Knowing how to install WordPress manually, even if you never intend to implement it that way, is important for anyone who is going to have and maintain a successful WordPress site. Just like knowing how to take a manual backup of your site – even if you never have to – is wise because instant programs fail. They just do. We don’t like to think about it because, oh maybe it means a little more work for us, but it happens. And you don’t want to be stuck if/when it does.

So this short video will show you how to install a new package of WordPress from scratch. Where to get the original program (and previous versions if you ever need them), how to upload it to your hosting provider, and how to configure it so you can begin your website adventure. You’ll also learn how to set up your database, and how to connect it to your WordPress installation.

And while you may not need ever to do it this way, it is so useful (and empowering) to know a little bit how WordPress works. While you are not going to learn all the ins and outs of the program (or – heaven forbid – code 😋😋), you will know the starting points and the basics of how the system interacts. Having this kind of background information, however limited, is always helpful in times of error messages or downtime.

It happens.

Not to mention, one- or two-click installers often install things to your site that you don’t even know about, and certainly don’t know what they’re for! Who needs that? Your hosting provider isn’t going to make a habit of letting programs install a lot of crap, but you want to be sure you don’t get any.

Know how to do it manually!

Being prepared is the first defense!