If you’re looking to set up an online store or a business website using a Content Management System (CMS), Hostinger offers an Auto Installer tool in hPanel that simplifies the process. You can install popular e-commerce platforms like PrestaShop, Magento, and WooCommerce (for WordPress), or business-focused CMS platforms like Joomla and Drupal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.
Step 1: Log in to hPanel #
- Go to hostinger.com and log in to your hPanel Dashboard using your credentials.
- Navigate to the Website section.
Step 2: Open the Auto Installer Tool #
- Click on “Auto Installer” in the Website section of hPanel.
- You will see a list of available CMS applications that can be installed automatically.
Step 3: Choose Your Desired E-commerce or Business CMS #
Hostinger supports the installation of various CMS applications. Select the one that suits your business needs:
E-commerce Platforms: #
- PrestaShop: Ideal for setting up a feature-rich online store.
- Magento: A robust platform for large e-commerce websites.
- OpenCart: A lightweight and user-friendly e-commerce solution.
- WooCommerce (for WordPress): An excellent choice for building an online store on a WordPress site.
Business CMS Platforms: #
- WordPress: The most popular CMS for creating business websites, blogs, and e-commerce stores (using WooCommerce).
- Joomla: A versatile CMS for creating complex business sites with advanced features.
- Drupal: Known for its flexibility and scalability, suitable for enterprise-level business websites.
Step 4: Configure the Installation Settings #
Once you’ve selected the application you want to install, fill in the required setup details.
- Installation URL:
- Choose the domain or subdomain where you want to install the CMS (e.g., yourdomain.com or store.yourdomain.com).
- If you want the CMS installed in a specific folder (e.g., yourdomain.com/shop), enter the folder name in the Directory field.
- Administrator Email:
- Enter an email address for the admin account. This will be used for notifications and password recovery.
- Administrator Username and Password:
- Create a username and a strong password for the admin account.
- Use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters for better security.
- Website Title:
- Enter the title of your website (e.g., My Online Store or Business Site).
- This can be changed later in the CMS settings.
- Language:
- Select your preferred language for the CMS interface.
Step 5: Advanced Settings (Optional) #
Click on “Advanced Settings” if you want to customize additional options.
- Database Name:
- You can specify a custom database name or leave it as the default. The Auto Installer will automatically create the database.
- Table Prefix:
- Change the default table prefix (e.g., wp_ for WordPress, ps_ for PrestaShop) to something unique for added security.
- Auto-Update Options:
- Enable automatic updates for the core software and plugins to keep your CMS secure and up-to-date.
Step 6: Start the Installation #
- Click “Install” to begin the installation process.
- The Auto Installer will handle the setup, including creating the necessary files and database.
What Happens Next? #
- The installation typically takes a few seconds to complete.
- Once done, you will see a confirmation message with the admin URL (e.g., https://yourdomain.com/admin for PrestaShop or /wp-admin for WordPress).
Step 7: Log in to Your New CMS Admin Panel #
- Click on the admin URL provided after the installation.
- Enter the administrator username and password you created earlier.
- You are now logged in to the CMS dashboard, where you can start customizing your website or online store.
Step 8: Enable SSL for Your CMS (Recommended) #
To secure your business website or online store, enable an SSL certificate.
- Go to Domains > SSL in hPanel.
- Select the domain where the CMS is installed.
- Click “Install Let’s Encrypt SSL” and enable HTTPS redirection.
Tip: #
- Enabling SSL encrypts data and helps boost your site’s SEO ranking.
Step 9: Customize Your CMS and Add Content #
Now that your CMS is installed, you can start building your website.
For E-commerce (PrestaShop, Magento, WooCommerce): #
- Add Products:
- Go to Catalog > Products and click “Add New Product” to enter product details.
- Set Up Payment Methods:
- Go to Payment > Preferences to configure payment options (e.g., PayPal, credit cards).
- Configure Shipping:
- Go to Shipping > Carriers to set up shipping rates and methods.
For Business CMS (WordPress, Joomla, Drupal): #
- Choose a Theme:
- Go to Appearance > Themes (for WordPress) or Templates (for Joomla).
- Select a theme that suits your business needs.
- Install Plugins or Extensions:
- Go to Plugins > Add New (for WordPress) or Extensions > Manage (for Joomla).
- Install essential plugins like Yoast SEO, Contact Form 7, or WP Super Cache.
- Create Pages and Posts:
- Go to Pages > Add New to create content for your business website.
Troubleshooting Tips #
- Installation Error: If the installation fails, check the domain selection and ensure there are no conflicting files in the document root.
- Database Error: Verify that the database credentials are correct and that no other databases have the same name.
- Access Issues: Clear your browser cache or try accessing the admin URL in an Incognito window.
Additional Tips: #
- Backup Regularly: Use hPanel’s Backup tool to create regular backups of your website.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): For added security, enable 2FA for your CMS admin account.
- Keep Your CMS Updated: Regularly update the CMS core, themes, and plugins to maintain security and performance.
