WordPress Installation and Launch: From Domain and Server to the Admin Dashboard
A complete understanding of what WordPress needs to prepare before going online, how to choose the installation method, and the correct order of domain name resolution, database, HTTPS, and background initialization.
Domain name and DNS
Confirm the domain name attribution, resolution authority and final access address.
Server environment
Confirm PHP, database, HTTPS, and file permissions.
WordPress installation
Choose automatic installation or manual deployment, and record administrator information.
Online initialization
Complete fixed link, security, backup, cache, and basic SEO.
WordPress installation is not just about clicking an install button.Stable online requires that the domain name, DNS, server environment, database, HTTPS, background security and backup be checked in the same process.
First choose the appropriate installation method
The installation method is not absolutely good or bad. The key is whether it is convenient for maintenance, migration and troubleshooting.
| Method | Suitable for scenarios | Advantages | Need to pay attention |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-click installation of the host panel | Ordinary corporate websites, display stations and quick verification projects | Fast speed, few steps, the environment is usually configured | Check the default administrator, database prefix and accompanying plug-ins |
| Server panel installation | Cloud server, independent VPS and multi-site management | Environment and files are more controllable, easy to backup and migrate | Need to understand the site directory, PHP version, and database permissions |
| WordPress manual installation | Customized environment, migration recovery, and projects that require complete control | The process is transparent and easy to locate environmental problems | You need to upload your own files, create a database, and configure HTTPS |
| Hosting WordPress | Teams That Prefer Managed Hosting | Updates, caches, and backups are usually handled by the platform | Prices, plug-in restrictions, and migration boundaries must be confirmed in advance |
1. Confirm the four basic conditions before installation
Before you start, you should get the domain name management rights, server or host account, available database, and long-term administrator mailbox.The account should be held by the customer subject as much as possible to avoid restrictions on subsequent renewal, migration, or retrieval of permissions.
- The domain name can modify the DNS or resolve the record
- The server supports the current stable version of PHP and MySQL /MariaDB
- The site directory can be written and can be configured HTTPS
- The administrator mailbox can noronline storey receive password reset emails
2. Domain name resolution to server
The common practice is to configure the A record for the root domain name to point to the server IP, and then configure CNAME or the same IP for www.After the modification, you need to wait for the resolution to take effect, and confirm that the old records, CDN, and proxy services will not cause conflicts.
- First record the DNS configuration before modification
- Confirm whether to use www or not www
- Don't delete the email domain name by mistake when it already has MX/TXT
- Use different networks to check the resolution results before going online
3. Configure the site directory, PHP and database
The site directory should only hold the current website files.When creating a database, use a separate database name and user, and only grant the required permissions to the database.The PHP version, upload restrictions, time zone, and pseudo-static rules need to match the project's functions.
- Don't share the same database account with multiple websites
- The production environment is closed. Detailed error output
- Record the database name, user and backup location
- Confirm that the upload size meets the theme and media files
4. Upload and complete the WordPress installation
Upload the official website program to the root directory of the site during manual installation, and fill in the database information and site administrator information after accessing the domain name.Automatic installation also requires re-checking the administrator username, password, language, and search engine visibility.
- Avoid using admin for the administrator user name
- Use a separate and long enough combination for the password
- The site title can be modified later
- The test site temporarily prevents search engines from including
5. Configure HTTPS and unified access address
After the certificate takes effect, the WordPress address and site address should be unified as HTTPS, and the WWW and non-www should be unified through 301 jump.The background, images, fonts, and interfaces cannot continue to load HTTP resources.
- The certificate contains the domain name actually used
- Check for mixed content and jump loops
- Confirm that the background is accessible before forcing HTTPS
- Check the certificate mode again after CDN is turned on
6. Background initialization and basic plug-ins
After the installation is complete, first process the fixed link, time zone, user permissions, comment settings, and media size, and then install the cache, backup, security, SEO, form, or online store plug-ins according to the project needs.The number of plug-ins is not a proof of ability, only the functions that are really used are retained.
- Delete unused themes, plug-ins, and sample content
- Confirm the fixed link before it goes online to avoid frequent changes
- Separate the administrator and the editor account
- Complete the page test before officially enabling the cache
7. Pre-launch testing and delivery
At least check the homepage, inner page, form, email, login, mobile terminal, 404, HTTPS, backup and administrator recovery process.At the time of delivery, it should be stated who manages the domain name, server, background, backup, and plug-in authorization respectively.
- Keep a full backup before going online
- Record DNS and server configuration
- Verify the background password to retrieve the email
- Provide common content update instructions
online and delivery checklist
The following items should have clear results or records, not just the verbal description of “already configured”.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between one-click installation and manual installation?
One-click installation is suitable for rapid deployment, and manual installation makes it easier to understand the directory, database, and environment.The final stability mainly depends on the environment configuration and maintenance after going online.
Can WordPress be installed on a domestic server?
Yes, but usually the domain name is required for filing, and the network, SMS, payment, and compliance requirements are configured according to the business.Overseas servers generally do not need to file for the record, but the access speed of the target user must be tested.
Why can the homepage be opened after installation, but the inner page is 404?
The common reason is that the permalink rule or the pseudo-static configuration of the server has not taken effect.Resave the permalink and check the Nginx/Apache rules.
What should I do if I forget my password in the background of the website?
Priority is given to resetting the administrator mailbox.When the mailbox is unavailable, it can be restored through the host panel, database, or command line, but it should be backed up before operation.
