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12: WordPress - Build Your Website

WordPress is the most popular platform for building websites and blogs. With Infinity Tools, you can install WordPress securely on your own server with just a few steps. For everything beyond installation and basic usage, see the official WordPress documentation.

What is WordPress? (Simple Explanation)

WordPress lets you create a website or blog using themes and plugins — no coding required. You manage posts, pages, and media from a friendly dashboard, and extend features with plugins (contact forms, SEO, e‑commerce, and more).

  • ✅ Easy to use dashboard for content
  • ✅ Thousands of themes to change the look
  • ✅ Plugins for features like forms, SEO, shops
  • ✅ You own it — runs on your server

Prerequisites

Before installing WordPress, make sure you have:

  • ✅ Traefik installed (from Chapter 4) for HTTPS and domains
  • ✅ Docker running (from Chapter 3)
  • ✅ Apprise installed (from Chapter 5) for notifications
  • ✅ Borgmatic installed (from Chapter 6) for automated backups (optional but recommended)
  • ✅ A domain name (recommended) and email for SSL certificates

Interdependencies: WordPress uses a database (MariaDB). Database backups integrate with Borgmatic (Chapter 6), and Borgmatic notifications rely on Apprise (Chapter 5).

Step 1: Start Infinity Tools

Connect to your server via SSH and start Infinity Tools:

sudo infinity-tools

Open Applications

  1. Go to 📱 APPLICATIONS
  2. Select WordPress
  3. Choose Install WordPress

Step 2: Choose HTTPS Mode

When prompted:

Use Traefik for SSL? (Y/n)
  • Y (recommended): Uses your domain and automatic SSL via Traefik
  • N: Standalone mode using a direct port (HTTP or self‑signed HTTPS)

Step 3: Enter Your Domain (Traefik Mode)

Examples:

  • myblog.yourdomain.com
  • www.yourdomain.com (will redirect to the main domain)

No domain? Pick a port when asked (for local access only).

Step 4: Optional Redis Cache

You can enable a performance cache called Redis. If you enable it during installation, Infinity Tools sets up a Redis container for you.

Install the free plugin Redis Object Cache to speed up WordPress:

  • From your dashboard: Plugins → Add New
  • Search for Redis Object Cache by Till Krüss
  • Click Install, then Activate
  • Go to Settings → Redis and click Enable Object Cache

Redis Object Cache plugin (wordpress.org)

Step 5: Wait for Installation

Setup usually takes a few minutes. WordPress, the database, and (optionally) Redis will be created.

Step 6: Open Your Site

  • Traefik mode: Visit https://your-domain
  • Standalone mode: Visit the IP and port shown by the installer (e.g., http://SERVER_IP:PORT)

Complete the WordPress setup wizard and create your admin account.

Step 7: Verify It’s Running

In Infinity Tools, go to 📊 STATUS & HEALTH → STATUS. You should see WordPress, the database, and (if used) Redis running.

  • ✅ Choose a theme that fits your site
  • ✅ Install key plugins (SEO, forms, security)
  • ✅ Enable Redis Object Cache if you set up Redis
  • ✅ Backups: confirm Borgmatic includes WordPress data

Where Your Data Lives

  • /opt/speedbits/wordpress/wp_data/ — WordPress files
  • /opt/speedbits/wordpress/db_data/ — Database files (MariaDB)
  • /opt/speedbits/wordpress/redis_data/ — Redis data (if enabled)

Troubleshooting

Can’t access the site

  • Check Traefik is running: docker ps | grep traefik
  • Verify your domain points to your server (DNS)
  • Wait a few minutes for SSL certificates
  • View logs: docker logs wordpress

Database connection error

  • Check database container: docker ps | grep wp-db
  • Confirm password file: /opt/speedbits/wordpress/db_password.txt
  • Restart: cd /opt/speedbits/wordpress && docker compose restart

Enable HTTPS in standalone mode

Standalone HTTPS uses a self‑signed certificate and may show a browser warning. Click “Advanced → Proceed”, or switch to Traefik for trusted HTTPS.

Quick Reference

Check containers:

docker ps | grep -E "wordpress|wp-db|redis"

View logs:

docker logs wordpress

Restart services:

cd /opt/speedbits/wordpress && docker compose restart

Helpful Resources

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