BENTECH

Manual WordPress Deployment on IONOS Hosting

Master the complete workflow for deploying, configuring, and securing a manual WordPress installation on IONOS cloud web hosting.

This course takes you through the step-by-step procedure of installing WordPress on IONOS hosting without depending on automatic one-click setup wizards. You will learn how to download core WordPress files, navigate the IONOS Webspace Explorer, provision a standalone MySQL 8.0 database, map subdomains to specific web directories, execute the installation script, and complete baseline WordPress hardening and theme configuration.

Section 1: File Preparation and Webspace Staging

Learn how to obtain official WordPress core files and manage folder structures within IONOS Webspace.

Lesson 1.1: Downloading Core Files & Webspace Upload

  • Downloading WordPress from wordpress.org
  • Accessing IONOS Webspace Explorer
  • Uploading and extracting archives in 'clickandbuilds'
  • Folder renaming and cleanup

Manual deployments start by acquiring official WordPress distribution packages directly from wordpress.org rather than third-party sources. Uploading a single compressed .zip file directly into the hosting webspace saves significant upload time compared to transferring thousands of individual uncompressed PHP files. Inside the IONOS Webspace Explorer, files are commonly managed inside the 'clickandbuilds' directory. Once the archive is extracted, the original zip file should be deleted to prevent unnecessary disk consumption. Renaming the extracted folder from 'wordpress' to your target site name (such as 'courses') allows you to maintain multiple distinct websites on the same hosting plan.

Practical work

  1. Download the latest WordPress zip file from wordpress.org.
  2. Log into the IONOS control panel and navigate to Hosting > Use Webspace.
  3. Upload the zip archive into the 'clickandbuilds' folder.
  4. Extract the archive, delete the original zip, and rename the folder to your project name.

Section 2: Database Provisioning and Domain Mapping

Configure MySQL database services and bind web domains directly to webspace paths.

Lesson 2.1: Creating MySQL Databases in IONOS

  • Database version selection (MySQL 8.0)
  • Setting database passwords
  • Documenting connection strings and host names

WordPress requires a relational database (MySQL or MariaDB) to store site options, users, posts, and taxonomy data. In the IONOS Hosting Panel, databases are managed separately from the filesystem. When provisioning a database, select MySQL 8.0 and provide an administrative password. IONOS assigns custom host server addresses (e.g., db5016076467.hosting-data.io) along with generated database names (dbs...) and usernames (dbu...). It is essential to record these values into a secure scratchpad before proceeding.

Practical work

  1. Open Hosting > Databases in the IONOS dashboard.
  2. Create a new MySQL 8.0 Standard database and assign a strong password.
  3. Copy the DB Name, DB User Name, DB Host Name, and Password into a local text editor.

Lesson 2.2: Configuring Subdomains and Destination Paths

  • Creating subdomains in Domains & SSL
  • Adjusting destination to Webspace
  • Binding directory paths to URL endpoints

Before running the WordPress installer, the domain or subdomain must be routed to the directory holding the WordPress core files. Without this mapping, visiting the URL will either return an error or point to default hosting placeholder files. Under 'Domains & SSL', create your desired subdomain. Through the action menu, select 'Adjust Destination' and choose 'Connect to Webspace'. Navigate down the directory tree to select the specific folder you renamed in Step 2. Verify that the destination updates to show the correct relative webspace path.

Practical work

  1. Create a new subdomain under Domains & SSL in IONOS.
  2. Click 'Adjust Destination' and select 'Connect to Webspace'.
  3. Select the exact project folder inside 'clickandbuilds' and save.
  4. Confirm the domain overview lists the active webspace path.

Section 3: Installation Wizard and Baseline Administration

Execute the web installation script and perform initial site configuration.

Lesson 3.1: Running the WordPress Setup Wizard

  • Inputting IONOS database connection values
  • Configuring table prefix
  • Setting site title and administrator credentials

Once files are in place and the domain points to the webspace folder, opening the domain in a browser launches the WordPress web installer. The first configuration screen prompts for database connection parameters. Paste the Database Name, Username, and Password saved earlier. In the 'Database Host' field, replace the default 'localhost' with your IONOS database host address. Submit the database connection, then complete the site setup by providing a Site Title, Admin Username, Admin Password, and Administrator Email.

Practical work

  1. Open your domain or subdomain in a new browser tab.
  2. Complete the database connection screen using your recorded credentials.
  3. Submit and click 'Run the installation'.
  4. Define admin credentials, save them securely, and log in to the WordPress dashboard.

Lesson 3.2: Post-Installation Baseline Setup

  • Cleaning default plugins
  • General settings, HTTPS verification, and site icon
  • Configuring SEO permalinks
  • Theme selection and preview

A fresh WordPress installation includes default plugins and configuration options that should be refined before launching content. Unnecessary plugins like Hello Dolly and inactive anti-spam tools should be deleted to keep the environment lean. In Settings > General, check that both the WordPress Address and Site Address include 'https://' to ensure encrypted communication. Set the appropriate timezone and site icon. In Settings > Permalinks, switch to the 'Post name' structure to ensure all future pages have clean, human-readable URLs. Finally, explore Appearance > Themes to install and activate an appropriate theme for your website.

Practical work

  1. Navigate to Plugins and delete all unused default plugins.
  2. Under Settings > General, verify HTTPS URLs, site title, tagline, and upload a site icon.
  3. Change permalinks to 'Post name' under Settings > Permalinks.
  4. Install and activate a theme from Appearance > Themes and view the front-end homepage.