How to Set Up a WordPress Website Using cPanel and Softaculous
Install WordPress Using cPanel & Softaculous
A simple step-by-step guide to launching your WordPress website using the Softaculous installer inside cPanel.
Prerequisites
- Hosting account with cPanel access
- Domain name pointed to your hosting server
- Softaculous App Installer available in cPanel
1 Log in to cPanel
- Open your cPanel login page
yourdomain.com/cpanel - Enter your username and password
- You will be redirected to the cPanel dashboard
2 Open Softaculous
- Scroll to the Software section
- Click Softaculous Apps Installer
- Select WordPress
3 Start Installation
Click the Install Now button to begin configuring your WordPress site.
4 Configure Installation Settings
Software Setup
- Protocol: Choose
https://if SSL is installed - Domain: Select your domain
- Directory: Leave blank for root installation
Site Settings
- Site Name
- Site Description
Admin Account
- Create a secure username
- Use a strong password
- Enter a valid admin email
These settings can be modified later inside WordPress.
5 Install & Access WordPress
- Scroll down and click Install
- Softaculous will display two links:
- Your website URL
- Your admin login URL
- Login at
https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin
6 Post-Installation Essentials
Install Theme & Plugins
- Choose a theme under Appearance → Themes
- Install plugins for SEO, security, and caching
Create Core Pages
- Home
- About
- Services / Products
- Contact
- Blog (optional)
Enable SSL
- Issue SSL certificate in cPanel → SSL/TLS
- Confirm your site loads using
https://
Best Practices
- Avoid using the username admin
- Enable automatic backups
- Keep WordPress core and plugins updated
- Use a caching plugin for performance