Category: jetpack.com

Are you looking to export a WordPress site? Perhaps you want to create a full site backup or move your content to a new server or web host. If you’re not an experienced developer, this process might seem challenging.

Fortunately, exporting your WordPress website isn’t too complicated. Tech-savvy users can get the job done with Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) and phpMyAdmin. Beginners, and really anyone looking to save time and effort, can handle the export and import process quite easily using a tool like Jetpack VaultPress Backup.

Let’s look at why you might want to export and import a WordPress site. Then, we’ll show you three different methods you can choose between. 

Why you might want to export a WordPress site

There are many reasons you might consider exporting a WordPress site. For starters, it’s a great way to make a full backup of your site. 

Then, you can store your backup securely in a remote location separate from the server where you host your site. Here, your backup will remain safe and intact even if the server is attacked or goes down. Plus, you won’t be using any more of your server resources. If you run into any problems with your WordPress website, you’ll be able to restore a functional version to keep things up and running.

Additionally, you might migrate a WordPress site to a new web host. Or, you may want to move from a localhost to a live server. 

It’s always a good idea to check whether your new host offers migration assistance as part of their services. That way, the host can take care of the entire process, and you can simply log in to your new site when it’s ready. Otherwise, you’ll need to perform a manual migration (we’ll explain this later in the tutorial). 

What is the easiest way to export a WordPress site?

In the tutorial section of this article, we’re going to discuss three ways to export a WordPress site. Firstly, you can use the built-in WordPress export tool. This approach is simple enough to use, but it doesn’t transfer theme, plugin, or database files.

You also have the option to export your site manually using phpMyAdmin. But this is not a beginner-friendly method, requiring at least some technical knowledge.

Overall, the easiest way to export a WordPress site is to use Jetpack VaultPress Backup. It’s a simple, fast solution developed by Automattic (the people behind WordPress.com). Since it’s built on the same infrastructure as WordPress.com, you can expect smooth, reliable performance without plugin or host conflicts.

What to consider before exporting your site

With any significant change to your site, there’s a slight risk involved. Preparing for the export process can minimize the chance of something going wrong and put your website in a better position to recover. 

Here are some main factors to consider before exporting your WordPress site:

• The type of export. Whichever method you choose, you’ll need to ensure that it enables you to export the content you need. For instance, some approaches don’t allow you to export theme files, database files, or plugins. You might also utilize this opportunity to streamline your website by reducing the number of plugins you use.
• The time of day. It’s important to consider what time of day you’ll carry out the export. This is especially relevant for high-traffic websites since you don’t want to disrupt your visitors. Therefore, it’s a good idea to avoid peak traffic and schedule the import/export for a slow period. 
• Conflicts. The best way to avoid conflicts during your export is to upgrade to the latest PHP version. Using a well-coded backup plugin like Jetpack to handle the export can also ensure that the software is compatible and prevent glitches.

By following the tips above, you can give your WordPress website a better chance of a smooth, successful export.

How to export and import your WordPress site (3 best methods)

Now let’s discuss three different ways to export a WordPress site. We’ll start with the simplest solution and end with the method that requires the most technical experience.

1. Use a tool like Jetpack VaultPress Backup

Jetpack VaultPress Backup takes the hassle out of migrations. As a tried-and-tested solution, it offers easy restores, remote storage, and stellar support.

Better yet, backups can include website files, database tables, and customer and order data. This makes it an excellent choice for many types of sites, particularly ecommerce stores.

To get started, you’ll need to install and activate the Jetpack plugin in WordPress. Navigate to Plugins → Add New and then search for “Jetpack.”

This free version of Jetpack provides a number of security and optimization features. Hit Install → Activate. Then, you’ll need to approve the connection to your WordPress site. You can use an existing WordPress.com account or create one once the plugin is active.

To get Jetpack VaultPress Backup, you’ll need to upgrade to the Jetpack plan that best suits your needs. For instance, you might opt for Jetpack Security or Jetpack Complete, which give you access to a variety of performance and security tools. But, for exporting a WordPress site, you’ll only need the VaultPress Backup plan. 

Once you’ve found a plan and activated VaultPress Backup, head to Settings → General in your WordPress.com account. Here, scroll down to the bottom of the page and select Clone.

Check that all your website details are correct. If so, hit Continue. 

Enter your new destination site title and URL. This is the place you’re moving your site

Next, enter your new server credentials. These include your username, password, and port.

You can often find these server credentials yourself by logging into your hosting provider’s control panel. If you’re unsure about what these are, you can check with your web host. We’ve created a pre-written email that you can share with your host to make this easier.

Now, enter the destination WordPress path. This is where your site files will be stored. Generally, it will look something like public_html. Again, if you’re unsure, check with your new web host.

Then, hit Save.

To use your most recent backup, select Clone current state, or you can use an earlier backup if you wish. When you’re ready to begin the cloning process, click on Yep! Begin Cloning. Once the process is finished, you’ll see a confirmation message.

Before pointing your domain name to your new host, you’ll need to verify that the content loads correctly and that all functionality works as it should. Otherwise, you risk losing traffic and/or sales if your site is glitchy or doesn’t load.

To do this, you’ll need to change your hosts file. This exact process will vary based on your operating system, but it will enable you to test out functionality and design elements before pointing your domain name.

If everything looks as it should, you can go ahead and update your DNS settings!

2. Use the built-in WordPress export tool

This method doesn’t require adding any new tool or plugin to your WordPress dashboard. Unfortunately, it doesn’t export theme files, plugins, or database tables. Therefore, it’s only viable if you want to move content to a different WordPress site, or back up your posts and pages. 

To begin, navigate to your WordPress admin area. Once here, select Tools → Export. You’ll be taken to a new screen that looks like this.

