How to Install WordPress on Bluehost: best Review and Guide -

Are you ready to launch your new website? Installing WordPress on Bluehost has an impact on your online presence, offering a powerful combination of user-friendly design and reliable hosting. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced webmaster, this guide will walk you through the process of setting up WordPress on one of the most popular hosting platforms. Bluehost’s web hosting plans provide a solid foundation to build and grow your site.

You’ll learn how to use Bluehost’s WordPress tools to create a professional-looking website quickly and easily. This article covers everything from pre-installation preparations to optimizing your new WordPress site. We’ll explore Bluehost’s hosting features, guide you through the step-by-step installation process, and share essential first steps to take after your site is up and running. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to launch a well-designed, functional WordPress site on Bluehost’s reliable platform.

Bluehost’s WordPress Hosting Plans

When you’re looking to install WordPress on Bluehost, you have several hosting options to choose from. These plans cater to different needs and budgets, ensuring you find the right fit for your website. Let’s explore the shared hosting options and managed WordPress hosting plans Bluehost offers.

Shared hosting options

Bluehost’s shared hosting plans are an excellent starting point for those new to website design or running small to medium-sized websites. These plans allow multiple users to share space on a single server, making them a cost-effective choice for beginners .

The Basic plan is perfect when you just need one website. It includes 50GB of SSD storage, which is ample space for most small websites . You’ll also get five email accounts, unmetered bandwidth, and a free domain for the first year .

If you’re planning to run multiple sites, the Plus plan might be more suitable. It offers unlimited websites, storage space, and email accounts . This plan provides more flexibility as your online presence grows.

For those seeking additional privacy and security features, the Choice Plus plan is worth considering. It includes domain privacy protection and daily website backups for the first year, giving you peace of mind .

Managed WordPress hosting

While Bluehost no longer offers a specific “Managed WordPress Hosting” plan, they provide WordPress-optimized hosting solutions that incorporate many managed features .

These plans are built on a revolutionary VPS platform, which includes advanced NGINX architecture and custom PHP-FPM configuration . This setup ensures your WordPress site runs smoothly and efficiently.

One of the standout features is the inclusion of automatic WordPress updates. This means you don’t have to worry about manually updating your core software and plugins, reducing the risk of security vulnerabilities .

Bluehost’s WordPress hosting also includes daily automated backups through Jetpack. This feature allows you to easily restore your website should anything go wrong, adding an extra layer of security to your site .

To enhance your website’s performance, Bluehost uses server-level caching. This eliminates the need for caching plugins, which can sometimes be tricky to manage . The result is faster loading times for your visitors.

Security is a top priority with these plans. They include spam protection, malware removal, and DDoS protection to safeguard your website from various online threats .

For those who like to test changes before making them live, Bluehost offers staging sites. This feature allows you to experiment with new designs or features in a private environment before pushing them to your live site .

Lastly, Bluehost provides specialized customer support for WordPress users. Their team is well-versed in WordPress-specific challenges, ensuring you get quick and effective solutions if you encounter any issues .

By choosing one of Bluehost’s WordPress-optimized hosting plans, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth WordPress installation process and ongoing website management. These plans combine the affordability of shared hosting with many of the benefits typically associated with managed WordPress hosting.

Pre-Installation Preparations

Before you begin to install WordPress on Bluehost, it’s crucial to make some preparations to ensure a smooth process. This includes backing up any existing sites and gathering your login credentials.

Backing up existing sites

If you’re upgrading or replacing an existing website, it’s essential to create a backup before proceeding with a new WordPress installation. This step safeguards your data against potential loss during the installation process.

To back up your existing site on Bluehost, you can use the cPanel File Manager. Here’s how to do it:

Log in to your Bluehost cPanel account.
Navigate to the ‘Files’ section and click on ‘File Manager’.
Select the ‘public_html’ folder and expand it.
Choose the folder with your website name.
Click the ‘Compress’ option at the top.
Once compression is complete, download the zip file to a secure location on your computer.

