Standard cPanel setup sequence for a new WordPress installation.
1. Add Domain
cPanel > Domains > Addon Domains:
- Enter domain name
- Document root auto-fills (e.g.,
public_html/domain.com) - Click "Add Domain"
2. DNS Records
cPanel > Domains > Zone Editor. Minimum required records:
| Type | Name | Value | |------|------|-------| | A | @ | Server IP | | A | www | Server IP | | CNAME | mail | domain.com | | MX | @ | mail.domain.com | | TXT | @ | v=spf1 +a +mx ~all |
Allow 15-60 minutes for propagation before proceeding.
3. Create MySQL Database
cPanel > Databases > MySQL Databases:
- Create database:
user_wpdb - Create user:
user_wpuser(generate strong password) - Add user to database with ALL PRIVILEGES
Note the database name, username, and password — needed during WordPress install.
4. Install WordPress
Use Softaculous (cPanel > Software > Softaculous):
- Select WordPress
- Set installation URL (root or subdirectory)
- Enter site name, admin username, admin email
- Enter database credentials from step 3
- Click Install
Or manually: upload WordPress zip to document root, extract, run installer at domain.com/wp-admin/install.php.
5. Install SSL
cPanel > Security > SSL/TLS Status:
- Select domain
- Click "Run AutoSSL" (free Let's Encrypt cert)
- Wait 1-2 minutes
- Verify green padlock
Force HTTPS via .htaccess:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
6. Configure PHP
cPanel > Software > MultiPHP Manager:
- Select domain, set PHP 8.1 or 8.2
cPanel > Software > MultiPHP INI Editor:
max_execution_time = 300
max_input_time = 300
memory_limit = 256M
post_max_size = 64M
upload_max_filesize = 64M
max_input_vars = 5000
7. Schedule Backups
cPanel > Files > JetBackup (if available):
- Daily incremental backup
- Weekly full backup
- Remote destination: Google Drive or S3
- Retain 14 days
Alternatively, configure WPvivid inside WordPress for plugin-level backups.
Email Authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
cPanel > Email > Email Deliverability:
- Click "Manage" for domain
- Copy DKIM record, add to DNS
- Add SPF TXT record:
v=spf1 +a +mx +ip4:SERVER_IP ~all - Add DMARC TXT at
_dmarc.domain.com:v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:admin@domain.com