Select All content to export your entire website. Or, you can choose specific types of content, like pages, posts, comments, or menus. 

Then, hit Download Export File to download the file to your computer. This creates a copy of your site without affecting your existing website. 

Next, switch to the WordPress site where you want to import your file. Log in to your new dashboard and go to Tools → Import.

If your exported file comes from WordPress, head down to the bottom of the page to find the relevant section. You’ll notice that you can also import files from other platforms like LiveJournal, Tumblr, and WooCommerce. 

Once you’re here, click on Install Now and then Run Importer.

This will take you to a new page where you can upload your exported file.

Choose the file from your computer and hit Upload file and import to start the import process. This should take just a few minutes. 

3. Use phpMyAdmin and SFTP to export your site manually 

This is the most difficult of the three methods. Therefore, it’s only recommended for experienced WordPress users. You might use this method if you don’t have access to WordPress, in special circumstances like having files stored outside the standard WordPress installation, or if you encounter an unexpected issue with another method.

Note: If you have the Jetpack plugin installed on your site, you’ll want to either disconnect Jetpack from your current WordPress installation or exclude the Jetpack plugin files when migrating. Otherwise, you might end up with an Identity Crisis. If you choose the second option, you’ll just want to reinstall and reconnect Jetpack in your WordPress dashboard after the migration.

To start, you’ll need to connect to your existing hosting account using an SFTP client like FileZilla. 

You’ll need your SFTP credentials like your host, username, password, and port. You should be able to find these details in your hosting account.

Once you’ve connected to your site with SFTP, locate the root folder of your website. Typically, this is labeled public_html, although sometimes, it may be named after your site’s domain.

Drag the files in this folder from the right panel (your server) to a selected folder in the left panel (your computer). This will download all the files to your device, and could take a little while if your website contains a lot of data.

At this point, log in to your hosting provider’s control panel and access phpMyAdmin. The interface will look different depending on your web host, but it’s typically found under Databases.

Next, click on Export to download a file to your computer. You’ll also need to choose SQL as the format.

Then, head back to FileZilla and connect to your new server using your new SFTP credentials. Again, you can get these from your host if you’re not sure where to find them. 

This time, you’ll drag the files from your computer (left panel) to the new server (right panel). Wait for the file migration process to finish.

You’ll now need to create a new, blank database. This process can vary a bit depending on your hosting provider, but you’ll need to establish a database name, username, and password. Make sure to save this information, as you’ll need it in a minute.

Navigate to your database in phpMyAdmin, click on the Import tab, then upload the SQL file you downloaded earlier.

Click the Go button. Now, all you need to do is tell your migrated WordPress site how to access the new database. You’ll do this through the wp-config.php file.

Navigate to this file using your hosting control panel or via FTP, then look for the following lines of code:

/** The name of the database for WordPress */

define( 'DB_NAME', 'sample1234' );

/** Database username */

define( 'DB_USER', 'user1234' );

/** Database password */

define( 'DB_PASSWORD', 'password1234' );

Change the information for DB_Name, DB_User, and DB_Password based on the data you saved earlier, then save the file. 

Finally, point your nameservers to your new hosting provider. And you’re done!!

Frequently asked questions

By now, you should hopefully have a good understanding of the WordPress export and import process. If you have any remaining questions, we’ll tackle them here!

Is a WordPress export necessary when changing domains?

No, you won’t typically need to export your WordPress site when switching domain names. You’ll only need to do this if moving to a different host or server.

Are there any extra steps when exporting a WooCommerce site?

Generally, no. If you export your site using Jetpack VaultPress Backup or FTP, all the WooCommerce information will be included. You can follow the steps above as written.

However, if you’re using the WordPress built-in tool, you’ll see some additional options to manually export products, variations, orders, refunds, and coupons.

Export your WordPress site quickly and easily

Exporting your WordPress site is helpful if you want to move it to a new server or web host. It’s also beneficial if you need to back up your files. Although this process may seem intimidating, it’s much easier when you use a plugin to take care of the process.

To recap, here are three methods to export and import a WordPress site:

1. Use a tool like Jetpack VaultPress Backup.
2. Use the built-in WordPress export tool.
3. Use phpMyAdmin and SFTP to export your site manually.

Jetpack VaultPress Backup will create real-time backups of your website and enable you to easily restore them. Better yet, you can back up all your site files, including customer data and database files. Get started with Jetpack today!

WordPress is the most popular Content Management System (CMS), used by more than 40 percent of all known websites. If you’re interested in its user-friendly interface, open-source philosophy, and extensive customization options, you might be considering installing and using WordPress for your new website. 

There are a few different ways to install WordPress. These methods range from choosing a hosting provider that will handle the process for you, to manually installing the software and configuring it yourself. 

In this article, we’ll explain how to install WordPress in four different ways. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions you might have about the installation process. Let’s get started!

Why should you consider installing WordPress?

As we mentioned before, WordPress is the most popular CMS available. There are a few reasons for its popularity. Some of these include:

• User-friendliness: WordPress is pretty easy to learn and use. You’ll manage everything from a centralized dashboard, and you can use the intuitive block editor to build all of your pages. Moreover, you won’t need to touch a single line of code (unless you want to). 
• Customization options: WordPress is built using open-source software. That means you’re free to customize your site as you see fit. Plus, you’ll have access to plenty of free and paid plugins and themes to further extend your website and adjust its appearance. 
• Support: WordPress has an active community of users who provide support in official forums and tutorials (like this one!), along with developer-specific assistance for themes and plugins. Additionally, many hosting providers offer WordPress expertise and help for your individual needs. 
• Affordability: The WordPress core software is completely free, meaning you’ll only need to spend money on hosting, a domain, and any premium plugins or themes you’d like for your site. 

