How to Install WordPress on HawkHost: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

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If you have just purchased HawkHost hosting and connected your domain, the next step is usually to install WordPress.

The good news is that you don’t need to manually download WordPress files, create a MySQL database, upload files through FTP, or configure everything from scratch. HawkHost provides Softaculous through cPanel, which can be used to install WordPress with a few steps. HawkHost’s current documentation says the installation normally takes only a few minutes.

The basic process looks like this:

HawkHost   ->Client Area   ->cPanel  -> Softaculous   ->WordPress  ->Choose Domain ->Configure WordPress ->Install ->WordPress Website

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to install WordPress on HawkHost, what settings to choose during installation, what to do if you want WordPress installed directly on your main domain, and what you should configure immediately after installation.

Important: The exact appearance of cPanel and Softaculous can change over time. The steps below follow HawkHost’s current documentation, but your interface may look slightly different.

What Is WordPress?

WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that allows you to create and manage a website without having to build every page manually with code.

You can use WordPress to create:

  • Blogs
  • Business websites
  • Affiliate websites
  • Portfolio websites
  • News websites
  • Online stores
  • Membership websites
  • Documentation sites

For a website such as BuildSiteLab, WordPress can provide the foundation for publishing articles, organizing categories, adding images, managing SEO, and installing plugins.

HawkHost specifically provides WordPress-oriented hosting options and supports one-click WordPress installation through cPanel.

What You Need Before Installing WordPress

Before starting the installation, make sure you have completed the basic hosting setup.

1. A HawkHost Hosting Account

You need an active hosting account.

If you haven’t purchased hosting yet, see:

How to Buy HawkHost Hosting

2. A Domain Name

You also need a domain where WordPress will be installed.

For example:

example.com

Your domain can be registered with HawkHost or another registrar.

If your domain is registered somewhere else, make sure it is correctly connected to your HawkHost hosting.

See:

How to Connect a Domain to HawkHost

3. Access to cPanel

You need access to your HawkHost cPanel.

If you are a beginner, the easiest way is usually to access cPanel through the HawkHost Client Area.

HawkHost currently provides several cPanel login methods, including through the Client Area, through your domain when DNS is pointed to HawkHost, or through the server hostname provided in your account information.

See:

How to Log in to HawkHost

and:

How to Access HawkHost cPanel

Before You Install WordPress: Check Your Domain

This step is easy to overlook.

Suppose you want WordPress to be installed at:

https://example.com

Make sure example.com is the domain you actually want to use.

If you have multiple domains in your HawkHost account, you might see something like:

example.comexample.netblog.example.comsecondsite.com

Choose carefully.

Installing WordPress on the wrong domain can create unnecessary cleanup work later.

Step 1: Log in to HawkHost Client Area

Start by logging in to your HawkHost account.

From the Client Area, go to your hosting service and access cPanel.

The general workflow is:

HawkHost Client Area ->  My Services -> Active Hosting  -> cPanel

HawkHost’s current cPanel documentation explains that you can use the One Click Login option from the hosting service details page to enter cPanel without manually entering the cPanel username and password.

HawkHost Client Area showing the option to access cPanel

Step 2: Open cPanel

Once you enter cPanel, you will see the main cPanel dashboard.

This is where you can manage your hosting account.

Depending on your HawkHost account, you may see tools for:

  • Files
  • Domains
  • Email
  • Databases
  • Security
  • Software
  • Metrics
  • WordPress
  • Backup

For this tutorial, we are interested in the software installation section.

Step 3: Find Softaculous Apps Installer

In cPanel, look for:

Softaculous Apps Installer

You can also use the cPanel search bar and type:

Softaculous

HawkHost’s current documentation specifically recommends searching for Softaculous in cPanel or finding it under the Software section.

The process is:

cPanel ->Search ->Softaculous  ->Softaculous Apps Installer
Softaculous Apps Installer in HawkHost cPanel

Step 4: Open WordPress in Softaculous

After opening Softaculous, you’ll see the Softaculous interface.

WordPress should be available directly on the dashboard, or you can search for it.

Search for:

WordPress

Then select WordPress.

HawkHost’s documentation currently describes WordPress as being available directly from the Softaculous dashboard.

