Setting Up WordPress in a Subdirectory: A Detailed Guide

If you wish to create additional websites using the same domain name, installing WordPress in a subdirectory can be an ideal solution. This approach enables you to run multiple WordPress instances while benefiting from the domain authority of the root domain, ultimately improving your SEO rankings. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step process for installing WordPress in a subdirectory without affecting the parent domain. Let’s jump right in!

Why Choose a Subdirectory for WordPress Installation?

While it is generally recommended to start a WordPress website on its dedicated domain name, there are certain scenarios where installing WordPress in a subdirectory is a viable option. This method allows you to have separate websites under the same domain or subdomain. From an SEO standpoint, subdirectories tend to rank higher as they leverage the domain authority of the root domain, unlike subdomains which are treated as separate entities by search engines.

Installing WordPress in a Subdirectory

There are two options for installing WordPress in a subdirectory: using a WordPress multisite network or installing different instances of WordPress. In this guide, we will focus on installing separate instances to manage websites individually. Here’s a step-by-step process:

Step 1: Create a Subdirectory

The first step is to create a subdirectory or folder under the main website. This establishes a location where the WordPress files will be installed. Connect to your WordPress hosting account using an FTP client or File Manager in cPanel. Navigate to the root folder of your website (usually named “/public_html/”). If you already have WordPress installed in the root folder, you will see your WordPress files and folders. Right-click on the root folder, select “Create new directory,” and choose a name for the subdirectory. This name will be part of the URL for your new WordPress site. For instance, if you name the directory “travel-guides,” the URL will be http://example.com/travel-guides/.

Step 2: Upload WordPress Files

Next, you need to upload the WordPress files to the newly created subdirectory. Visit the WordPress.org website, download the latest version of WordPress, and extract the zip file. Using your FTP client, navigate to the subdirectory you created and upload all the files from the extracted “wordpress” folder.

Step 3: Create a New Database

WordPress stores all of your website’s content in a database, so you will need to create a new database for your subdirectory WordPress site. Log in to your WordPress hosting account dashboard, locate the “Advanced” menu, and click on “MySQL Databases” (or a similar option). Create a new database and assign a username and password for the database. Finally, grant the user appropriate privileges to access the database.

Step 4: Install WordPress

Now, it’s time to install WordPress in your subdirectory. Visit the URL of the subdirectory in your web browser (e.g., http://example.com/your-subdirectory-name/) and follow the WordPress installation wizard. Provide the necessary information, such as the database name, username, password, and host. Once the installation is complete, you can log in to the new WordPress website installed in the subdirectory.

Step 5: Update .htaccess File (Optional)

In some cases, if you have a separate WordPress installation in the root directory, the .htaccess files of your subdirectory may cause conflicts and result in 404 errors on your website. To resolve this issue, you can edit the .htaccess file in your subdirectory WordPress installation. Replace the existing code with the code provided in our comprehensive guide.

In Conclusion

Installing WordPress in a subdirectory allows you to create multiple websites under the same domain or subdomain, offering flexibility and enhanced SEO benefits. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily install WordPress in a subdirectory without impacting the parent domain. Remember to choose a reliable WordPress hosting provider and consider upgrading to managed hosting as your business expands. Take advantage of this powerful feature to enhance your online presence and effortlessly manage multiple websites.