How to Install WordPress in One Click (Softaculous or WP Toolkit)

Before you start

• Point your domain to AutoHost and wait for it to load our default page — see Update your nameservers.
• Get the padlock first if possible (Security → SSL/TLS Status → Run AutoSSL) so WordPress installs on https:// from day one.
• Empty the target folder. If public_html contains an old site, back it up and remove it, or install WordPress in a sub-folder.

Step 1: Open the WordPress installer

In cPanel, go to Software → Softaculous Apps Installer and click the WordPress icon (or type WordPress in its search box). Then click Install Now.

Step 2: Fill in the installation form

Field	What to choose
Choose Installation URL	https:// (if SSL is active) and your domain. Leave In Directory empty to install at yourbusiness.co.ke. (Type blog to install at /blog.)
Site Name / Description	Your business name and a short tagline — changeable later
Admin Username	Something unique — not admin (bots try it first)
Admin Password	Click the key icon for a strong one; save it in your password manager
Admin Email	An address you check — password resets and alerts go here
Select Language	English (or your choice)
Select Plugins	Optional — Limit Login Attempts is a good tick
Advanced Options	Leave the database name as suggested; tick Auto Upgrade for minor versions and Automated backups if offered

Step 3: Install

Scroll down and click Install. Softaculous creates the database, copies WordPress, writes wp-config.php and sets up your admin account — usually in under a minute. You will see “Congratulations, the software was installed successfully” with two links:

• your website: https://yourbusiness.co.ke
• your dashboard: https://yourbusiness.co.ke/wp-admin

Step 4: Log in to WordPress

Open https://yourbusiness.co.ke/wp-admin and log in with the admin username and password.

Step 5: First-day setup checklist

1. Settings → General — confirm Site Title, Tagline, Timezone (Nairobi) and that both URLs start with https://.
2. Settings → Permalinks — choose Post name (clean URLs like /services/) → Save.
3. Delete sample content — the Hello world! post, Sample Page and the sample comment.
4. Appearance → Themes → Add New — choose a fast theme (Astra, GeneratePress, Kadence or a block theme). Avoid “nulled” premium themes from unofficial sites.
5. Plugins — keep it lean. A good starter set:
   – LiteSpeed Cache — speed (made for our servers) — see Speed up WordPress
   – Wordfence or Solid Security — security — see Secure WordPress
   – UpdraftPlus — backups to Google Drive — see Back up WordPress
   – Yoast SEO or Rank Math — search engine basics
   – WP Mail SMTP — reliable contact-form email
6. Settings → Reading — choose a static homepage if your site is not a blog.
7. Users → Profile — set your display name and turn on 2FA if your security plugin offers it.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	Fix
“The directory is not empty”	Old files in public_html	Back up and remove old files, or tick overwrite only if you are sure
Site shows default page after install	Browser cache	Hard refresh (Ctrl+F5)
Cannot reach /wp-admin	Domain not pointing to us yet	Wait for DNS; see Website not loading
Installed on http://	SSL was not ready	Run AutoSSL, then change both URLs in Settings → General to https
Forgot the admin password	—	See Reset WordPress admin password

Frequently asked questions

Is WordPress free?
Yes. Some themes and plugins are paid, but WordPress itself is free and included with all plans.

Can I install several WordPress sites?
Yes — one per domain, subdomain or folder, within your plan’s limits.