WordPress is such a diverse CMS that you can use it for all kinds of websites, from simple blogs to enterprise business sites. It also makes it easy to monetize your content, including creating an ecommerce store, membership website, online courses, and more.

What are the requirements to install WordPress?

Firstly, you’ll need a server to install and run WordPress. In most cases, it makes sense to partner with a hosting provider that will supply server space and other resources to put your site online. Alternatively, you could opt for hosted WordPress (WordPress.com), which we’ll explore later in this post. 

You will also need a domain name for your WordPress website. Typically, your hosting provider (or WordPress.com) can help you purchase a domain. 

Before installing WordPress, you’ll need to make sure that your server (or hosting provider’s server) supports the software. Otherwise, the CMS may not run as it should.

These are the official requirements for running WordPress:

• PHP 7.4 or higher. PHP is the programming language that WordPress is built on. It also requires frequent updates and security patches to run smoothly, which is why you should consider opting for the latest version of PHP. 
• MySQL 5.7 or higher (alternatively, you can use MariaDB 10.3 or higher). This database management system processes all the data contained within your WordPress installation. 
• Support for HTTPS. This secure data transfer protocol ensures data protection between browsers and your WordPress website. 

You’ll also want to ensure your chosen server provides the following resources, at a minimum:

• 1 GB disk space
• 512 MB RAM
• 1.0 GHz CPU

In most cases, an Apache or Nginx server will be your best bet for running WordPress. Still, you can theoretically use any server software as long as it supports both PHP and MySQL. 

How to install WordPress

There are a few different ways to install WordPress. The best choice will depend on your experience level and chosen hosting solution. Let’s start by exploring the manual installation approach. 

Method 1: Install WordPress manually

The WordPress manual install method is the most time-intensive one. The upside is that you can control everything during the process. 

Keep in mind that you’ll need a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client to follow this part of the tutorial. If you don’t yet have one installed on your computer, FileZilla is a straightforward (and free!) option you might consider using. 

Before you get started, you’ll also need to know your web server’s FTP credentials. If you can’t find these details within your hosting dashboard, it’s worth reaching out directly to your hosting provider or consulting its official documentation. 

Step 1: Download and extract the WordPress package

The first step in this WordPress manual install tutorial is downloading the WordPress package. This is a collection of the core files that make up a WordPress installation.

To begin, head to the WordPress download page, and click on the Download button beneath the Download and install it yourself heading. By default, WordPress will provide the latest version of its core software here:

This should start downloading WordPress as a .zip file onto your computer. Once that’s done, extract the files before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Create a database and a user

If you’ve signed up for a WordPress hosting provider, you may already have a database associated with your website. So, start by opening your hosting control panel to see if a database is available. If you’re not sure how to access your control panel, you can reach out to your web host for instructions.

Once you’ve logged into your control panel, scroll down to Databases and click on MySQL Databases.

Now type a name for your database into the box provided and hit Create Database.

You also need to make a user account for your WordPress database. Scroll down to Add New User and enter a username and password. You can also use the password generator to create secure credentials.

Hit Create User when you’re ready. This will create a new user profile for your database, but the user won’t automatically have access to the database and associated permissions. You’ll need to set this up manually.

To do this, navigate to Add User To Database and select both the new database you created and the user profile from the dropdown menus.

Once you’ve made your selections, click on the Add button. You’ll now be prompted to choose privileges for this user role. Enable all of them and hit Make Changes to apply your settings. 

You should now be able to see the MySQL database name and password. Make a note of these details because you’ll need them later in the tutorial. 

Step 3: Edit the wp-config.php file

The wp-config.php file contains all the essential configuration settings for your WordPress website. These include your database name, username, password, and host.

By default, there is a wp-config-sample.php file in the WordPress package you downloaded earlier, but it doesn’t contain the specific database details for your site. So, we recommend renaming it to “wp-config.php” and updating its content. 

Open the file in a text editor and update the following values with the details from your new WordPress database:

• DB_NAME: The database name. 
• DB_USER: The database username.
• DB_PASSWORD: The database password. 
• DB_HOST: The database hostname (this is typically “localhost”).

It’s also worth adding new secret keys and salts to this file. These encryption tools make it harder for hackers to decode your login information and potentially break into your site. You can generate them using the WordPress Security Key Generator. Simply replace any existing values within your wp-config.php file. 

Make sure to save all changes when you’re done. Note that if you don’t follow this step, WordPress will attempt to create its own wp-config.php file during installation. But you’ll still need to supply your database details, so it could be worth doing this from the outset. 

Step 4: Upload the files to your website directory or subdirectory

Now, it’s time to add the WordPress package files to your website. You’ll be using the FTP client for this part of the tutorial, so make sure you’ve opened it and connected to your database using your FTP credentials.

You have two options here:

• Upload the files to your directory. This will install WordPress on your main domain (e.g., http://www.examplesite.com). In this case, you will need to add the files to your root directory, which is usually called /public_html/. 
• Upload the files to a subdirectory. This option will install WordPress in a subfolder (e.g., http://www.examplesite.com/blog/). In this scenario, add the files to your subdirectory folder. 

Simply add the files to your chosen folder and wait for the process to finish. Then it’s time to move on to the final step!

Step 5: Run the WordPress install script

Finally, you’ll need to run the WordPress install script to finish the entire process. If you uploaded the files to your root directory in the previous step, type this address into your browser, replacing the example with your domain name: “http://examplesite.com/wp-admin/install.php”. 

Alternatively, if the files are in a subdirectory, substitute your domain name and folder within this address: “http://examplesite.com/blog/wp-admin/install.php”. 

