WordPress – Subfolder Install

Before we build our new WordPress e-commerce website, we have to install WordPress in a subfolder on your current web hosting provider. This will give us a fresh install to start with while keeping your main website intact.

My subfolder WordPress website on my hosting service would use this URL: https://www.craigkunce.com/onlinestore.

During installation, WordPress will also install its current software version and default theme, probably Twenty Twenty-Five. This theme will get you started before we install the WooCommerce plugin and then the Storefront theme.

For QTH.com Hosting

QTH Hosting uses standard cPanel along with Softaculous / WordPress Manager by Softaculous. This makes setting up a subfolder installation fast because Softaculous automatically creates the folder, sets up the MySQL database, and installs WordPress in one pass.

Step-by-Step Directions for QTH Hosting

1. Log into cPanel: Step 1.

Navigate to [yourwebsite.com/cpanel](https://yourwebsite.com/cpanel) (or log in via the QTH Client Area and click Login to cPanel).

Verification: Confirm you are logged into the main cPanel dashboard showing sections like Files, Databases, and Software.

2. Open Softaculous WordPress Manager: Step 2.

In cPanel, scroll down to the Software section and click WordPress Manager by Softaculous (or Softaculous Apps Installer).

Verification: Confirm the Softaculous WordPress management page opens.

3. Configure the Installation Settings: Step 3.

Click the blue Install button. On the setup form, fill in the following fields:

  • Choose Protocol: Select https://.
  • Choose Domain: Select your domain name.
  • In Directory: Type the name of the subfolder you want to create (e.g., class or student1). Do not leave this blank, and do not include slashes.
  • Admin Account: Set a custom Admin Username (avoid using admin), a strong password, and your email address.

Verification: Double-check that the In Directory field contains your subfolder name so it doesn’t overwrite your primary website.

4. Complete Installation & Log In: Step 4.

Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Install. Wait a few seconds for the installer to finish.

Verification: Visit [yourwebsite.com/yourfolder/wp-admin/](https://yourwebsite.com/yourfolder/wp-admin/) in your browser, or click the Administrative URL provided on the success screen, to ensure you can access the new dashboard.

For BlueHost.com Hosting

Here are the steps to create a subfolder and install WordPress on Bluehost:

To set up a standard WordPress installation in a subfolder, use Softaculous in Bluehost’s cPanel interface.

  1. Open cPanel from Bluehost
    1. Log in to Bluehost. In the left menu, click Hosting > My Plans and select cPanel.
    2. Verification: A new tab will open showing the traditional cPanel grid with various section headings.
  2. Launch Softaculous Apps Installer
    1. Scroll down to the Software section and click Softaculous Apps Installer.
  3. Search for WordPress (latest version) and click Install
  4. Specify the Subfolder Path
    1. Under the Software Setup section:
      1. Choose Protocol: https://
      2. Choose Domain: Your primary domain
      3. ALERT—For the next step below, you MUST enter a subfolder name. If you don’t and only choose your primary domain, you will overwrite and delete your main website. Don’t do that!
      4. In the In Directory field, type the exact subfolder name (e.g., blog or shop). Leave this field blank only if installing on the main domain.
  5. Under Select Plugins, I deselected all to ensure a clean, efficient initial install. I’ll add my chosen plugins later.
  6. Complete the installation
    1. Set your Admin Username (avoid using admin), Admin Password, and Admin Email, then scroll to the bottom and click Install.
    2. Verification: A success message will appear showing direct links to your new site and your new WordPress admin login URL.[yourdomain.com/subfolder/wp-admin](https://yourdomain.com/subfolder/wp-admin)).

View and Edit Your New Subfolder WordPress Site

  • To view your new website, go to:
    • yourdomain.com/subfolder
      (https://yourdomain.com/subfolder)
  • To edit, go to:
    • yourdomain.com/subfolder/wp-admin
      (https://yourdomain.com/subfolder/wp-admin) (and sign in).