> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.hosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Installing Blesta using Softaculous
> Learn how to install Blesta with 1-Click using Softaculous. Just follow our step-by-step instructions.
This article describes how to install the Blesta billing platform on your site using the Softaculous installer in cPanel. Blesta is the user- and developer-friendly client management, billing, and support application.
This application is only available in Softaculous Premium. If you need further assistance, please open a ticket at [https://my.hosting.com](https://my.hosting.com).
## Before installation
Complete the following steps before you do the installation:
### Step 1: Set up the domain
The domain name where Blesta will be installed must resolve in a web browser (even if the site has no content).
### Step 2: Install an SSL certificate
During the installation process, Softaculous checks for a valid SSL certificate and returns an error if one is not found. Sectigo enables anyone to install a free, trusted SSL certificate on their website and benefit from the enhanced security an encrypted connection provides. Sectigo is available on most of hosting.com's managed services. Other certificates may be installed that provide additional benefits such as Extended Validation, Warranty, and Vetting.
To view SSL certificate options at hosting.com, please visit [https://hosting.com/domains/ssl-certificates/](https://hosting.com/domains/ssl-certificates/) .
## Installing Blesta
To install Blesta using Softaculous, follow these steps:
1. Log in to cPanel.
> 📘 Note
>
> If you do not know how to log in to your cPanel account, please see [this article](/docs/accessing-cpanel).
2. On the **Tools** page, in the **Softaculous Apps Installer** section, click **Softaculous Apps Installer** (or any of the icons under **Scripts** or **Categories**).
3. In the **Search** text box, type `Blesta` and then press Enter.
> 📘 Note
>
> Alternatively, you can use the navigation pane on the left side. To do this, click **E-Commerce**, and then click **Blesta** .
4. Click **Install**. The installation page appears.
5. In the **Choose Protocol** list box, select the protocol.
> 📘 Note
>
> If you have an SSL certificate installed on your site, select **https\://** or **https\://www**. If you do not have an SSL certificate installed on your site, select **http\://** or **http\://www**.
6. In the **Choose Domain** list box, select the domain for installation, or accept the default value.
7. In the **In Directory** text box, type the directory where you want to install the application, or accept the default value.
> 👍 Tip
>
> If you want your domain name to go directly to the application, make sure the **In Directory** text box is blank.
8. In the **CRON Job** text boxes, type the cron job intervals, or accept the default values.
> 📘 Note
>
> Cron jobs are tasks that are scheduled to run automatically. If you are unsure of the values you should use, accept the default values.
9. In the **Admin Username** text box, type the administrator username.
10. In the **Admin Password** text box, type the administrator password.
> 🚧 Important
>
> Make sure that you choose a strong password! The Softaculous installer provides a ranking for your password's strength, and turns green when the password is strong. Alternatively, you can click the  icon next to the **Admin Password** text box, and Softaculous generates a strong, random password for you.
11. In the **First Name** text box, type the administrator's first name, or accept the default value.
12. In the **Last Name** text box, type the administrator's last name, or accept the default value.
13. In the **Admin Email** text box, type the site administrator e-mail address.
14. Click the  icon to expand **Advanced Options**.
15. In the **Database Name** text box, type the name of the database to create for the application, or accept the default value.
16. If you do not want to receive e-mail notifications when application updates are available, select the **Disable Update Notifications Emails** check box.
> 🚧 Important
>
> We **strongly** recommend that you receive e-mail notifications when application updates are available. Keeping your site updated helps prevent unauthorized access attempts and data loss.
17. In the **Backup Location** list box, you can select a location to store application backups.
18. In the **Automated backups** list box, you can select whether or not Softaculous makes periodic backups of your application.
19. In the **Backup Rotation** list box, you can select how often Softaculous overwrites the oldest backup file with a new backup file.
20. To receive site configuration information after the installation is complete, type an e-mail address in the **Email installation details to** text box.
21. Review the installation options and settings, and then click **Install**. When installation is complete, Softaculous provides information about the application's configuration.
## Related articles
* [How to manage your applications in Softaculous](/docs/manage-your-applications)
* [Setting the name servers for a domain](/docs/setting-the-name-servers-dns-for-a-domain)
* [Differences between Let’s Encrypt certificates and traditional CA-issued certificates](/docs/differences-between-lets-encrypt-certificates-and-traditional-ca-issued-certificates)