If you would like to install and activate Jetpack and/or one of its modules. This tutorial will show you step-by-step how to get it into your self-hosted WordPress website. (the one where you purchase your own hosting).
Note on Using Jetpack
Please note that we do not install and/or recommend Jetpack by default. It is a huge piece of software and there are alternatives. Plus if you install it, you will be inundated with ads and requests to upgrade that are confusing.
In a few cases, we do recommend Jetpack, here are those situations:
If you do NOT need Jetpack try these for the same functions:
The Difference between WordPress and WordPress+Jetpack
If the relationship between WordPress.com and WordPress.org and Jetpack is confusing to you, it IS confusing to everyone! lol See the FAQs at the bottom of this page for a more thorough explanation.
Install and Activate Jetpack without a WordPress.com Account
There are two options when installing Jetpack:
- Use a WordPress.com (note the .com ) account
- Do NOT use a WordPress.com account.
To install and connect Jetpack to your site, follow steps 1 through 4. At step 5 – follow the instructions to login /create an account or skip login. Then continue with the instructions per usual.
Step 1: Install Jetpack plugin.
Go to Plugins tab in the dashboard. Type “jetpack” into the search. Find Jetpack, and click, “Install Now”.
Step 2: “Activate”
After 30 seconds or so, the button will turn blue, click “Activate”
Step 3: You will be redirected automatically to Jetpack.
On the next screen, click “Set up Jetpack”(image 3a). If you are not immediately redirected, click Jetpack tab in your dashboard. On the Jetpack page, you will see the Intro screen for Jetpack. (Image 3b) Click “Set up Jetpack”.
Step 4: Then Wait for Jetpack.
Step 5: Continue without Login
If you do NOT wish to use a WP.COM account, scroll beneath the signup form, and click “Continue without user account.”
Step 5b: Continue & Login
To login (or create) your WP.COM account, add your email to the screen. If you have an account, be sure to use the same email as the existing WordPress.com account.
If there are more than one WordPress.com account attached to your name, you will need to select the correct account.
Step 6: Select the Product to Purchase
If you are starting, we recommend the free version. Scroll to bottom and click “Start with Jetpack Free”.
Step 6: Welcome Screens
When you see the welcome screen, skip the survey by clicking “At a Glance”.
Step 7: Activate Modules
From here, go to Settings tab. And scroll through the options, activating the desired modules. If you have opted to connect without a WordPress.com account, most options are not available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a freemium plugin by the makers of WordPress (Automattic). They have added a lot of features into this plugin, that is natively found in WordPress.com. Most developers do not recommend that you use it, since it is all-encompassing and quite ‘big’.
Sometimes. You can start free and you can use the basic comments feature, privacy policy, a small amount of image optimization and social sharing buttons for free. Any customizations or flexibility to any of those functions will require a paid account.
There is a heated debate on this in the WordPress developers community! 🙂 Here is a list of what is available in the plugin, and the debates that rage on. Read at your own peril. https://www.isitwp.com/wordpress-plugins/jetpack/
Beginner Checklist
If you’re starting out, you’ll love our comprehensive 52 point checklist for your website! Read through once, and then work on items one at a time as it comes up!
Cathy Mitchell
Single Mom, Lifelong Learner, Jesus Follower, Founder and CEO at WPBarista.