Installing a Second WordPress Site in the Same public_html Folder
Understanding the Approach:
To install a second WordPress site within the same public_html folder, you’ll create a separate directory for the new site. This will help keep the installations organized and prevent conflicts.
Important Considerations:
- Domain Name: You’ll need a separate domain name or subdomain for the second WordPress site. You should point this to the public_html/site2 directory through your domain registrar’s DNS settings. Withing c-panel you must ensure that your second domain is configured properly and pointing to public_html/site2. You can do this in the Domains section of c-panel
- Permalinks: Ensure that the permalink structure for both sites is different to avoid conflicts.
- Plugins and Themes: While you can use the same plugins and themes for both sites, it’s generally recommended to keep them separate to avoid potential issues.
- Database Prefixes: Use different database prefixes for each WordPress installation to prevent conflicts. This can be set during the installation process.
Steps Involved:
- Create a New Directory:
- Use an FTP client or your hosting control panel’s file manager to create a new folder within your public_html directory. Give it a descriptive name, like site2.
- Download WordPress:
- Download the latest WordPress version from WordPress.org. Extract the downloaded ZIP file.
- Upload WordPress Files:
- Upload the extracted WordPress files to the newly created directory (public_html/site2).
- Create a Database:
- Create a new database for the second WordPress site using your hosting control panel’s database management tools.
- Run the WordPress Installer:
- Access the installation page by visiting yourdomain.com/site2/wp-admin/install.php in your web browser.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Use the database credentials you created in step 4.
Alternatively, after you have properly configured the domain name to point to public_html/site2, run the softaculous wordpress installer from your C-panel and follow the prompts.
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Additional Tips:
- Subdomains: If you prefer to use subdomains, you can create them through your domain registrar and point them to the respective directories (e.g., site2.yourdomain.com points to public_html/site2).
- Multisite: For multiple WordPress sites under a single domain, consider using WordPress Multisite. However, this approach has its own complexities and might not be suitable for all scenarios.
Example Directory Structure:
public_html/
site1/
wp-content/
wp-includes/
index.php
…
site2/
wp-content/
wp-includes/
index.php
…
index.php (optional)
By following these steps and considering the important points, you can successfully install a second WordPress site within the same public_html folder.