WordPress application available in Softaculous on HawkHost

Step 5: Click Install

After selecting WordPress, you’ll see information about the application and an option to install it.

Click:

Install

You will then be taken to the WordPress installation configuration page.

This is the most important part of the process because you need to choose the correct domain and installation location.

Step 6: Choose the WordPress Installation URL

Softaculous will ask where you want WordPress installed.

You’ll typically see options such as:

Protocol

Domain

In Directory

For example:

Protocol:https://Domain:example.comIn Directory:

Choose HTTPS

If SSL is already active on your domain, use:

https://

instead of:

http://

For example:

https://example.com

HawkHost’s current WordPress installation guide specifically recommends setting the protocol to https:// for a secure installation.

If SSL isn’t working yet, you may need to complete your SSL setup before proceeding.

See:

How to Install Free SSL on HawkHost

Step 7: Choose Your Domain

Select the domain where you want WordPress installed.

For example:

example.com

If you have an addon domain, you may also be able to choose that domain.

For example:

example.comsecondsite.com

Choose the correct domain carefully.

Step 8: Leave “In Directory” Blank for the Main Website

This is one of the most important settings in the entire installation process.

Suppose your domain is:

example.com

and you want your WordPress website to load at:

https://example.com

Then the In Directory field should normally be left empty.

HawkHost specifically warns that Softaculous may otherwise install WordPress into a /wp directory by default. If you want WordPress directly on the domain, leave the directory field blank.

Correct

Domain:example.comIn Directory:[blank]

Result:

https://example.com

Not what you usually want for a main site

Domain:example.comIn Directory:wp

Result:

https://example.com/wp

For most beginners building their main website, you probably want:

https://example.com

not:

https://example.com/wp
WordPress installation URL settings in HawkHost Softaculous

Step 9: Configure Your Site Name

Softaculous will ask for basic website information.

You may see fields such as:

Site Name

Site Description

For example:

Site Name:BuildSiteLabSite Description:Hosting and website tutorials for beginners

Don’t worry if you haven’t finalized these yet.

Most of these settings can be changed later from the WordPress dashboard.

Step 10: Create Your WordPress Admin Account

This is another important step.

You will need to create your WordPress administrator credentials.

Typically you’ll configure:

  • Admin username
  • Admin password
  • Admin email

For example:

Username:your-admin-namePassword:[strong unique password]Email:you@example.com

HawkHost recommends using a strong, unique password for the WordPress administrator account.

Don’t Use “admin” as Your Username

Avoid using an obvious administrator username such as:

adminadministrator

Instead, use a unique username.

For example:

siteadmin2026

or another username that isn’t publicly obvious.

More importantly, use a strong, unique password and protect the email account associated with the administrator account.

Step 11: Choose Your WordPress Language

Softaculous also allows you to select the language for your WordPress installation.

For example:

English

or:

Vietnamese

Choose whichever language you want to use for your WordPress administration interface.

This setting doesn’t prevent you from publishing content in another language.

For example, you can have:

WordPress Dashboard: English Website Content: English

or:

WordPress Dashboard: Vietnamese Website Content: English

Step 12: Review the Installation Settings

Before installing WordPress, stop for a moment and check everything.

Your configuration might look like:

Protocol:https://Domain:example.comIn 
Directory:[blank]
Site Name: Your WebsiteSite 
Description: Your Description Admin
 Username:your-usernameAdmin
 Password:********Admin 
Email:you@example.com
Language:English

The most important things to check are:

1. Correct domain

Make sure you’re installing WordPress on the intended domain.

2. Correct protocol

Use:

https://

when SSL is ready.

3. Empty directory for the main domain

If you want:

example.com

rather than:

example.com/wp

leave In Directory blank.

Step 13: Click Install

Once everything is correct, scroll down and click:

Install

Softaculous will begin installing WordPress.

You don’t need to manually upload WordPress files.

You don’t normally need to manually create the WordPress database either.

Softaculous handles the installation process for you.

HawkHost says the installation generally takes around two to three minutes.

Step 14: Wait for WordPress to Finish Installing

You’ll see an installation progress screen.

Wait until the process finishes.

Don’t close the browser while the installation is still running.

