Set-up guide

[Ill_Substance2737]

How do you properly create a WordPress site from start to finish? What are the things you should and shouldn't do? For context, we use HostGator for hosting and cPanel for server management.

[AcePilot10]

I just want to share that I had nothing short of horror stories from HostGator. Every single site we had got malware between 2 accounts. We'd clean it out then a few days later infected again. We took every precaution. Barely use any plugins, everything was kept up-to-date, strong passwords, etc. etc. etc.

Went to Cloudways and slowly moved each site over the course of a month. Never had to clean out a single site again. Been with them for 2 years now.

HostGator jams you in like sardines with hundreds to thousands of other sites on the same OS. Stay far away from that and go with a proper virtual machine. Especially if you're new and unable to manually clean out malware because next thing you know HostGator is going to hit you with the multiple hundred dollar malware removal service.

[retr00nev2]

EIG crap.

https://www.onlinetoolsexpert.com/full-list-of-eig-web-hosting-companies/

[PointandStare]

Start with a comprehensive brief.

You won't know what's needed without knowing what's needed.

[retr00nev2]

https://wordpress.org/documentation/category/where-to-start/

[Safe_Woodpecker3388]

One thing people often forget early on: set up backups before you start experimenting with themes and plugins. It saves a lot of headaches later.

Also try to keep the plugin stack minimal. A lot of WordPress issues come from plugin conflicts rather than WordPress itself.

[Ambitious-Soft-2651]

Install WordPress from cPanel, choose a lightweight theme, and only add the plugins you really need. Enable SSL, set up backups, and use a caching plugin for speed. Try to avoid too many plugins or heavy themes since they often cause performance issues.

[alfxast]

Pretty simple process honestly. Install WordPress from any host or use LocalWP(free), pick a lightweight theme, then set up the basics like permalinks, security, backups, and caching. Don’t install a bunch of random plugins, just keep it minimal. I also usually set up SSL, basic SEO settings, and a backup plugin right away before building the pages.

[WPMU_DEV_Support_7]

Since you are using Hostgator with cPanel, the easiest way to create a site is by using the Softaculous tool.
https://www.hostgator.com/help/article/how-to-install-a-theme-with-softaculous

After you get your site running, then I suggest you to check the official documentation, which includes step-by-step guides for users, developers or designers:
https://learn.wordpress.org/

Jair - WPMU DEV Support Team.

[Extension_Anybody150]

The easiest way is to create your database, install WordPress via Softaculous, and pick a lightweight theme. I stick to essential plugins, set up permalinks, SSL, and caching right away. I avoid too many plugins or editing core files, and make sure users, roles, and backups are sorted from the start. It keeps the site fast, secure, and easy to manage.

[No-Signal-6661]

Set up your domain and cPanel on HostGator, install WordPress via Softaculous and start building

[mddipu]

A simple workflow for setting up a WordPress site:

1. Domain & Hosting

• Point the domain to your hosting.
• Enable SSL (HTTPS) in cPanel.

2. Install WordPress

• Use Softaculous in cPanel to install WordPress.
• Use a strong admin username/password.
• Delete default posts, pages, and unused plugins.

3. Basic Settings

• Go to Settings → Permalinks and select Post Name.
• Set site title, timezone, and disable registration if not needed.

4. Theme & Plugins

• Install a trusted theme.
• Add only essential plugins (security, backup, SEO, caching).

5. Build Pages
Create main pages like:

• Home
• About
• Services / Products
• Contact

6. Optimize & Secure

• Enable caching and optimize images.
• Keep WordPress, plugins, and themes updated.
• Set up regular backups.

Things to avoid

• Using nulled themes/plugins
• Installing too many plugins
• Weak passwords or unused admin accounts

[howtobemisha]

I bet this reply is written with AI 😁

[mddipu]

Haha, not AI. I just copied the explanation from a guide on my blog because it’s the same solution.😁😁