Step 1: Register Your Domain
The steps outlined in this tutorial will be based on registering your domain with GoDaddy. I highly recommend them as a domain registrar! (I am not paid or compensated in any way for my recommendation – GoDaddy is simply my personal preference)
The domain registration is pretty straight forward, but if you have any questions, contact GoDaddy support.
Step 2: Sign Up for Hosting
The steps in this tutorial are based on hosting through Host Gator. (again, this is just my personal preference – I am not compensated in any way for my recommendation). The “Hatchling Plan” works fine!
*IMPORTANT* – Under “Step 1: Choose a Domain,” enter the domain you registered through GoDaddy under “I Currently Have a Domain Name.”
Again, the registration process should be pretty straight forward, but contact Host Gator Support if you have any questions.
Step 3: Update your DNS Settings
Now we need to marry your domain to your hosting account. First, open the welcome from Host Gator containing your account information. You should see two lines that look something like this:
Your 1st Nameserver: ns1.hostgator.com
Your 2nd Nameserver: ns2.hostgator.com
(do not use the above unless told so in your welcome email)
Next, log in to your GoDaddy account and click “My Account” on the far right. Under the “Domains” section, click “Advanced Details” next to your domain name. Then select “Set Nameservers” as shown below and replace the existing information with your nameservers located within your HostGator welcome email.
*Important Note* – Any time you make a DNS (domain name server) change it takes around 24-48 hours to complete. During this proprogation time routers all over the world are updating their cache. This causes your site to be up and down randomly during the first 48 hours for different people at different times.
Step 4: Install WordPress
Once your DNS settings have been updated successfully, visit (yourdomain).com/cpanel/ and log in using your Host Gator username and password. If you have trouble loggin in, please contact Host Gator support.
Once you’ve logged in, click on the “Fantastico De Luxe” icon as shown below.
Next, select “WordPress” from the sidebar and press “New Installation” as shown below.
Enter your information as shown below.
Click “Finish Installation” on the next page, and you’re done!
You can log into your new blog by visiting (yourdomain).com/wp-admin/