When successful, Softaculous should display a confirmation similar to:

Congratulations, the software was installed successfully.

HawkHost’s documentation confirms that this is the expected success message after installation.

WordPress successfully installed on HawkHost

Step 15: Open Your New WordPress Website

After installation, open your domain:

https://example.com

You should now see your new WordPress website.

Instead of the default HawkHost page, you should see the WordPress site.

The structure is:

HawkHost ->cPanel ->Softaculous->WordPress->Installation Complete ->https://example.com

Step 16: Log in to WordPress Admin

Your WordPress administration area is normally available at:

https://example.com/wp-admin

Replace example.com with your actual domain.

For example:

https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin

Enter the WordPress administrator username and password you created during installation.

You should then see the WordPress dashboard.

WordPress->wp-admin ->Dashboard
WordPress dashboard after installing WordPress on HawkHost

What to Do After Installing WordPress

Installing WordPress is only the beginning.

Your website is now online, but there are several things you should configure before publishing content.

1. Check Your SSL

Open:

https://yourdomain.com

Make sure the website loads securely.

You should see the HTTPS connection in your browser.

If you see an SSL warning, don’t ignore it.

Check your SSL configuration before continuing.

Internal link:

How to Install Free SSL on HawkHost

2. Check WordPress Site Address

Go to:

Settings → General

Check:

WordPress Address (URL)

and:

Site Address (URL)

For a standard installation, they should normally use the correct HTTPS version of your domain.

For example:

https://example.com

Don’t change these values randomly after your site is live because incorrect URL settings can make your website inaccessible.

3. Change Your Permalink Structure

Go to:

Settings → Permalinks

For an article-based website, a simple structure is often:

Post name

This produces URLs such as:

example.com/how-to-install-wordpress/

rather than a less descriptive URL.

For your BuildSiteLab content strategy, this is particularly useful because you are building a large collection of informational and how-to articles.

4. Install Your Theme

Go to:

Appearance → Themes

Then choose a theme appropriate for your website.

You don’t need to install dozens of themes.

Start with one lightweight theme and customize it.

5. Install Essential Plugins

Don’t install every plugin you find.

Start with only the tools your website actually needs.

Depending on your site, you may need plugins for:

  • SEO
  • Caching
  • Security
  • Contact forms
  • Backups
  • Image optimization

Keep your plugin collection under control.

Every additional plugin can introduce another maintenance requirement.

6. Configure Backups

Before publishing a lot of content, make sure you understand how your website will be backed up.

You should know:

  • Where backups are stored
  • How to restore a backup
  • How often backups run
  • Whether your hosting account includes backup functionality

This becomes particularly important once your website starts receiving traffic.

Internal link:

How to Backup Your Website on HawkHost

7. Update WordPress

After installation, check whether WordPress itself needs updates.

Also check:

  • Themes
  • Plugins

Keeping WordPress components updated is an important part of website maintenance.

8. Create Your First Page

You can now create basic pages such as:

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

Then begin publishing your main content.

For an affiliate website, make sure important disclosure and legal pages are also handled appropriately.

Common Problems When Installing WordPress on HawkHost

WordPress Was Installed at /wp

This is one of the easiest mistakes to make.

If you visit:

example.com

and WordPress is actually at:

example.com/wp

check the In Directory field you used during installation.

HawkHost specifically notes that Softaculous can use /wp by default and that leaving the directory field empty installs WordPress in the domain’s home directory.

WordPress Isn’t Loading on the Domain

If the domain doesn’t show your new WordPress installation, check:

DNS

Is your domain pointing to HawkHost?

Domain

Did you install WordPress on the correct domain?

Directory

Did you accidentally install WordPress in /wp or another folder?

SSL

Is HTTPS configured correctly?

cPanel

Does the domain exist correctly in your hosting account?

Softaculous Isn’t Showing WordPress

First, make sure you’re actually inside the correct cPanel account.

Then search for:

Softaculous

HawkHost’s current documentation says Softaculous can be accessed through cPanel and WordPress can be found through the Softaculous interface.

If the option is unavailable, check your hosting account or contact HawkHost support.

PHP Version Problem

HawkHost’s current documentation notes that WordPress requires PHP 7.4 or higher and says the PHP version can be changed from the Select PHP Version section in cPanel.

