Which Web Hosting Should I Choose? How Do I Set Up WordPress?

I just bought a domain from Porkbun and downloaded WordPress, but now I’m stuck.

How do I install WordPress and start creating my website? I see people talking about databases, but I don’t fully understand what that means.

Which hosting should I use now that I have a domain?

I looked at YouTube videos, and everyone seems to recommend Host…ger, but here on Reddit, no one seems to like them.

I’m building my first website for blogging and personal branding.

Any guidance is much appreciated!

You have two main options:

  1. Self-hosting – This means running your own server, but it requires technical skills. Since you’re new to this, commercial shared hosting is probably your best choice.
  2. Shared hosting – This is easier and most hosts have a one-click WordPress installation, so you don’t have to worry about setting up databases manually.

Check the recommended hosts in the sidebar—most of them support PHP and MySQL, which is what WordPress needs.

Another option is Cloudflare Pages, which lets you host a static copy of WordPress for free. But this setup disables interactive features like comments and real-time updates, so it’s not ideal if you want a dynamic site.

@Valentina
I still don’t understand a lot of the terms, but I’ll learn! I checked the recommendations and I think I’ll go with NixiHost for now. Can I switch hosting later?

Nash said:
@Valentina
I still don’t understand a lot of the terms, but I’ll learn! I checked the recommendations and I think I’ll go with NixiHost for now. Can I switch hosting later?

Yes, you can migrate your WordPress site to another host later.

Just keep in mind that if you prepay for a year of hosting, that time doesn’t transfer if you move to a new host. Some hosts offer prorated refunds, but not all of them.

Nash said:
@Valentina
I still don’t understand a lot of the terms, but I’ll learn! I checked the recommendations and I think I’ll go with NixiHost for now. Can I switch hosting later?

Yes, you can change later.

That said, stay away from NixiHost—they tend to have poor customer support and don’t cater well to beginners.

@Valentina
Also, thank you!

I’d go with a shared hosting plan that includes cPanel.

BigScoots is a solid choice, and their support is helpful for beginners.

Once you sign up, your host will provide instructions on how to point your domain to their server. You can install WordPress in just a few clicks using cPanel.

Lots of choices for hosting, but whatever you do, avoid GoDaddy at all costs!

kharly said:
Lots of choices for hosting, but whatever you do, avoid GoDaddy at all costs!

Yeah, I’ve read that on almost every post. Lol.

Most hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installation, so you don’t need to worry about setting up a database manually.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just find a host that offers managed WordPress hosting—they’ll take care of everything for you.

@madisonwilson
Thanks for the reassurance!

A domain is just your website name. You still need hosting to store and run your WordPress site.

Your domain is pointed to your hosting provider’s nameservers or DNS to connect them together.

If you’re in the UK, I know a provider offering £1/month for the first 6 months, then £5 after that.

@Cameron
I’m not in the UK, but thanks for explaining how it works—I’m starting to get the gist of it.

Look for shared hosting with cPanel. It’s beginner-friendly and includes everything you need.

I use NixiHost and like that their plans include unlimited emails, SSL, and security. Their cheapest plan is $5/month if paid annually.

@SpiderWebb
Thanks! I think I’ll go with NixiHost.

Since you’re completely new, WordPress might feel complicated at first.

Try using a drag-and-drop website builder from your hosting provider to get started. Once you’re comfortable, then switch to WordPress.

I recommend Hostinger for beginners. It’s cheap and easy to use, with a one-click WordPress install.

You can also transfer your domain to them if you prefer an all-in-one setup.

If you want free hosting, you could try Cloudflare Pages.

You’d need to move your DNS to Cloudflare, which is free, and deploy your site as a static version of WordPress.

Here’s a guide: https://developers.cloudflare.com/pages/how-to/deploy-a-wordpress-site/

RackNerd has cPanel hosting for $6/month or you could get a VPS for $20/year and install WordPress manually.

A quick glossary to help you out:

  • Domain Registrar (e.g., Porkbun) = Where you buy your website name.
  • Web Host = Where your website files are stored.
  • DNS (Domain Name System) = Connects your domain to your hosting.

Most web hosts offer cPanel, which has an installer for WordPress, so you don’t need to set up databases manually.