If you didn’t update the wp.config.php file in step three, you should now see a welcome screen asking you for your database details. Click on Let’s go, and enter the information into the following form:

Select Submit, and you should see a welcome screen where you can add your WordPress website’s title, username, password, and email address. You’ll use these details to log in to your admin dashboard.

You can also discourage search engines from indexing your site. People may not be able to find your content online if you choose this option.

Finally, click on Install WordPress and wait for the process to finish. You should see the admin login form to access your website if you’ve completed the installation correctly. 

Method 2: Install WordPress in cPanel

Many hosting providers use cPanel for their hosting dashboards. This tool can manage your website’s database, site files, associated email accounts, and more. Additionally, some hosting providers include WordPress installers within their cPanels. 

Softaculous is auto-installer software that you can use to launch different applications, including WordPress, cPanel, and DirectAdmin. It has a user-friendly and straightforward interface that walks you through the installation process in just a few steps.

You can find the Softaculous installer in cPanel by navigating to Software or Auto Installers. The name of this section may be slightly different, depending on your hosting provider. Then, select WordPress Manager by Softaculous.

Now select Install from the top menu.

Under Software Setup, you’ll need to enter your website’s URL, subdirectory (if applicable), and the version of WordPress you’d like to install.

Under Site Settings, enter your website’s name and description. You can also enable WordPress multisite or disable WordPress Cron. Then, add your admin username, password, and email address under Admin Account.

Now, choose the language for your WordPress website and select any plugins you’d like to install automatically.

Finally, under Advanced Options, you can change the name of your database, select a backup location, and enable or disable auto upgrade.

When you’re happy with your selections, click on Install at the bottom of the page. Softaculous will now take a few minutes to set up your WordPress installation. You should see a success message when it’s done, along with links to log in to your new WordPress site!

Method 3: Build your site on WordPress.com

WordPress.com is the hosted version of WordPress. Essentially, with this option, you’ll have access to a very similar dashboard and interface as WordPress.org, but you won’t need to find third-party hosting. A lot of the “heavy lifting” is taken care of for you, automatically. There are several plans you can choose from, which include various features.

Step 1: Choose a domain name

The first step is to choose a domain name. To begin, navigate to the WordPress.com homepage and click on Get Started.

You’ll now be prompted to create a new WordPress.com account or log in with an existing one.

You’ll need to enter the email address, username, and password you’d like to associate with this account. Then, hit Create your account. 

WordPress.com will now ask you to choose a domain name for your new website. Start by typing some keywords into the box, and you should see a variety of paid and free options.

Since you receive a free domain name for a year with any paid plan, you might see Free for the first year next to some options. Remember that you’ll have to start paying an annual fee once the first year has expired, though. 

You should also see a completely free option with a WordPress.com URL extension. Keep in mind that if you opt for a free plan, this extension will be your only choice. 

When choosing a domain name, it’s worth spending some time making the decision. After all, it will tell visitors about your site’s content and influence your branding. It’s recommended to choose a domain name that is short, descriptive, memorable, and easy to spell so that users can find your content more easily. 

Step 2: Choose a WordPress.com plan

You’ll now be asked to choose a WordPress.com plan.

WordPress.com enables you to create a free website or opt for one of the paid plans. With a paid subscription, you’ll get access to features like a free domain for one year, support for plugins, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tools, ecommerce features, and more.

Hit Select under the plan you’d like to use, or click on start with a free site at the top of the page. WordPress.com will then take a couple of seconds to process your request. 

Step 3: Add information about your site

Now, you can enter some goals for your website, like selling products online, publishing content, or promoting your business. Checking boxes next to any applicable goals will help WordPress.com personalize the setup process for your site.

Hit Continue to go to the next screen. Then, choose a category for your WordPress site by typing in the box or opening the dropdown menu.

Next up, it’s time to name your website and give it a tagline. The text you enter here will appear at the top of your site as a header. Keep in mind that you can change it later.

Click on Continue when you’re finished. You should now see a screen directing you to write your first blog post, watch videos about blogging, and choose a design for your website.

You may want to explore one of these choices. Otherwise, hit Skip to dashboard to go to your WordPress.com dashboard. Now it’s just a matter of learning the interface, creating content, and designing your dream website!

Method 4: Choose a host with WordPress pre-installed

This method is by far the easiest one. If you choose a hosting provider with WordPress pre-installed, you can have your new site up and running in just minutes.

For instance, the WordPress installation process is very straightforward with Bluehost. Once you’ve signed up for a hosting plan and chosen your domain name, click on My Sites → Add site → Create New Site.

You’ll be prompted to enter a name and tagline for your WordPress website,

When you’re ready, hit Next. Now, choose your domain from the dropdown menu and enter your subdirectory (if relevant). You can also opt to auto-install a few handy plugins like WP Forms or Monster Insights.

Finally, click on Next. Bluehost will now install WordPress and show you a success message when the process is complete.

You can access your new WordPress installation by heading to My Sites → Manage site. Now, simply click on Log into WordPress, and you’ll be taken to the login form.

It’s that easy! The process may differ slightly if you’re using one of the other recommended WordPress hosts, but should still be very straightforward. 

Common WordPress installation problems

Occasionally, things can go wrong during the WordPress installation process. Here are some problems you might encounter and how to fix them!

You can see a directory listing instead of your website

If you can see a directory listing instead of your WordPress website, you’ll need to add a directive to your web server. This will tell it to view index.php and, consequently, display your site.

You can do this with Apache servers by creating a file named .htaccess and then adding the following directive:

DirectoryIndex index.php

Make sure to save your changes and reupload this file via FTP. You can also add the directive to your web server’s configuration file.

There are “Headers already sent” errors

If you incorrectly edited the wp-config.php file when installing WordPress, you might see “Headers already sent” errors. These messages indicate you made some syntax errors within the file.