This backup serves as a safety net, allowing you to restore your site if anything goes wrong during the WordPress installation process.

To install WordPress on Bluehost, you’ll need to have your login credentials ready. This includes your Bluehost account information and, if applicable, your existing WordPress login details.

Here’s what you need to gather:

Bluehost account username and password
Domain name (if you’ve already registered one)
FTP credentials (if you plan to use FTP for file management)
Existing WordPress admin username and password (if you’re updating an existing installation)

Having these credentials at hand will streamline the installation process and help you access your new WordPress site quickly.

Remember, the default URL to log in to WordPress is your site’s URL with “/wp-admin” added to the end. For example, if your site is www.example.com, you would access the WordPress login screen at www.example.com/wp-admin.

By taking these pre-installation steps, you’re setting yourself up for a successful WordPress installation on Bluehost. Backing up your existing site protects your data, while having your login credentials ready ensures you can smoothly navigate through the installation process and access your new WordPress dashboard.

As you prepare to install WordPress, keep in mind that Bluehost offers user-friendly tools to simplify the process. Their hosting plans are designed to support WordPress, making it easier for you to get your site up and running quickly. With these preparations complete, you’re ready to move forward with installing WordPress on your Bluehost account.

Accessing Bluehost’s WordPress Tools

To begin your journey with WordPress on Bluehost, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the tools provided to manage your site efficiently. Bluehost offers user-friendly interfaces to simplify the process of installing and managing WordPress.

MOJO Marketplace

One of the key features Bluehost provides is access to the MOJO Marketplace, which serves as a hub for installing and managing various web applications, including WordPress. Here’s how you can use it to install WordPress:

Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager.
Navigate to the Marketplace tab in the side navigation menu.
Select “Add Website” from the drop-down menu.
You’ll be prompted to create a new WordPress site. Enter a Site Name and Tagline.
For more control, click the Advanced button to add your Email Address, WordPress Admin Username, and Password.
Choose the domain where you want WordPress installed.
If you prefer to install WordPress in a subdirectory (e.g., example.com/blog), specify the directory in the provided field.
Toggle suggested plugins on or off as per your preference.
Click “Next” to proceed with the installation ¹.

The installation process typically takes a few minutes. Once complete, you’ll have the option to go back to your sites or log in to WordPress immediately ¹.

Bluehost WordPress manager

Bluehost also offers a WordPress manager, which is a more streamlined tool for managing your WordPress sites. Here’s how you can access and use it:

Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager.
Click on the Hosting tab in the side navigation menu.
Look for the “Add Site” button to install a new WordPress site.
Select “Install WordPress” and follow the prompts.
Enter your site title and continue. If you’re unsure about certain details, you can skip them for now.
Provide your domain name or opt for a temporary domain.
Once the installation is complete, click “Log into WordPress” to access your new site’s dashboard ³.

The Bluehost WordPress manager also allows you to manage existing sites:

Go to the Websites tab in the left navigation menu.
Hover over the site you want to manage and click “Edit Site.”
In the upper-right corner, click the “Edit WordPress” button to access your site’s dashboard ³.

This tool simplifies the process of creating and managing multiple WordPress sites from a single interface. It’s particularly helpful for beginners who might find the traditional cPanel interface overwhelming.

By using these tools, you can easily install WordPress on Bluehost and start building your website. Remember, Bluehost’s WordPress hosting is designed to provide superior speed and performance for WordPress websites . With automatic updates and 24/7 expert support, you’ll have the resources you need to create and maintain a successful WordPress site on Bluehost’s platform.

Step-by-Step WordPress Installation

Installing WordPress on Bluehost is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes. This guide will walk you through the steps to get your WordPress site up and running quickly.

