customizing WordPress allows you to personalize your website’s look and feel. You can customize your website’s header, footer, and sidebar using widgets. You can also create custom menus and add your logo or favicon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, installing WordPress on GoDaddy is a straightforward process that anyone can do with the right guidance. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can have a fully functional WordPress website up and running in no time.

It is essential to use a reliable web hosting provider like GoDaddy to ensure that your website runs smoothly and remains accessible to your visitors. With the right hosting plan, you can have access to 24/7 customer support and other features that make managing your website easy.

We hope you found this article informative and helpful. Now that you know how to install WordPress on GoDaddy, we encourage you to start building your website and take advantage of the many benefits that WordPress has to offer.