In this case, open up the wp-config.php file with your text editor and check for the following mistakes:

• Text or whitespace before the opening <?php
• Text or whitespace after the closing ?>
• Byte order marks (BOM)

Additionally, both <?php and ?> should be alone on their respective first and final lines, with no other content. Make sure to save any changes within the file, re-upload it to WordPress, and refresh the browser to see if the issue has been fixed. 

The page contains a lot of “<?php ?>” tags

When you complete the WordPress installation process, you should see the login form for the dashboard. But, in some cases, you might see a page that looks like gibberish with multiple <?php ?> tags. 

This indicates that PHP is not running correctly on your server. In a nutshell, it’s not executing before sending the HTML file to the browser.

In this scenario, your server may not be capable of running PHP. Alternatively, it may be incorrectly installed or misconfigured. You’ll need to reach out to your hosting provider and ask for assistance. 

You can see an “Error connecting to database” message

If you keep seeing an “Error connecting to database” message, your database credentials don’t match those needed to log in. If you’ve verified that the username is correct, it could be worth changing your MySQL database password.

Open up phpMyAdmin in your hosting dashboard. Then, open your database, and navigate to SQL.

Now, type in the following command as a SQL query:

SET PASSWORD FOR 'wordpressusername'@'hostname' = OLD_PASSWORD('password');

Make sure to switch out the generic names with the ones that correspond to your database. Then click on Go in the bottom-right corner of the user interface. 

Alternatively, you can change your password manually if you prefer not to use a command. In cPanel, open MySQL Databases and scroll down to Current Users.

Select Change Password and enter or generate a new value. Make sure to copy the new password because you’ll need to update the value in your wp-config.php file.

Then, open wp-config.php and replace the value under DB_PASSWORD with the new password. Remember to save and re-upload it via FTP, and check to see if you can now access the WordPress admin area. 

There is a “Your PHP installation appears to be missing the MySQL extension which is required by WordPress” message 

If you can see “Your PHP installation appears to be missing the MySQL extension which is required by WordPress,” there is a problem with the MySQL plugin. 

In this case, you’ll need to verify that MySQL is installed and configured correctly on your web server. In most cases, it’s worth reaching out to your hosting provider for technical support. We also created a guide on how to fix this PHP missing MYSQL extension error. 

You see a 403 error

At the end of the WordPress installation process, you might see a message similar to this one:

You are not authorized to view this page. You might not have permission to view this directory or page using the credentials you supplied. If you believe you should be able to view this directory or page, please try to contact the website by using any e-mail address or phone number that may be listed on the examplewebsite.com home page. You can click Search to look for information on the Internet. HTTP Error 403 – Forbidden

The 403 error is most common with Apache servers. It can indicate that you don’t have sufficient permissions to execute this request on your server. Alternatively, Apache may be unable to access WordPress files.

In this scenario, it’s best to contact your host. Unless you have root access to your server, you may not be able to fix this problem on your own.

Frequently asked questions

As we’ve seen in this tutorial, installing WordPress is relatively easy. If you have any questions left about the process, we’ll answer them here!

Is WordPress free to download and install?

Yes, WordPress is completely free to download and install! Still, you will need to pay for a hosting provider and domain name to put your website online. 

Alternatively, you can create a WordPress.com site. With this platform, you can launch and maintain a basic website completely free. There are also plenty of paid plans available when you’re ready to upgrade for more advanced features. 

Is PHP required for WordPress?

WordPress is written using the PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) programming language. Therefore, you cannot install and run the CMS without PHP. Fortunately, many servers and hosting providers are compatible with PHP, enabling you to set up a WordPress installation in no time.

Can I install WordPress on an existing database?

Yes, you can install WordPress using an existing database. You’ll just need to import a database backup in place of your ‘new database’ during the installation process. You will also need access to the old database’s credentials.

Can I install WordPress locally on my computer?

Yes, you can install WordPress locally on your computer. This setup will store all the website’s files on your device instead of an online database.

With a local installation, you’ll have a development environment entirely powered by your computer. You won’t need access to the internet or hosting provider, enabling you to develop and perfect your site on a localhost before moving it to a live server.

There are multiple local server environments available for WordPress development. Some popular options include WAMP and MAMP. 

Can I install WordPress on an Ubuntu server?

You can install WordPress on an Ubuntu server (and many other operating systems). Fortunately, the process is also pretty straightforward, with automated scripts to speed things up.

Additionally, some hosting providers provide one-click WordPress installs for Ubuntu systems. For more information, check out the complete guide to installing WordPress on Ubuntu.

What should I do after installing WordPress?

Once you’ve installed WordPress, it’s time to build your website! You’ll first need to log in to your site’s admin dashboard. Then, spend time familiarizing yourself with the interface and learning where all the different settings are located.

After that, you can start personalizing your site’s design and functionality. Your website will be set up with a default WordPress theme, but you’re free to change this. The WordPress Theme Repository is a great place to browse free themes for all kinds of websites, from online stores to personal blogs.

You might also want to install a few WordPress plugins. These add-ons can bring new features to your site, including performance enhancements, extra security, design tools, and more. You can check out a list of must-have WordPress plugins to find the best tools for your website. 

Once you have a handle on how to use WordPress, you can start creating and editing your site’s pages. Consider adding a homepage, contact form or page, blog, About page, and online store if you’re planning to sell products online. Then, it’s just a matter of writing content, adding images, and sharing your website with the world!

Start using WordPress today

WordPress is the most popular Content Management System (CMS), and for good reason. It lets you create and manage a personalized blog or website from a user-friendly dashboard. What’s more, it’s relatively easy to install WordPress.