Selecting your domain

To begin the WordPress installation process, you’ll need to choose the domain where you want to install WordPress. Here’s how to do it:

Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager.
Click on the Hosting tab in the side navigation menu.
Look for the “Add Site” button and click it to start installing a new WordPress site.
Select the “Install WordPress” option and click “Continue.”
You’ll be prompted to enter your site title. Type in the name of your website and click “Continue.” If you’re unsure about certain details, you can always click “Skip for Now” and come back to it later.
Next, you’ll need to enter your domain name. In the “Enter Domain Name” field, type in the domain where you want to install WordPress. Alternatively, if you don’t have a domain yet, you can select “Use a Temporary Domain Name.”
Click “Continue” to proceed with the installation.

Choosing installation directory

After selecting your domain, you’ll need to decide where to install WordPress within your hosting account. Here’s what you need to know:

By default, WordPress will be installed in the root directory of your chosen domain. This means your blog will be accessible directly at yourdomain.com.
If you want to install WordPress in a subdirectory, you can specify this during the installation process. For example, if you want your blog to be at yourdomain.com/blog, you would enter “blog” in the directory field.
To choose a different installation directory, look for a field next to your domain name where you can enter a subfolder name. If you leave this blank, WordPress will be installed in the root directory.
Once you’ve made your choice, click “Next” to continue with the installation.

After you’ve completed these steps, Bluehost will begin installing WordPress on your chosen domain and directory. The installation process typically takes a few minutes to complete. Once it’s finished, your WordPress site will be installed and ready to use.

To access your new WordPress dashboard, click on “Log into WordPress” when the installation is complete. This will take you to the admin area of your new WordPress site, where you can start customizing your design, adding content, and configuring your settings.

Remember, Bluehost’s WordPress hosting is designed to provide superior speed and performance for WordPress websites. With automatic updates and round-the-clock expert support, you’ll have the resources you need to create and maintain a successful WordPress site on Bluehost’s platform.

By following these steps, you’ll have successfully installed WordPress on your Bluehost account. Now you’re ready to start building your website and bringing your online vision to life. Whether you’re creating a personal blog, a business site, or an online store, WordPress on Bluehost provides a solid foundation for your web presence.

Configuring WordPress Settings

After you install WordPress on Bluehost, it’s crucial to configure your settings to optimize your site’s functionality and user experience. Let’s explore the essential settings you need to adjust to get your WordPress site up and running smoothly.

General settings

To begin configuring your WordPress site, head to the Settings tab in your WordPress admin dashboard. Here, you’ll find several options to customize your site’s global aspects.

Start by setting your site title and tagline. These elements appear in search results and browser tabs, so make them descriptive and engaging. Next, ensure your WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) are correct. These should match your domain name unless you’ve installed WordPress in a subdirectory.

Choose your preferred time zone, date format, and time format. These settings affect how dates and times are displayed throughout your site. Select a language for your WordPress installation, which determines the language of your admin interface and default theme.

Remember to click “Save Changes” after adjusting these settings to ensure they take effect.

Discussion settings

Discussion settings control how users interact with your content through comments. To access these, navigate to Settings > Discussion in your WordPress dashboard.

First, decide whether you want to allow link notifications from other blogs. This feature, known as pingbacks and trackbacks, can help build connections between websites but may also attract spam. Consider unchecking this option if you’re concerned about spam.

Next, choose whether to allow people to post comments on new articles. If you want to encourage user engagement, leave this option checked. However, if you prefer a one-way communication style or want to moderate all comments manually, you might want to uncheck it.

Adjust the comment moderation settings to your liking. You can set WordPress to hold a comment in the moderation queue if it contains links or specific keywords. This helps prevent spam from appearing on your site.

Consider enabling comment nesting, which allows replies to be threaded under the original comment. This can make conversations easier to follow. You can set the nesting depth, but two levels deep is often sufficient for most sites.

Decide whether you want to receive email notifications when someone posts a comment or when a comment is held for moderation. These notifications can help you stay on top of user interactions on your site.

Finally, you might want to automatically close comments on posts older than a certain number of days. This can help manage spam on older content.

After making these adjustments, don’t forget to click “Save Changes” to apply your new discussion settings.

