A2oz

How to Setup WordPress on DigitalOcean?

Published in Web Hosting 3 mins read

Setting up WordPress on DigitalOcean is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through the essential steps:

1. Create a DigitalOcean Droplet

  • Choose a Droplet Plan: Select a plan based on your website's needs (e.g., traffic, storage).
  • Select an Operating System: Choose Ubuntu 20.04 LTS for optimal compatibility with WordPress.
  • Configure the Droplet: Customize your Droplet's settings, including hostname and SSH keys.
  • Create the Droplet: Click "Create Droplet" to launch your server.

2. Install WordPress

  • Connect via SSH: Use an SSH client (e.g., PuTTY) to connect to your Droplet.
  • Update System: Run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y to ensure your system is up-to-date.
  • Install Apache: Install the web server with sudo apt install apache2 -y.
  • Install MySQL: Install the database server with sudo apt install mysql-server -y.
  • Install PHP: Install the scripting language with sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php php-mysql -y.
  • Download WordPress: Download the latest WordPress package from https://wordpress.org/download/ and extract it to /var/www/html.
  • Configure Apache: Create a virtual host file for your WordPress site and set the document root to /var/www/html.
  • Configure MySQL: Create a database for your WordPress site and a user with appropriate permissions.

3. Access WordPress

  • Open a Web Browser: Visit your Droplet's IP address in your web browser.
  • Follow the Setup Wizard: Complete the WordPress setup wizard, providing your database credentials and site information.

4. Install Plugins and Themes

  • Explore the WordPress Dashboard: Access the WordPress dashboard to customize your website.
  • Install Essential Plugins: Consider installing plugins for security, SEO, caching, and other essential features.
  • Choose a Theme: Select a theme that aligns with your website's design and functionality.

5. Secure Your WordPress Site

  • Update WordPress Regularly: Ensure your WordPress core files, plugins, and themes are up to date for security and stability.
  • Use Strong Passwords: Choose strong passwords for your WordPress administrator account and any other users.
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security by enabling two-factor authentication for your account.
  • Install Security Plugins: Implement a security plugin to protect your website against malware and other threats.

By following these steps, you can successfully set up WordPress on DigitalOcean and create a functional website.

Related Articles