A Simple Guide to Setting Up Your Own Wordpress Blog Part 2

A Simple Guide to Setting Up Your Own WordPress Blog Part 2

Hello again people! This is the continuation of our Simple Guide to Setting Up Your Own WordPress Blog 2-Part Series. If you got to this page by accident and wonder where the first part is…click here. You definitely need the first part before Part 2 could make sense for you. *smiles*

In this section, I will show you how to install your WordPress platform on your server. Make sure that you have your hosting information ready.

1. Create a database on your server.
Most hosting companies use a backend software called Cpanel (short for Control Panel). Hostgator definitely has one. What I like about the Cpanel is the user-friendliness of its interface. I have seen the backend of other hosting companies that do not use Cpanel and I found myself lost in more ways than one.

If your server has it, the screenshots below should be similar to what you will see. Otherwise, please contact your hosting company and ask where you can create a MySQL database. They should have a knowledgebase where you can find a step by step guide.

Once you're ready…just follow the steps below.

a. Look for the MySQL database icon in your cpanel and click on it.

b. Create a database. Type any name on the field marked red on the screenshot below. Database name must be alphanumeric characters.

c. Create a user and assign it to the database. Type any name you want on the user name field
(seven characters maximum), a password and hit Create User Button. Once your user is created, assign the
user to the database and hit Add button. Make sure to take note of your user name and password.

2. Unzip the WordPress file you downloaded. Once you have unzipped the file, locate the file wp-config-sample.php and rename it to wp-config.php.

3. Fill in your database details. Open wp-config.php using your text editor and it should look something like the one below. Replace the underlined with the database information you created and then save it.

4. Upload your files. Connect to your server via your FTP client using the information provided by your hosting company. Place the files only (without the main WordPress folder) inside the www (root) folder assuming that this will be a standalone blog such as entrepreneurchic.com.

5. Run the install script. Since you uploaded the files to the root folder, you can run the install script via http://www.yourdomainname.com/wp-admin/install.php. The following screenshots were taken from WordPress' website and show you the succeeding steps in completing the installation.

Congratulations! I hope you found this simple step by step guide useful in setting up your WordPress blog. I'm sure that there are a ton of tutorials out there but thanks for following mine. *Smiles*

I also recommend visiting the following tutorials from WordPress site itself:
1. Using Themes
2. Installing Plugins

Please keep in mind that your installation only comes with two default themes. Hardly ever anyone keeps those but instead replace them with one that truly reflects their business or personality. I suggest checking out my 30 Free WordPress Themes post…you might find something that you like!