10 Easy Steps to Install WordPress (or Alternative CMS Platforms) – Ultimate Blogging Tutorial 2026
Introduction to WordPress and CMS Platforms
.png "Best CMS platforms")
What is WordPress and Why It’s Popular?
In the world of digital publishing, WordPress stands tall as the most popular Content Management System (CMS). Whether you're a passionate blogger, a small business owner, or a digital entrepreneur, having a CMS makes managing your website effortless.
Benefits of Using a CMS for Blogging
A CMS allows you to create, edit, and publish web content without learning complex coding. While WordPress powers over 40% of all websites, other CMS options like Joomla, Drupal, Ghost, and Wix also provide powerful alternatives depending on your project needs.
Common Alternatives to WordPress (Joomla, Drupal, Ghost, Wix, Squarespace)
Because it’s open-source, customizable, SEO-friendly, and has a massive community. From plugins to themes, it offers unmatched flexibility — perfect for bloggers who want to launch a professional site with minimal effort.
Prerequisites Before Installing WordPress
Before you dive into installation, ensure you have the following essentials in place:
Choosing the Right Domain Name
Your domain name is your digital address — short, memorable, and relevant. Choose a .com, .net, or niche-specific extension. Tools like Namecheap or Google Domains make it simple to register one.
Selecting a Reliable Web Hosting Provider
Good hosting ensures fast load times and uptime reliability. For WordPress, popular hosts include Bluehost, SiteGround, and Hostinger, many of which offer one-click WordPress installs.
Understanding Server Requirements (PHP, MySQL, HTTPS)
Ensure your hosting supports PHP (8.0 or higher), MySQL, and HTTPS. These are critical for security and smooth operation.
Step-by-Step WordPress Installation (Beginners Guide)
Installing WordPress via cPanel (Softaculous)
This is the easiest method for beginners:
- Log into your hosting cPanel.
- Open App Installer.
- Select WordPress → Install.
- Choose your domain, set admin username/password, and click Install Now.
- Access your new site via yourdomain.com/wp-admin
Manual Installation using FTP and MySQL
For tech-savvy users:- Download WordPress from wordpress.org
- Upload files via FTP to your hosting directory.
- Create a MySQL database in cPanel.
Configuring wp-config.php File
- Edit wp-config.php with database credentials.
- Run the installation script by visiting your domain.
Verifying Installation and Logging In
Once installed, you’ll see the default WordPress dashboard — your command center for creating posts, customizing themes, and adding plugins.
Installing WordPress on Localhost
Want to test WordPress before going live? Install it on your local computer using XAMPP, WAMP, or MAMP:
Using XAMPP, WAMP, or MAMP
Download and install a local server e.g. xampp, wamp or mamp.
Creating a Local Database
Create a new database in phpMyAdmin.
Extract WordPress files in the server’s root directory.
Running WordPress Setup Wizard
Visit localhost/wordpress to complete setup.
This approach is ideal for learning or developing themes/plugins offline.
Installing Alternative CMS Platforms
Installing Joomla CMS
Download Joomla from Joomla Official Website upload files, and follow the setup wizard similar to WordPress.
Installing Drupal CMS
Great for advanced users. Download Drupal and Install via cPanel or manually upload files and configure database settings.
Installing Ghost CMS
A lightweight blogger platform built for bloggers. Requires Node.js, so it’s best installed via command line on VPS hosting.
Installing Wix or Squarespace (Cloud-Based Platforms)
Cloud-based CMS platforms — no installation needed! Simply sign up and start customizing your drag-and-drop site.
Essential Post-Installation Setup
Configuring General Settings
After installation, tweak settings for better usability:
Set Site Title and Tagline
Installing a Theme and Customizing Design
Choose a Theme – Try Astra, GeneratePress, or Neve.
Installing Plugins for SEO, Security, and Backups
Install Key Plugins – Yoast SEO, UpdraftPlus, and Wordfence.
Adjust Permalinks for SEO-friendly URLs.
Securing Your WordPress Website
Enabling SSL Certificates
Enable SSL (HTTPS), use strong admin passwords, and install plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri.
Installing Security Plugins
Security should never be an afterthought.
Regular Backups and Updates
Always keep WordPress and plugins updated.
Common WordPress Installation Issues & Fixes
| Issue | + Cause + | Solution |
|---|
| Error establishing database connection | Wrong credentials | Recheck wp-config.php |
| 500 Internal Server Error | Corrupted .htaccess | Rename or regenerate file |
| Memory Limit Error | Insufficient PHP memory | Increase via php.ini or contact host |
Database Connection Errors
Solve Database connections
File Permission Issues
Keep file permission issues up to date.
Internal Server Errors
For example memory errors
Migrating WordPress Between Hosts or Servers
Exporting and Importing Databases
Using Migration Plugins like Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration
Optimizing WordPress for Speed & Performance
Caching Plugins (WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache)
Image Optimization
Choosing Lightweight Themes
SEO Optimization for WordPress Blogs
Installing Yoast SEO or Rank Math
Install Yoast SEO or Rank Math to manage on-page SEO, sitemaps, and metadata. Also, integrate Google Search Console and Google Analytics to track performance.
Setting Up Permalinks
SET permalinks are urls and titles.
Submitting Sitemap to Google Search Console
After 20 posts you can submit your sitemap to google search console.
Best Alternatives to WordPress for Specific Use Cases
Best CMS for E-commerce (Shopify, Magento)
Best CMS for Blogging (Ghost, Medium)
Best CMS for Portfolios or Business Sites
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I install WordPress without hosting?
Yes, you can install it locally using XAMPP or MAMP for testing.
Q2: What’s the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org?
WordPress.com is hosted, while WordPress.org is self-hosted and offers full control.
Q3: Which CMS is easiest for beginners?
WordPress and Wix are beginner-friendly, while Drupal and Joomla are better for developers.
Q4: How much does it cost to start a WordPress blog?
Basic setup with hosting and domain typically costs around $50–$100 per year.
Q5: Can I migrate from another CMS to WordPress?
Yes, use migration plugins or export/import tools to move content easily.
Q6: How do I secure my CMS website?
Keep software updated, use strong passwords, and enable SSL encryption.
Final Thoughts on Installing and Maintaining Your CMS
Installing WordPress (or alternative CMS platforms) isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. Once you grasp the basics — domain, hosting, and installation — you’ll have a functional blog ready to publish in minutes.
Whether you choose WordPress, Joomla, or Ghost, remember: consistency and optimization turn any CMS into a powerful blogging engine.