How to Set Up Hostinger Hosting and Install WordPress (Step by Step)

Hostinger is a popular choice for first WordPress websites because it is affordable and its setup process is beginner-friendly. In this guide I will walk through the same steps I show in my video: choosing a plan, setting up the site, installing WordPress and configuring the essentials.

Note: This article contains an affiliate link to Hostinger. If you buy through it, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I use in my own tutorials. Read the full disclaimer.

Step 1: Choose a hosting plan

For one or a few small websites, a shared WordPress plan is usually enough. If you plan to host several client websites or expect more traffic, consider a higher plan with more resources. Longer billing periods are typically cheaper per month, but renewal prices can be higher than the first term — check the renewal price before buying.

You can use my Hostinger referral link if you would like to support the channel.

Step 2: Create your account and claim your domain

1. Complete the purchase and log in to hPanel, Hostinger's control panel.
2. Many plans include a free domain for the first year — you will be prompted to claim it. If you already own a domain elsewhere, choose to use an existing domain.
3. If your domain is registered elsewhere, point its nameservers to the ones shown in hPanel.

Step 3: Set up the website and install WordPress

1. In hPanel, start the website setup flow and choose WordPress.
2. Create your WordPress admin username and a strong, unique password. Save them in a password manager.
3. Choose the site language. You can skip optional themes and plugins — you will choose them yourself later.
4. Wait for the installation to finish, then open your WordPress dashboard at yourdomain.com/wp-admin.

Step 4: Make sure SSL is active

In hPanel, check the SSL section for your domain and make sure a certificate is active. Then visit your site with https:// to confirm the padlock appears. If WordPress still loads on http://, update the site address in Settings → General or use your host's "force HTTPS" option.

Step 5: First WordPress settings to change

• Settings → General: site title, tagline, time zone and date format.
• Settings → Permalinks: choose Post name for clean URLs like /about/.
• Settings → Reading: while building, you can temporarily discourage search engines — remember to untick it at launch.
• Users → Profile: set a public display name instead of your login username.
• Delete the sample post, sample page and unused default themes and plugins.

Step 6: Install essential plugins (only what you need)

• A page builder such as Elementor, if you want visual design control.
• An SEO plugin for titles, meta descriptions and sitemaps.
• A backup solution (your host may include automatic backups — check).
• A caching or performance plugin if your host recommends one.

Tip: Every plugin adds code to your site. Before installing one, ask: "Can I do this without a plugin?" Fewer plugins means fewer updates and fewer conflicts.

What next?

Now build your pages. Follow the WordPress website masterclass guide and install Elementor Pro if you want advanced design features.

Setting up a professional email address

Many hosting plans include email accounts. Create an address such as hello@yourdomain.com from the email section of hPanel and connect it to your phone or email app using the settings provided. A branded email makes enquiries and invoices look more professional.

Troubleshooting common setup issues

• Site not loading after pointing the domain: DNS changes can take time to spread. Wait a few hours and clear your browser cache.
• "Not secure" warning: the SSL certificate may still be installing, or WordPress is set to http:// in Settings → General.
• Forgot WordPress password: use "Lost your password?" on the login page, or reset it from hPanel.
• Upload size limit errors: increase the PHP upload limit in hPanel's PHP configuration.