You can install WordPress manually using File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Alternatively, your hosting dashboard may provide a one-click install option or access to installation tools like Softaculous. Finally, WordPress.com is an option that simplifies the installation and website management process. 

Once your WordPress website is up and running, you’ll want to ensure it’s functioning at its full potential. With the Jetpack suite of tools, you can boost your site’s performance, protect it against security threats, back up your content, and more. 

If you use WordPress to build and manage your website, you know about its powerful built-in features and ease of use. But did you know that you can add extra functionality and power up your website by using plugins?    

We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of plugins. Read on as we explore what WordPress plugins are and answer common questions about how to find, use, and install the perfect ones for your site. 

What are plugins in WordPress?

Plugins are pieces of software that work on top of WordPress to extend its functionality. Anyone from a single talented developer to a large organization or WordPress.com-backed team can create and submit a plugin to the WordPress repository. It’s a community-wide effort to share newly-developed features with others. 

There are tens of thousands of plugins available, and you can use them to add a wide range of features and extend your WordPress experience. For example, you can use plugins to speed up your site, block spam, increase your site’s security, and add a fully-functional ecommerce store to your website. 

Are WordPress plugins free, or do they have a cost?

There are both free and premium WordPress plugins available. Some premium plugins also offer free versions of their software with limited features. While free plugins are often useful, premium plugins tend to offer the best reliability, usability, and security, as a dedicated team of developers typically works full-time on creating, maintaining, and supporting the tool.

Is there a directory or list of WordPress plugins?

The WordPress repository is the largest directory of open-source WordPress plugins, currently holding more than 60,000 options. This makes it the perfect place to start when searching for a plugin to add a feature or tool to your site. Any developer can submit their plugin for inclusion in the directory, and the WordPress team manually reviews each submission. All plugins in the WordPress.org directory are free to download, but some may offer additional premium features or functions.

You can access the directory and add plugins to WordPress from within your admin dashboard by clicking on Plugins → Add New. You can also visit the directory and download a plugin that you can then upload to your site.

Where are plugins located in the WordPress dashboard?

You can see the plugins that are currently installed on your WordPress site by clicking on Plugins → Installed Plugins in your WordPress dashboard.

Any plugin highlighted in blue is currently active.

You can change the view to see only active, inactive, or recently active plugins by using the filters at the top of the page. 

How to check if a WordPress plugin is safe

One of the best ways to ensure you use safe WordPress plugins is by always finding and downloading them from reputable sources, like the official WordPress plugin directory. All plugins are manually reviewed before being listed. You should also make sure the plugin is regularly updated and compatible with your version of WordPress, so you know the developers will quickly address any security vulnerabilities or issues that may arise in the future.

Using a WordPress security plugin like Jetpack Protect also helps ensure that your plugins are safe by automatically scanning your installed plugins each day for any known malware or security vulnerabilities. 

Learn more: How to Choose the Best WordPress Plugins

How to install and activate a plugin on WordPress

There are four main ways to add a plugin on WordPress:

1. Add a plugin through the WordPress admin dashboard

One of the quickest and easiest ways to install a plugin on WordPress is from within your site’s admin dashboard.  

First, click on Add New under Plugins in the dashboard. Or, click on Add new at the top of the Plugins screen.

You can then search for and install a plugin or upload a plugin that you’ve downloaded to your computer. Let’s look at both options.

How to find and install a plugin from the WordPress plugin directory.

You can use the search box on the Add Plugins screen to find the perfect tool for your WordPress website. 

To add the plugin to your WordPress site, click on the Install Now button next to the plugin’s name. 

The Install button will then change to show the text “Installing.” Once the plugin is installed, click on Activate to ‘turn on’ the plugin.

After you’ve activated the tool, you might see a setup wizard that walks you through initial settings. For example, Jetpack looks like this after installation:

How to upload a plugin to your WordPress website

You can also use your WordPress admin panel to upload plugins that you’ve downloaded from the WordPress plugin directory or directly from a developer.

First, click on Upload Plugin. Then click on Choose file and select the .zip file that contains the plugin you want to upload. 

Next, click on Install Now to upload and install the plugin to your WordPress site. 

Once the installation is complete, you can activate it by clicking on Activate Plugin.

2. Add a plugin using an FTP client

You can also use an FTP client to add a plugin to WordPress.

You’ll need to download the plugin to your computer. You can do this by downloading the plugin directly from the developer or by finding a plugin in the WordPress directory and clicking on Download.

Next, unzip the folder. Then, connect to your WordPress website using an FTP client such as FileZilla.

Next, navigate to your site’s /public/wp-content/plugins directory and upload the plugin’s folder. 

To activate the plugin, login to your WordPress admin dashboard and click on Plugins.

You’ll see the plugin you just uploaded within the list of plugins installed on your website. Click on Activate to begin using its features. 

3. Add a plugin using your cPanel

You can also add a plugin to WordPress by using your hosting provider’s cPanel. 

Log in to cPanel. Then navigate to the Files section and click on File Manager.

Select the root directory for your WordPress website and click on the wp-content folder.

Click on the plugins folder.

Choose Upload and select the .zip file that contains the plugin you want to add to your site. 

Once the plugin is uploaded, reload your plugins directory, right-click on the .zip file you just uploaded, and select Extract → Extract Files.

Reload your ‘plugins’ folder and check that you can see a folder with the same name as the plugin you just uploaded.

To begin using the plugin, you need to activate it by logging in to your WordPress admin dashboard and clicking on Plugins → Installed Plugins.

Find the plugin you just uploaded within the list and click Activate.

