This article is relative to our You Tube video “Take Control: How to Manually Install a WordPress Theme“, as it’s always useful to know how to manually install a WordPress Theme especially if you are working with custom or premium themes that are not included in the official WordPress Theme repository.
This ensures that your WordPress website matches your unique requirements and preferences, as you have more control over its design and functionality. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to manually install a WordPress theme and this article assumes that you are logged in to WordPress.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
How to Install A WordPress Theme Manually
Step 1: Download the Theme
– Download the Theme file from the source. This is usually a .zip file.
– Ensure the .zip file is saved to a location on your computer where you can find it easily.
Step 2: Access the WordPress Dashboard
– Navigate to yourwebsite.com/wp-admin and enter your Username and Password.
– In the left-hand menu, hover over “Appearance” and click “Themes”.
Step 3: Upload the Theme
– Click on “Add New” – this button is at the top of the “Themes” page.
– Click on “Upload Theme” – also located at the top of the page.
– Click “Choose File” and select the Theme .zip file from your computer.
– Click “Install Now” to upload and install the Theme.
Step 4: Activate the Theme
– Once you have installed the Theme, click “Activate” to apply it to your site.
– After it’s activated go to Appearance > Customize to adjust Theme settings according to your preferences.
Step 5: Verify the Installation
– Visit your website to ensure the Theme is applied correctly and everything looks good.
– If you encounter any issues, refer to the Theme’s documentation or support for troubleshooting tips.
– You Tube Video: Take Control: How to Manually Install a WordPress Theme
Additional Information
Back up Your Website
Create a website backup before making significant changes, such as installing a new Theme. This way, you can repair your website if there is an issue.
Child Themes
Consider using a child Theme if you intend to change it. This makes updates easier and lets you make changes without altering the original theme files.
SEO Optimisation
Make sure the theme is SEO-friendly. A well-coded Theme may increase your site’s SEO and search engine rankings.
Updates & Support for Themes
Select a Theme with strong support and frequent updates. This guarantees compatibility with the most recent WordPress version and facilitates speedy problem-solving.
Performance-Related Issues
Some Themes can cause your website to load more slowly. Verify the Theme’s functionality to ensure it doesn’t slow down website loading.
Logging into Your WordPress Admin Dashboard through Domains.co.za
Login to Domains.co.za Account
1. Go to the Domains.co.za website Account Login page.
2. Enter your Email and Password.
3. Then click the “Sign In” button.
Access WordPress from your Domains.co.za Dashboard
4. On the right of the Dashboard under the “Manage Account” menu, click “Manage Services” on the drop-down menu and select your Hosting plan, our example uses Web Hosting.
5. Scroll down to the “Quick Manage” section (below “Product Information”) and click on the WordPress icon. If you haven’t yet installed WordPress, it will ask you to first do so.
Access WordPress via cPanel from your Domains.co.za Account
6. On the right of the Dashboard under the “Manage Account” menu, click “Manage Services” on the drop-down menu and select your Hosting plan, our example uses Web Hosting. (refer image above).
7. Click “Manage” next to the website domain you wish to access in cPanel.
8. The Product Information section will display – click the “Login” button next to Control Panel.
9. On the cPanel Dashboard, in the menu on the right, select “WP Toolkit”, or if you haven’t yet installed WordPress “WordPress Management”.
10. There is also a WordPress icon under the “Popular Applications” section on the cPanel Dashboard.
WordPress can be Accessed Online via cPanel
1. Go to your cPanel URL or cPanel Login page.
2. Enter your “Email” and “Account Password” and click “Log In”
3. On the cPanel Dashboard, in the menu on the right, select “WP Toolkit”, or if you haven’t yet installed WordPress “WordPress Management”. There is also a WordPress icon under the “Popular Applications” section on the cPanel Dashboard.