By carefully configuring these WordPress settings on your Bluehost-hosted site, you’re laying the groundwork for a well-functioning website. These settings help control how your site appears to visitors and search engines, as well as how users can interact with your content. Remember, you can always come back and adjust these settings as your website grows and your needs change.

Essential First Steps After Installation

After you install WordPress on Bluehost, there are several crucial steps to take to set up your website effectively. These steps will help you create a solid foundation for your site and ensure it’s ready for visitors.

Creating key pages

One of the first things you should do after installing WordPress is to create essential pages for your website. These pages provide important information to your visitors and help structure your site. Here are some key pages to consider:

Home Page: This is often the first page visitors see when they come to your site. It should give an overview of what your website is about and guide visitors to other important sections.
About Page: Use this page to introduce yourself or your business to your audience. Share your story, mission, and values to help visitors connect with you.
Contact Page: Make it easy for visitors to get in touch with you by creating a dedicated contact page. Include your email address, phone number, or a contact form.
Services or Products Page: If you’re offering services or selling products, create pages that showcase what you have to offer.
Blog Page: If you plan to have a blog, set up a dedicated page where all your blog posts will appear.

To create these pages, go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Pages > Add New. Give each page a title and add your content. Remember to include relevant keywords in your page titles and content to improve your website’s search engine optimization (SEO).

Setting up navigation menus

Once you’ve created your key pages, the next step is to set up your navigation menu. A well-structured menu helps visitors find what they’re looking for quickly and easily, improving the user experience of your website.

To create a navigation menu in WordPress:

Go to Appearance > Menus in your WordPress dashboard.
Click on “Create a new menu” and give it a name, such as “Main Menu” or “Header Menu.”
Add pages to your menu by selecting them from the list on the left and clicking “Add to Menu.”
Arrange the menu items by dragging and dropping them into the desired order.
If you want to create dropdown menus, you can indent items under parent items to create sub-menus.
Once you’re happy with your menu structure, select where you want the menu to appear (e.g., Primary Menu, Footer Menu) under “Menu Settings.”
Click “Save Menu” to apply your changes.

Remember to keep your menu simple and intuitive. Too many options can overwhelm visitors, so focus on including only the most important pages in your main navigation.

After setting up your key pages and navigation menu, consider customizing your website’s appearance by choosing a theme that aligns with your brand. Bluehost offers a variety of WordPress themes to choose from, making it easy to find one that suits your needs.

Next, think about adding some essential plugins to enhance your website’s functionality. Popular plugins include Yoast SEO for improving your site’s search engine optimization, Akismet for spam protection, and Contact Form 7 for creating contact forms.

As you continue to build your website, remember to regularly update your WordPress installation, themes, and plugins to ensure your site remains secure and functions smoothly. Bluehost’s WordPress hosting plans often include automatic updates, making this process easier for you.

By taking these essential first steps after installing WordPress on Bluehost, you’ll be well on your way to creating a professional and user-friendly website. Remember, your website is an evolving project, so don’t be afraid to make changes and improvements as you go along.

Optimizing Your New WordPress Site

After you install WordPress on Bluehost, it’s crucial to optimize your site for better performance and visibility. Let’s explore two key areas of optimization: caching setup and SEO basics.

Caching setup

Caching has a significant impact on your website’s speed and performance. When you enable caching, your server can quickly retrieve cached data instead of generating it from scratch, leading to faster page loading times and improved website performance .

Bluehost offers a built-in caching feature that’s automatically enabled for all WordPress installations. This feature helps boost your site’s performance without requiring additional setup . To manage caching through Bluehost:

Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
Select Bluehost from the left-side menu and click on Settings.
Scroll down to the Performance section.
Toggle the switch button next to Caching to On.
Under Caching Level, enable Assets & Web Pages .

The benefits of setting up WordPress caching features are numerous:

Improved Site Speed: Caching significantly speeds up your WordPress site by storing static versions of your content.
Enhanced User Experience: Faster websites provide a better user experience, which can lead to higher engagement and conversion rates.
Higher Search Engine Rankings: Site speed is a ranking factor for search engines like Google, so faster sites may see improved SEO performance.
Reduced Server Load: Caching minimizes the number of requests to your server, helping your site handle more visitors simultaneously.
Lowered Bandwidth Consumption: By serving cached copies of your web pages, your site uses less bandwidth ⁵.