4. Add a plugin using WP-CLI

You can also install a WordPress plugin using the WordPress Command Line Interface (WP-CLI). To do this, you need to know the plugin’s name in the WordPress plugin directory. You can find this by looking at the URL of the plugin’s page — for example, the Jetpack Boost plugin is called jetpack-boost

To install a plugin, open your terminal and enter:

wp plugin install [plugin name]

For example, to install Jetpack Boost, you would enter:

wp plugin install jetpack-boost 

You can then activate the plugin by entering:

wp plugin activate [plugin name]

How to access and customize a plugin’s settings

To begin using a plugin on your WordPress site, you need to install and activate it. Most plugins then add a menu item to your WordPress admin menu or within the Settings, Tools, or Appearance menu of your WordPress dashboard. This allows you to access the plugin and customize its settings. 

You can usually find instructions on how to access and customize the plugin on its page in the WordPress plugin directory or within the plugin’s documentation. 

For example, you can follow these steps to keep your site one step ahead of security threats and malware with the Jetpack Protect plugin: 

1. Click on Add New at the top of your WordPress admin dashboard’s Plugins page.
2. Enter ‘Jetpack Protect’ into the search bar. 
3. Find the Jetpack Protect listing and click Install Now.
4. Once the plugin has been installed, click on Activate.

5. Jetpack Protect makes setup easy by automatically showing you the configuration screen after it’s been activated.

Select whether you want to use Jetpack Protect for free or enhance your site security with backups and additional real-time malware scanning by upgrading to Jetpack Security. 

6. That’s it! Your site is now protected against malware. Jetpack Protect automatically starts your first security scan and takes you to the scan results page. 

7. You can access Jetpack Protect anytime and see your latest scan results by selecting Jetpack → Protect from your WordPress dashboard. 

How to update a WordPress plugin 

Most WordPress developers regularly update their plugins to add new features, fix bugs, and ensure the tool works with the latest version of WordPress. These updates often address newly-discovered vulnerabilities or security issues, so it’s essential that you help keep your site secure by always using the most up-to-date version.

The best way to do this is by enabling automatic plugin updates. To do this, load the Plugins screen in the WordPress dashboard. 

You can click on Enable auto-updates next to each plugin.

Or, you can select multiple plugins by clicking the checkbox next to each name and then selecting Enable Auto-Updates from the Bulk Actions drop-down menu. 

You can manually update plugins by clicking on Updates on the WordPress admin dashboard menu. The number displayed in the orange circle next to “Updates” shows how many of your plugins and themes have new versions available. 

Select the plugins you wish to update and click on Update Plugins.

Alternatively, you can update plugins from the WordPress dashboard Plugins page, which you can access by clicking on Plugins.

Any plugin that needs updating will display a yellow bar, and you can click on Update now.

You can also bulk update plugins from the Plugins page by selecting the plugins you wish to update and clicking Update from the Bulk actions dropdown.

How to deactivate and uninstall a WordPress plugin

Sometimes it’s necessary to stop using a plugin that you’ve installed on your WordPress site. For example, you may no longer want the features the plugin offers, or you might need to deactivate plugins to troubleshoot WordPress errors. 

To deactivate a plugin, head to the Plugins page in your WordPress dashboard. Then, select Deactivate underneath the plugin you want to turn off.

You can also deactivate plugins in bulk by selecting the plugins and selecting Deactivate from the Bulk actions dropdown. 

The files for deactivated plugins remain on your server, and you can reactivate the plugin at any time by finding it on the Plugins page and clicking Activate underneath its name. 

If you don’t intend to use the plugin again, you should uninstall it from your website by deleting it. Here’s how to do this:

After deactivating the plugin, reload the Plugins page in your WordPress dashboard and click Delete underneath the plugin’s name. You can also use the Bulk actions dropdown to delete multiple plugins at once. 

Five essential plugins every WordPress site should install

1. A security plugin like Jetpack Protect

You can keep your site secure by installing a plugin such as Jetpack Protect. 

Jetpack Protect is a free security and malware scanner that’s easy to use. It will help you stay one step ahead of risks by automatically scanning your site each day. The plugin will then let you know if it finds any vulnerabilities associated with your plugins, themes, and WordPress software, so you can take action to secure your site. 

Jetpack Protect leverages a robust database of known malware and security vulnerabilities which contains over 25,000 entries. WordPress security experts update the data as soon as new information becomes available, meaning its daily scans can spot the latest attacks and vulnerabilities. 

Jetpack Protect is made by Automattic, the team behind WordPress.com, so it seamlessly integrates with your WordPress site and is guaranteed to work with any future updates. You can download Jetpack Protect for free from the WordPress plugin directory and start protecting your site with one click. 

2. An SEO plugin like Yoast

SEO plugins like Yoast SEO can help your website rank higher on search engines by analyzing your content and providing guidance on improving it in line with SEO best practices. 

Yoast SEO is one of the most popular WordPress SEO plugins, providing many features that ensure your pages are optimized for search engines. Once you activate the plugin, its default settings automatically implement SEO best practices on your site. Yoast SEO also analyzes your posts and pages for readability and keyword usage, displaying tips to help you improve your content.  

A free version of Yoast SEO is available in the WordPress plugin directory. A premium version, which includes advanced features and allows you to analyze each page for multiple keywords, starts at $99 a year. 

3. A form plugin like Contact Form 7

You can add forms to your website using a plugin like Contact Form 7. 

Contact Form 7 is a popular WordPress plugin with over five million active installations. It’s quick to install and comes with default templates you can use to help your visitors easily get in touch with you. You can also use Contact Form 7 to create your forms, which can include a wide range of fields like drop-down menus, quizzes, and file uploads, and the plugin will email you every time a visitor submits a form. 

Contact Form 7 also integrates with Akismet to help guard your site against spam form submissions. A range of third-party add-ons is available to add additional features, such as storing form responses and helping you change the appearance of your forms. You can download and add the plugin to your website for free from within your WordPress admin dashboard or from the WordPress plugin directory.

