Every website unit we sell can be set up two ways. Neither is the "better" option in general — it depends entirely on your own time, technical comfort, and hosting setup.
Self-install: full control, lower cost
You download the zip fileset and the schema.sql database file, upload them to your own hosting via cPanel or FTP, and run the included installer script in your browser. The installer checks your server automatically — PHP version, required extensions, upload limits — before letting you proceed, so you'll know straight away if anything on your hosting needs adjusting.
Self-install is the right choice if:
- You're already comfortable creating a MySQL database and uploading files in cPanel.
- You want to get started immediately rather than waiting on us.
- You're planning to customise the code yourself (or hand it to a developer) right away.
Install Service: we do it for you
You send us your hosting/cPanel access details through checkout, and our team installs, configures, and tests the website unit directly on your server. You don't need to touch a terminal or a database tool at all.
The Install Service is the right choice if:
- You'd rather spend your time on your business than on server configuration.
- You're not confident with cPanel, FTP, or MySQL — and don't want to be.
- You want a second pair of eyes confirming everything is actually working correctly before you go live.
What the Install Service doesn't cover
It covers getting the website unit installed and working on your hosting exactly as sold — it isn't custom development. If you want features added or the design changed beyond what's included, get in touch separately once the base install is live.
Will it work on my hosting?
Both routes work on any standard PHP/MySQL hosting — cPanel shared hosting, a VPS, or a dedicated server — not just cPanel specifically. See each product's requirements listed on its page, or check our FAQ for the general PHP/MySQL requirements that apply across every website unit.
Still weighing it up? Ask us directly and we'll give you a straight answer based on what you've told us about your setup.
