How to Install WordPress Using Softaculous
WordPress is one of the most popular platforms for creating websites, blogs, business websites, portfolios, and online stores. ApnCloud Shared Hosting includes Softaculous, which makes installing WordPress quick and easy without manually uploading WordPress files or creating the initial configuration yourself.
Follow the steps below to install WordPress on your domain.
1. Log In to DirectAdmin
First, log in to your DirectAdmin control panel.
You can access DirectAdmin through your ApnCloud hosting service or by using the login information provided when your Shared Hosting account was activated.
2. Open Softaculous
After logging in to DirectAdmin, locate Softaculous Apps Installer.
Open Softaculous and search for WordPress.
Select WordPress to open the installation page.
3. Click Install
On the WordPress page, click Install Now or the available installation button.
Softaculous will display the WordPress installation settings.
4. Choose Your Domain
Select the domain where you want to install WordPress.
For example:
yourdomain.com
If SSL is already active on your domain, select the HTTPS version when available:
https://yourdomain.com
5. Choose the Installation Directory
Softaculous may ask you to enter an installation directory.
If you want WordPress to open directly from:
https://yourdomain.com
leave the directory field blank.
Do not enter wp or another folder unless you specifically want WordPress installed at an address such as:
https://yourdomain.com/wp
6. Enter Your Website Information
Enter the basic information for your WordPress website.
You may be asked to provide:
- Site Name
- Site Description
- Administrator Username
- Administrator Password
- Administrator Email
- Website Language
You can change most of these settings later from the WordPress dashboard.
7. Create a Secure Administrator Account
Do not use an easy-to-guess administrator username or password.
Choose a strong password containing a combination of:
- Uppercase letters
- Lowercase letters
- Numbers
- Special characters
Keep your administrator login information private.
8. Review the Installation Settings
Before continuing, check:
- Correct domain
- HTTPS selection
- Installation directory
- Administrator email
- Administrator username
- Website name
Make sure everything is correct before starting the installation.
9. Install WordPress
Click Install.
Softaculous will automatically install WordPress and configure the required files and database.
Do not close the page while the installation is processing.
After completion, Softaculous should display your website URL and WordPress administration URL.
10. Log In to WordPress
Your WordPress administration page will normally be available at:
https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin
Enter the administrator username and password you created during installation.
From the WordPress dashboard, you can manage:
- Pages
- Posts
- Themes
- Plugins
- Users
- Media
- Website settings
11. Enable SSL Before Building Your Website
If possible, make sure your domain has a valid SSL certificate and WordPress uses HTTPS.
Your website should open using:
https://yourdomain.com
rather than an unsecured HTTP connection.
12. Keep WordPress Updated
Keeping WordPress updated is important for security and compatibility.
Regularly update:
- WordPress Core
- Themes
- Plugins
Remove themes and plugins that you no longer use.
Important Security Tips
To protect your WordPress website:
- Use a strong administrator password
- Do not share your login credentials
- Only install trusted themes and plugins
- Keep WordPress and plugins updated
- Maintain regular backups
- Remove unused plugins and themes
- Avoid installing pirated or modified premium plugins/themes
WordPress Installation Not Working?
If the installation fails, check that:
- Your domain is correctly added to DirectAdmin
- Your domain points to the correct server
- Your hosting account has enough available resources
- The selected directory does not already contain another installation
- SSL is active if you selected HTTPS
Need Help?
If you experience a problem installing WordPress with Softaculous, open a Support Ticket from your ApnCloud Client Area.
Include your domain name and the error message you received, but never provide your WordPress or hosting password in the ticket.