4. An anti-spam plugin like Akismet

Anti-spam plugin, Akismet, can guard your site against spam in your comments and form submissions. Akismet keeps your WordPress comment section free of spam by automatically analyzing comments, discarding the most ‘spammy’ ones, and flagging questionable entries for you to review. 

Akismet is one of the most popular WordPress plugins — it comes installed on every WordPress.com site and is included in many one-click WordPress installations. The plugin is made by Automattic, the team behind WordPress.com, meaning Akismet works seamlessly alongside the WordPress comment system and many other plugins, including Jetpack Comments. 

Akismet helps block an astonishing 3,500,000 pieces of spam on average per hour, and this unbeatable spam protection is free for personal websites. Plans for business sites start at just $8.33 a month.

5. A backup plugin like Jetpack Backup

A backup plugin like Jetpack Backup can help you when your website suffers a problem or goes offline by getting it up and running again in minutes. Jetpack Backup is a comprehensive backup solution built specifically for WordPress by Automattic.

Because it utilizes real-time backups, which save every change you make, you never have to worry about losing a single thing — post update, page edit, visitor comment, or customer order.  

In addition, Jetpack keeps your backups safe by storing them on multiple servers around the world, and you can even restore your site if it’s offline.  

Jetpack Backup also includes a WordPress activity log that stores a complete record of everything on your site. You can select a specific time to restore your website to, and you’ll have your site back in one click. 

With over 269 million site backups, Jetpack Backup is a proven choice for site owners. It’s available on a range of affordable plans, with 10 GB storage space, costing just $5 per month for the first year.

Frequently asked questions

Can WordPress work without plugins?

Yes, WordPress can work without plugins. WordPress has all the features necessary to create a website and publish content without a plugin. But plugins add helpful functionality and features to your WordPress website and can help keep your site secure and free of spam. 

Can WordPress plugins contain viruses or malware?

WordPress plugins are generally safe, but just like any other software, malicious developers can create plugins containing viruses or malware that could harm your site. In addition, plugins may also contain vulnerabilities that allow hackers access to your site. 

You can help protect your site against the risk of viruses and malware by:

• Downloading plugins from reputable sources, like the WordPress plugin directory. 
• Regularly scanning your site for malware by using a security plugin such as Jetpack Protect.
• Keeping your plugins up to date.
• Making sure you have regular backups of your site, so you can restore it to a working version if it is ever infected by a virus or malware. 

Why do plugins need to be updated on WordPress?

It’s essential to update your WordPress plugins to improve the security and stability of your site. Plugin updates often address security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and make changes to improve performance and ensure they keep working with the latest version of WordPress. Updating your plugins also ensures you benefit from any new or improved features, and you should make sure you update your plugins as soon as one becomes available.

What should you do if a plugin installation fails?

Plugins installed using the Add new page of the Plugins section of your WordPress dashboard will normally install without any issues. However, sometimes plugin installations fail, which is more common if you manually upload a plugin to your WordPress site. To help resolve failed plugin installations, you can:

• Make sure you download your plugins from a trusted source like the WordPress plugin directory.  
• Make sure you’ve selected the correct file and that it’s in .zip file format. 
• Try uploading the plugin by using FTP or cPanel.
• Increase your WordPress memory limit.
• If the plugin is in the WordPress plugin directory, install it directly from your WordPress dashboard. 

What should you do if a plugin won’t activate?

If your WordPress plugin won’t activate, you can try:

• Eliminating any theme conflicts by switching to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Three. 
• Checking that the plugin is compatible with your version of WordPress.
• Minimizing plugin conflicts by using tools that offer several of the features you need in one place, such as Jetpack.

What should you do if a plugin won’t update?

If a plugin won’t update, try to solve the issue by:

• Checking if you have sufficient storage space on your server to update the plugin. 
• Manually downloading an updated version of the plugin and uploading it to your WordPress dashboard. 
• If you’re trying to update a premium plugin, checking if you hold a valid license key.
• Checking if your WordPress installation is up to date.
• Using a tool like cPanel file manager to make sure the plugin’s files have the correct permissions.

How can I roll back a plugin to its previous version?

If a plugin update causes issues with your site, you may need to temporarily revert to a previous version of a plugin. You can do this in three ways:

1. If you’re using Jetpack Backup, head to the activity log, navigate to a time you know the plugin was functioning as expected, and select Restore. Note that any other changes you made since the iteration you restore to will be lost.
2. Connect to your site via SFTP and add ‘-deactivated’ to the end of the plugin folder’s name. Then download a previous version of the plugin from the developer or WordPress plugin directory and manually upload and activate it.
3. Using WP Rollback to revert any theme from the WordPress plugin directory to its previous version.

How many WordPress plugins are there?

There is no definitive list of every WordPress plugin, so it isn’t easy to know precisely how many plugins there are. This is because WordPress is open source, meaning any developer can create and publish plugins. But, WordPress.org hosts the largest WordPress plugin directory, which contains over 60,000 free plugins — so there’s bound to be one that adds the feature you need.

How many plugins should I use on my site?

The number of WordPress plugins you should use depends on what type of site you’re creating and the features and functionality you want it to have. 

It’s good practice to ensure you only use the essential plugins you need, as each plugin you install increases the chances of:

• Security risks from malicious code or vulnerabilities. 
• Plugins conflicting with each other and causing your site to break.
• Your site slowing down.

Installing a plugin like Jetpack, which offers multiple valuable features, allows you to reduce the number of plugins you need to install and learn how to use. 

How many plugins can be considered too many?

There isn’t a set number of plugins that is considered too many. It depends on various factors, including the quality of the plugins, their impact on your site’s performance, and your hosting provider.