If you want more control over caching, you can install plugins like WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache. These can be added from your WordPress Dashboard under Plugins .

SEO basics

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial for improving your website’s visibility and attracting more traffic. Here are some essential SEO steps to take after installing WordPress on Bluehost:

Use SEO plugins: Install an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or All in One SEO. These tools guide you in optimizing your content, generating sitemaps, and improving on-page SEO factors .
Optimize for mobile: Ensure your site is responsive and mobile-friendly. With Google’s mobile-first indexing, a mobile-optimized site is essential for SEO rankings .
Improve site speed: As mentioned earlier, speed is a critical SEO factor. Use caching plugins, optimize image sizes, and minimize plugin use to improve loading times .
Create SEO-friendly URLs: Enable SEO-friendly permalink settings in WordPress to use descriptive slugs that include your target keywords for posts and pages .
Secure your site with HTTPS: Convert your site to HTTPS by installing an SSL certificate. Security can positively affect your ranking and is important for visitor trust .
Optimize meta titles and descriptions: Each page and post on your WordPress site should have unique and relevant title tags and meta descriptions. These are important for search engine result pages (SERPs) and should accurately describe the content of the page .
Use alt text for images: When adding images to your posts or pages, always include alt text. This short description of the image provides more opportunities to add searchable keywords that can be accessed by search crawlers .
Create a sitemap: Use an SEO plugin to generate an XML sitemap that outlines your website’s structure. Submit this sitemap to search engines through their respective webmaster tools, such as Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools .
Implement structured data: Use Schema markup on your WordPress site to provide search engines with additional context about your content. This can lead to rich snippets in search results, potentially increasing click-through rates .
Enable breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs enhance user experience and provide search engines with valuable insights into your site’s hierarchical structure .

By implementing these caching and SEO basics, you’ll be well on your way to optimizing your new WordPress site on Bluehost. Remember, optimization is an ongoing process, so regularly review and update your strategies to ensure your site continues to perform well and rank highly in search results.

Conclusion

Installing WordPress on Bluehost sets the stage for a robust online presence. This guide has walked you through the process, from choosing a hosting plan to optimizing your new site. By following these steps, you’ve laid a solid foundation to build and grow your website. Bluehost’s user-friendly tools and WordPress-optimized hosting make it easier than ever to get your site up and running quickly.

As you move forward, remember that your website is an ongoing project. Keep exploring new features, updating your content, and fine-tuning your site’s performance. With Bluehost’s reliable hosting and WordPress’s flexibility, you’re well-equipped to create a website that stands out and meets your goals. So go ahead, start creating, and watch your online presence flourish on your newly installed WordPress site.

FAQs

Does Bluehost automatically install WordPress when I sign up?
Yes, if you choose Bluehost as your hosting provider, WordPress will be automatically installed for you, eliminating the need for manual installation.

What are the steps to transfer an existing WordPress site to Bluehost?
To transfer an existing WordPress site to Bluehost, navigate to the ‘Add Site’ section and select the ‘Transfer an existing WordPress’ option. Click ‘CONTINUE’, and once the authorization is approved, the migration tool will transfer your files, content, and databases. You will receive a notification saying ‘Your migration is complete’ once the process is finished.

How much time does it take to manually install WordPress on Bluehost?
The manual installation of WordPress on Bluehost typically takes about 5 minutes. You’ll need to select your domain during the installation process, and WordPress will be set up on that domain swiftly.

Can you guide me through the manual installation of WordPress on my hosting?
To manually install WordPress, follow these steps: First, download WordPress. Then, upload it to your hosting account. Next, create a MySQL database and a user, and assign the necessary privileges. Configure the ‘wp-config.php’ file, run the installation script, and complete the installation by following the prompts. Additional resources and a summary are available if you need further guidance.