Want to buy Bluehost hosting but don’t want to install WordPress? Welcome to the quick guide from WebHostingAdvices. We will see how to use Bluehost without WordPress.
This guide is for you if you wish to install other CMS or even if you want to upload a custom script to Bluehost hosting.
Let’s begin.
Can you use Bluehost without WordPress?
Yes, you can use Bluehost without WordPress.
WordPress is just a CMS that is quite popular in the market. On the other hand, Bluehost is a hosting service that allows you to host any website you want.
If you don’t wish to use WordPress and want to use another CMS, or perhaps have your script on the web server, you can surely do so.
You can run any type of script here including HTML, CSS, Javascript, and many other programming languages are supported. If needed, you can also use another website builder to build your website.
They have a file manager as well as FTP using which you can upload the files to the hosting.
If you’re new to web development, it’s worth noting that people prefer WordPress because it’s easier to use as well as it provides multiple plugins to make the whole development process easier.
How to use Bluehost without WordPress?
There are two main scenarios we will talk about.
Hosting a Custom-Made Website on Bluehost:
It’s recommended if you have a custom script.
Step 1: Have the Project Ready (or Zip it)
The first step is to design and code your website on your local computer. You can use localhost as of now to design the website as per your needs.
Once it’s ready, you should make sure that it includes all the project files and folders.
Step 2: Use FTP or File Manager to upload your website
You have two options to upload your files on the server. You can either use the file manager which is quite easier. Alternatively, you can use the FTP manager.
Just head over to the “File Manager” option from the “Hosting” sub-menu on Bluehost.
Select the right path where you wish to upload the site. Now, you can hit the “Upload” button to upload.
Please note that the file manager doesn’t directly support uploading folders. So, you will have to zip it and upload it. Thereafter, you can simply right-click on the zip and extract the folders.
Alternatively, you can use FTP. Here, you need to install an FTP client on your local system. We prefer FileZilla or WinSCP to upload the website’s static files to your hosting folders.
It’s a longer process. You first need to create an FTP account on your server as well. You can head over to “FTP Accounts” on your server.
Enter all the information as needed. Now, open FileZilla on your local system.
Go to File > Site Manager.
You will see various options. Click on the “New site” option and select the directory where you want to add your site.
The next step is the configuration screen.
In the host, write your site’s name or server’s IP address. Keep the rest of the things as it is. Now, come to the next section where you are asked for the user and password. Type in the same username and password that you created earlier.
You can then see the server screen and your local system. Simply copy and paste the files. It will start uploading.
Step 3: Create Database
The next step is to create the database. Go to the “MySQL Databases” and create one.
Add a user to MySQL by clicking on “Jump to MySQL Users” and then clicking “Add new user”.
Click on the “Add user to database” option and give all the privileges to the user. Make sure you’ve selected the right database.
Now, you can manage the database using phpMyAdmin like you do in the localhost.
You can then configure SSL and other options if needed.
Hosting a CMS Website on Bluehost:
Don’t want to use WordPress but want to use a different CMS? There are two options for you.
The easiest option is to use Softaculous and use their one-click installer. Just select the CMS and hit “Install”. That’s it.
The next option is to manually install the CMS. For that, you need to install the script (e.g. OpenCart) from the official website and upload it as we mentioned in the above section.
Conclusion
While Bluehost offers a one-click installation for WordPress, it’s even useful for running other scripts. However, you need to be aware of the Bluehost limits before you proceed with the service.
It’s recommended to go with Kamatera which also offers a free trial.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do I need a WordPress account for Bluehost?
No, even if you wish to install WordPress, there is no WordPress account needed. They have a one-click installation.
Is WordPress automatically installed on Bluehost?
Nope, although Bluehost has a one-click installation for WordPress. You can install it with just a few clicks if you want.
