Step by Step Guide How to Get WordPress and Install WP Themes

WordPress is one of the most popular blogging platforms in use today. It is being used by more bloggers than any other format and chances are very good that you have visited a site recently that is using WordPress and you did not even know it. Getting started with WordPress is fairly easy but can be a little tricky. Here is a step-by-step guide that will get you up and running in no time. Remember you can always go to WordPress.org if you have questions or need further help.

Step 1 – Domain Names and Hosting.

If you don’t already have a domain name you will need to get one. WordPress does not provide a domain name like some of the other blogging platforms. Come up with something that is catchy, easy to spell and easy to remember. You should get a domain name that reflects what you and your blog are about. If you do not have a hosting service then you may be able to get a great deal on wordpress hosting and domain names together. Many hosting services will give you a free domain name for simply using their hosting services. You can also get hosting services that are specific for WordPress blogs and that provide you with easy step-by-step tools to upload WordPress.

Step 2 – Downloading WordPress and Installation.

Once you have your domain name and hosting figured out you will want to go to WordPress.org and download the latest version of WordPress. Install the file into its own folder in a directory where you will easily be able to retrieve it. WordPress takes very little time to download. Once the download is finished you can begin the creation of your blog and upload it to your hosting provider.

1. Begin by logging into your hosting account, and in the control panel, locate the Database Administration. Create a MySQL database, including name, username and password. Write this information down as you will need to refer to it again.

2. Go to the WordPress folder where you downloaded the software. Open the file wp-config-sample.php using Notepad, Dreamweaver or any other scripting program. Fill in the name, username and password of your newly created MySQL database and rename the file wp-config.php.

3. You will now need to retrieve the FTP-login information you were given by your hosting provider. If you do not have any FTP uploading software you will need to get that now. You can try Fetch.com or any other of the various FTP uploading sites and software programs that are out there. Once you have an FTP software program downloaded you will need to access your hosting FTP login.

4. Next you will upload all the files in the WordPress folder (which you downloaded earlier) to your host via the FTP connection.

5. Lastly go to www.yoursitename.com/wordpress/wp-admin/install.php and you will be asked to specify your username, password and more. You have now completed the installation and are on your way to uploading and activating a WordPress theme.

Step 3 – Uploading and Activating a WordPress theme.

There are more themes than you can imagine to select from. You also have the option to build your own theme from the ground up. There are a number of software programs that will help you build your own custom theme or you can just do a simple search for WordPress themes. There are a number of free themes that are available as well. It may take some time to find the right theme that is for you. Feel free to search for the right one and come back to the themes at any time. Once you have found the theme you like, follow these simple steps to get it up and running.

1. Download the theme you like to your computer drive.
2. Unzip the folder and upload it via FTP to your hosting account.
3. Upload to the following directory, www.yoursitename.com/wordpress/wp-content/themes
4. Log into your WordPress admin by going to www.yoursitename.com/wordpress/wp-admin
5. In the WordPress dashboard, if you have installed version 2.7, go to the Appearance section in the left column, click on Themes and see what the current theme is that is being used and which are available for activation.
6. Click on the theme you want, the one you just uploaded should be there, and activate it. That theme will then become the current default theme.

You have now successfully uploaded and activated your new WordPress theme. You can now begin the fun and exciting process of customizing your blog and theme by including a number of add-ons that are available for WordPress themes. WordPress is one of the best content management systems out there. Take advantage of all that is has to offer.

Tags: troubleshooting, Webhosting, Wordpress, Wordpress theme