WordPress is a Content Management System (CMS). Even with zero knowledge about programming, anyone can install WordPress and setup a Website.
Choosing a Web Panel
To setup WordPress on a Virtual Private Server (VPS), we need Web control panel. There are lot of web panels out there but majority of them paid or too complex for beginners. First I came up with VestaCP but as that project seems to be dead, I had to go for another alternative. So I searched for other free alternatives out there like VestaCP and I found few good alternatives. First one I came up with is myVesta. However after a little bit more research, I found HestiaCP. It’s a fork of VestaCP like myVesta. After using HestiaCP, I felt that it is doing a great job.
HestiaCP is still getting updates and the project is running. It is completely free and open source. HestiaCP is available for Debian 9, Debian 10, Ubuntu 16.04 LTS, Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. Here is features of HestiaCP which made me impressive about HestiaCP.
- Let’s Encrypt SSL support with wildcard certificates
- One-click software installer (including WordPress and Laravel)
- Minimalistic Admin Dashboard
As HestiaCP has a one-click software installer, installing WordPress on a VPS running HestiaCP is very easy.
Earlier I wrote: How to install VestaCP on Debian 10 (HestiaCP).
Buy a Domain
To host a website, we need a domain. You can buy a domain from domain registrars like Godaddy and Namecheap.
After buying a domain name, create an A record in the DNS, pointing domain to the VPS.
Then head to the HestiaCP and add the domain to the WEB list.
Install WordPress
Now, Navigate to the WEB tab of the HestiaCP and click on the relavent domain name where you need to install WordPress.
- Click on Quick Install App
- Choose Setup on the WordPress card
- Give your WordPress site a name and a description, username, password and a administrator email address (A welcome email will be sent to this email)
- Tick the Database Create field and let others stay default.
- Click on Install

After a successful installation you will get a welcome email with the login url and credentials, to the email you gave when setting a WordPress installation.