The other thing you need is your domain name, unless you are starting with the free WordPress.com option described below. Domain names are normally registered when you open the hosting account described below, but for extra domains, I recommend GoDaddy. I explain why extra domain names are useful elsewhere, or you can ask about this in the hosting forum.

Installation Preparation

In addition to the site blueprint that I keep banging on about, there are some services that will enhance almost all web businesses, regardless of how and where they are hosted.

I tend to use Google services, as they are largely free from charge, and very effective. Alternatives do exist, and I discuss these on Shrewdies Interactive.

Two essential services are Analytics and Webmaster Tools. Setting up these services is very straightforward, so I will not bother with detailed instructions. Though you can register your domain with these services now, you can only complete the process when you have installed your website using the instructions below. For effective use of Google Analytics, you will also need to add an appropriate plugin or amend your site theme.

WordPress.com Installation

WordPress.com does not actually have an installation process – that’s the beauty of it – all the detailed technical stuff is done for you. All you need to do is register, and you can “install” as many websites as you like. Once registered, see the Next Steps notes below.

WordPress.org Installation USA

If you are planning a global web business, or a market targeting the uSA specifically, it is best to use a website server based in the USA. Experience tells me to avoid Bluehost – though recommended by WordPress, I find their server configuration very awkward, which limits some of the features I like to use, and their customer support is poor (as at 2010). I have had good technical support from Justhost, but their commercial support is terrible – as soon as you start to be successful, you break their barriers, and get suspended with no warning. Though they do offer an upgrade path, this is after you’ve lost at least one day’s business – a real budding business killer.

Since 2010, I’ve used DreamHost, and found them to be excellent. See my Web Hosting Prices page for more details.

I believe the installation process to be so simple that I haven’t (at least yet) provided a step-by-step guide. You can discuss any issues in the forum, but please note that if you order your DreamHost account through my link above, I’ll happily complete the installation process for you.

Use the DreamHost automated WordPress installation (the customized version), and WordPress will be live in around ten minutes. Alternatively, you can log into your domain via FTP, and follow the famous five minute install process. Once installed, see the Next Steps notes below.

WordPress.org Installation UK

If you are hosting a .co.uk domain, or targetting UK markets with other domain names, it pays to use a UK based server, both for speed, and audience matching reasons. I now use NativeSpace.co.uk, and have found them to be very reliable, cost effective, and user-friendly. See my Web Hosting Prices page for more details.

I believe the installation process to be so simple that I haven’t (at least yet) provided a step-by-step guide. You can discuss any issues in the forum, but please note that if you order your NativeSpace account through my link above, I’ll happily complete the installation process for you.

Use the NativeSpace automated WordPress installation under Fantastico in cPanel, and WordPress will be live in around two minutes. Alternatively, you can log into your domain via FTP, or use the cPanel File Manager, and follow the famous five minute install process. Once installed, see the Next Steps notes below.

Non-WordPress Sites & Other Countries

Please discuss non-WordPress installation issues, or hosting in other countries in the hosting forum. If common questions arise, I’ll add explanations to this page.

WordPress Installation: Next Steps

Now that you have an accessible website, you are probably eager to turn it over to the content building team (or put your content management hat on if you are a one-man-band). But there is at least one more step required first. You must apply various settings that shape how WordPress (or your alternative CMS) operates to suit your site blueprint. I deal with these in the WordPress Configuration pages.

In most cases, you will also need to add functionality using plugins, and organize your format using themes, but these can be done during the early stages of content building.

Leave the WordPress Installation page to browse the rest of WordPress Hosting Foundations.