WordPress hosting: install WordPress and set up your site
Start with HyperDC WordPress hosting: open your panel (cPanel with WP Toolkit, WP Squared or PanelAlpha), install WordPress, secure it with HTTPS and set it up.
- Beginner
- 20 min read
- Updated
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HyperDC WordPress hosting runs your site on LiteSpeed, with the LiteSpeed Cache plugin available. You manage it in your plan's control panel, such as cPanel with WP Toolkit, WP Squared or PanelAlpha; the package and your service details show which one. This guide takes you from the order to a running, secured site.
Before you start
- Your hosting service is active and you have the welcome email.
- A domain for the site, registered with us or elsewhere; see register a domain.
- Open the panel from the client area: Services › My Services, the hosting service, then the sign-in button; see log in to your control panel.
Step 1: Point your domain to the hosting account
Use the nameservers from the welcome email, or point the domain's A record (and www) to the server's IP address; see point a domain to your server. The free certificate and the WordPress dashboard work properly only once the domain points to the account.
Step 2: Create the WordPress site
Follow the tab for the control panel of your plan.
cPanel (WP Toolkit)
- Open WP Toolkit in cPanel.
- Choose Install and select the domain (and, if you want, a subfolder).
- Set the site title, the administrator user name, a strong password and your email address.
- Start the installation. WP Toolkit creates the database and the administrator account for you.
WP Squared
WP Squared is a panel built for WordPress by the makers of cPanel. In its website dashboard, create a new site, choose the domain and enter the administrator details. WP Squared creates the WordPress installation and manages its certificate.
PanelAlpha
In PanelAlpha's dashboard, add a new WordPress instance: choose to create a new site (or to import an existing one from its URL), enter the domain and confirm. Open the site later with Manage Site and WP Admin.
Verify: your domain shows the new WordPress site, and https://example.com/wp-admin opens the login page.
Step 3: Secure the address with HTTPS
The free certificate is issued for your domain once it points to the account. Check that https://example.com shows a padlock, then make WordPress use it: Settings › General, set both addresses to https://example.com. See turn on free SSL and force HTTPS.
Step 4: Set the essentials in the dashboard
- Settings › General: site title, tagline, time zone and language.
- Settings › Permalinks: choose Post name for readable addresses.
- Users › Profile: set a strong password and add two-factor authentication with a plugin; see secure a WordPress site.
- Plugins: keep only what you need; delete unused plugins and themes.
Step 5: Turn on caching
Activate LiteSpeed Cache: its page cache serves finished pages without running PHP for every visitor; see LiteSpeed Cache.
Troubleshooting
The domain still shows another site or a default page. DNS has not switched yet, or the domain points elsewhere. Check with DNS not resolving.
"Error establishing a database connection" or a critical error. See fix WordPress errors.
The login page loops back to itself. Clear your browser cookies for the site and check that both addresses in Settings › General use the same https:// domain.
Next steps
- Speed: LiteSpeed Cache.
- Security: secure a WordPress site.
Frequently asked questions
Which control panel does my plan use?
It depends on the server and location of your plan. The control panel is shown on the package and in your service details, for example cPanel with WP Toolkit, WP Squared or PanelAlpha.
Can you move my existing WordPress site?
Yes. Tell us where your site is hosted today and our team will help you move it. You can also move it yourself with a WordPress migration plugin.
Is HTTPS included?
Yes. A free Let's Encrypt certificate secures your site once the domain points to the hosting account.
Are backups included?
Yes, your site is backed up at no extra cost. Before big changes, also download your own copy of the files and the database.