This is the third blog post of a new series we started about blogging online. We started this series because many of our users requested it and because our easy-to-understand tutorials are loved by many, we decided to jump in and do it.
So, back to where we started. Our first post which introduces this series started with helping you obtain a domain name for your site. If you want to host or publish content online, you must first get a domain name. Use this page to search for domain registrars.
In the second post which can be found here, we mentioned that you also should register for a web host. Web hosts are the companies that help you host your published content. You can register for the domain and the webhost from the same provider if they offer both services.
If you’ve already registered for the domain name and web hosting, then you’re ready. If not, you may have to go back to the beginning post. If you’re ready and able to sign in to your account, you should see something like the images found in our second post.
If the domain registrar and the web hosting company are different, then you’ll want to make a small change at the domain registrar. That change is to point the domain name to the hosting IP address. To do that, sign in to your domain account and follow the steps below.
Logon to your domain account and change the DNS – > A Record to point to the webhost IP Address. For example, if your webhost IP Address is 125.125.452.2, your domain DNS A record should be like this:
mypersonalonlineblog.com 125.125.452.2
Save that. Anyone that use your domain name will be sent directly to your webhost to view your content. If both the domain name and webhost are from the same company, this may have already been configured for you.
In the second blog post, we also showed you how to create a database and a database user. WordPress uses databases to store content.
After creating the database and user, we showed you how to access your web root directory. The root directory is where your content will be stored. You can use an FTP client or Cpanel File Explorer to view your web root content.
Downloading WordPress CMS And Uploading To Your Host
At this point, you should have created the database, verify that the domain points to the correct host IP address, have FTP account and is able to access the web root. Next go and download WordPress file from this link.
After downloading WordPress file, use an FTP program to upload the file to your host. You can choose to extract the WordPress zipped file on your location computer before uploading individual files and folders to your host.
Or upload the entire WordPress zipped file and extract it online using Cpanel File Manager. Which ever way you choose, make sure to put all the content in the WordPress folder into your web root directory.
Using Cpanel File Manager, select all the folders and files and move them into the root directory. as shown below.
Now all WordPress individual file and folder should be in /public_html or htdocs. Next, go to your root directory and select wp-config-sample.php file and click Rename button. When prompted, rename that file to wp-config.php and save it.
Next, select wp-config.php file and click the Edit button. When the file opens, change the highlighted fields below to match the information for your WordPress database.
After saving the file, go to your site by typing its domain name or IP address and if everything went well, you should see WordPress installation page.
Type your site’s name and create a user account for your site. When you’re done, sign in to WordPress and explore.
This how it’s done. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to obtain a domain name for my site?
To obtain a domain name for your site, you can search for domain registrars online and choose a suitable domain name for your blog.
What is the importance of registering for a web host?
Registering for a web host is essential as it allows you to host and publish your content online, making your blog accessible to visitors.
Can I register for a domain name and web hosting from the same provider?
Yes, you can register for both your domain name and web hosting from the same provider if they offer both services.
How do I point my domain name to the hosting IP address?
To point your domain name to the hosting IP address, log in to your domain account, change the DNS A Record to match the webhost IP Address, and save the changes.
What should I do if my domain registrar and web hosting company are different?
If your domain registrar and web hosting company are different, you need to update the DNS A Record in your domain account to point to the webhost IP Address to ensure proper connection.
How can I view my content once the domain name is pointed to the webhost IP address?
Once your domain name is pointed to the webhost IP address, anyone using your domain name will be directed to your webhost, allowing them to view your content online.
What are the steps to sign in to my account after obtaining a domain name and web hosting?
After obtaining your domain name and web hosting, you can sign in to your account to manage your website settings and content, ensuring everything is set up correctly for your blog.
Why is it important to follow the steps to point the domain name to the webhost IP address?
Following the steps to point the domain name to the webhost IP address is crucial as it ensures that visitors using your domain name are directed to the correct location where your content is hosted, making your blog accessible online.