If you encounter a PHP-related installation or compatibility problem, check:

cPanel   ↓Select PHP Version

However, don’t change PHP versions randomly on an existing production website. Check compatibility first.

Should You Install WordPress Manually?

For most beginners, no.

You can technically install WordPress manually by:

  1. Downloading WordPress
  2. Uploading files
  3. Creating a database
  4. Creating a database user
  5. Configuring wp-config.php
  6. Running the WordPress installer

But if Softaculous is available, there is usually little reason for a beginner to go through all those steps.

HawkHost specifically provides WordPress installation through Softaculous, making the one-click method much simpler.

A manual installation can still be useful as an advanced tutorial later.

How Long Does WordPress Installation Take?

The actual installation is usually very quick.

HawkHost currently states that the installation should take around two to three minutes, although the actual time can vary.

The complete setup for a beginner will take longer because you also need to:

  • Connect the domain
  • Configure SSL
  • Choose a theme
  • Configure WordPress
  • Install necessary plugins
  • Create pages

So don’t confuse WordPress installation time with complete website setup time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install WordPress on HawkHost?

Yes. HawkHost supports WordPress installation through Softaculous in cPanel.

Is WordPress free to install on HawkHost?

WordPress itself is open-source software. HawkHost provides one-click installation through Softaculous as part of the hosting environment.

You may still have separate costs for hosting, domain registration, premium themes, plugins, or other services.

Can I install WordPress without knowing how to code?

Yes.

Using Softaculous, you don’t need programming knowledge to perform the basic WordPress installation.

You simply select your domain, configure the installation, create your administrator account, and start the installation.

Where do I log in to WordPress after installation?

The standard WordPress administration URL is:

https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin

Replace yourdomain.com with your actual domain.

Should I install WordPress in /wp?

If you want your main website to be:

https://example.com

you generally should leave the In Directory field blank during installation.

If you enter:

wp

WordPress will instead be installed under:

https://example.com/wp

HawkHost explicitly documents this distinction.

Can I install WordPress on an addon domain?

Yes, provided the addon domain has been correctly added to the hosting account and is available as an installation domain in Softaculous.

This is useful when you want:

example.com  ->Website Asecondsite.com ->Website B

See:

How to Create an Addon Domain in HawkHost

Can I install multiple WordPress websites on HawkHost?

The ability to host multiple WordPress installations depends on the hosting plan and its resource/domain limits.

HawkHost’s current WordPress hosting information lists support for multiple domains on its displayed Starter plan, including unlimited domains, but always check the current plan details before making a purchase decision.

What happens if I install WordPress twice?

Be careful.

If you install WordPress twice into the same location, you can create conflicts or overwrite an existing installation.

Before installing WordPress, always check:

Domain+Directory

Make sure the destination is exactly where you want the installation.

Recommended Order for Setting Up Your HawkHost Website

If you’re following the BuildSiteLab HawkHost cluster, I recommend this order:

How to Buy HawkHost Hosting  
How to Log in to HawkHost          
How to Access HawkHost cPanel  
How to Connect a Domain to HawkHost        
How to Install WordPress on HawkHost     
How to Install Free SSL         
Configure WordPress         
Choose a Theme         
Install Essential Plugins        
Publish Your First Article

This creates a logical journey for a beginner.

Someone who arrives at the WordPress installation article can move backward to learn about hosting and domain setup, or forward to the next technical step.

Conclusion

Installing WordPress on HawkHost is relatively straightforward when you use the Softaculous installer available through cPanel.

The complete process is:

HawkHost Client Area -> cPanel ->Softaculous ->WordPress -> Choose Your Domain -> Leave "In Directory" Blank  ->Configure Admin Account  ->Install ->WordPress Website

The most important setting to pay attention to is the installation directory. If you want WordPress to load directly at https://yourdomain.com, leave the In Directory field empty rather than entering wp. HawkHost’s own documentation specifically highlights this point.

Once WordPress is installed, don’t immediately start publishing articles. First make sure your HTTPS, WordPress settings, theme, plugins, backups, and basic website pages are properly configured.

Next: Learn How to Install Free SSL on HawkHost and secure your new WordPress website.

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