Creating a WordPress website on Cloudways might seem intimidating at first, but with the right step-by-step approach, it becomes a straightforward process.
Cloudways, a managed cloud hosting platform, streamlines the setup and management of WordPress sites by handling much of the technical work for you.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through every step—from selecting your hosting plan to customizing your site and publishing your first blog post.
Step 1: Getting Started with Cloudways and Setting Up Your Hosting
- Visit the Cloudways Website
Start by heading to the Cloudways website and creating your account. Signing up is quick, and you can take advantage of their free 3-day trial—no credit card required.
- Pick a Cloud Infrastructure Provider
Once your account is ready, you’ll be asked to choose a cloud provider. Cloudways partners with top-tier providers like DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Vultr, and Linode.
For beginners, DigitalOcean is a popular pick as it offers a great balance between performance and affordability.
- Select Your Hosting Plan
Cloudways provides flexible pricing options based on the server resources you need (RAM, CPU, storage, etc.). If you’re launching a small website or blog, the basic plan will typically be enough to get started.
- Set Up Your Server
Next, configure your server by:
- Choosing a data center location near your target audience
- Naming your server and application
- Clicking on “Launch Now” to begin the server setup
The server setup process usually takes around 5–10 minutes.
- Access the Cloudways Dashboard
Once your server is live, you’ll be taken to the intuitive Cloudways control panel. Here, you can manage applications, monitor performance, install SSL certificates, and more.
Step 2: Accessing Your WordPress Installation
- Add a New Application
From the Cloudways dashboard, navigate to the “Applications” tab and click on “Add Application.”
- Choose WordPress
Select WordPress from the list of available apps and choose the server you just set up. Click “Add Application” to continue with the installation.
- Log Into Your WordPress Admin Panel
Once the installation is complete, click on your application name and go to the “Access Details” tab. Here, you’ll find your WordPress login information, including:
- The admin login URL
- Username
- Password
To access the WordPress dashboard:
- Copy the Admin Panel URL and paste it into your browser, or
- Click the small icon next to the Admin Panel URL to open it directly
- Then, use the provided username and password to log in.
Step 3: Choosing and Installing a Theme
- Sign In to WordPress
Use your admin credentials and login URL from Step 2 to access the WordPress dashboard.
- Go to the Themes Section
In the left-hand menu, hover over “Appearance” and click on “Themes.”
- Browse and Add a New Theme
Click the “Add New” button at the top of the page. You’ll see a selection of featured, trending, and recently added themes. You can also use the search bar to look for a specific theme by name or keyword.
- Install and Activate Your Theme
Once you find a theme you like, click “Install.” When the installation is finished, hit “Activate” to apply the theme to your site.
Step 4: Customizing Your Website
To start customizing your WordPress site, go to the dashboard, click on “Appearance,” then select “Themes.” Find the theme you’re using and click the “Customize” button. This opens the WordPress Customizer, where you can adjust different visual aspects of your site.
In the Customizer, you can update your site title, tagline, and upload a logo. These elements help define your brand, so be sure to save your changes once you’re done.
Depending on the theme, you’ll also find options to change colors, fonts, and other design elements. Explore the available sections to personalize your site to match your style or branding.
To modify the overall styling, choose from the available style presets in the list. If you want to make more detailed changes, click the small edit icon to enter the edit view. From there, you can fine-tune elements like fonts, colors, backgrounds, and more.
When you’re happy with the updates, use the preview function to check how your site looks. If everything looks good, click the “Save” button to apply your changes.
Step 5: Installing Essential Plugins
To expand your site’s functionality, navigate to the “Plugins” section in your WordPress dashboard and click on “Add New Plugin.”
Use the search bar to find and install key plugins that enhance your website’s features. Here are some popular choices:
- Yoast SEO – helps improve your site’s visibility on search engines
- Wordfence Security – protects your website from malware and cyber threats
- WooCommerce – lets you add eCommerce functionality if you plan to sell products online
Once you’ve found the plugins you want, click “Install Now.” When the installation is complete, click “Activate” to enable them.
Some plugins may need additional setup. After activation, check your dashboard for new menu options or go to the “Settings” section to adjust the plugin’s configurations based on your needs.
Step 6: Creating Content
To start building your site’s content, head to the “Posts” section in your WordPress dashboard and click “Add New.” Enter a title, write your content, and format it using the built-in block editor. This is where your blog posts will take shape.
For more static content like an About or Contact page, go to “Pages” and select “Add New.” These pages are created just like posts, with options to format text and media. When you’re done, hit the “Publish” button to make them live.
To improve organization and SEO, use categories and tags to sort your blog posts. This helps your visitors navigate the site more easily and improves visibility on search engines.
Step 7: Launching Your WordPress Website on Cloudways
Before going live, take some time to thoroughly preview your website. This step helps ensure that everything looks polished and functions properly. Check for any issues like broken links, layout problems, or formatting inconsistencies that could affect user experience.
Once everything checks out, consider setting up a reliable backup system. Installing a backup plugin is a smart way to protect your data and restore your site in case something goes wrong.
When you’re confident everything is ready, it’s time to go live. Share your website’s link with friends, family, and on your social media channels to start attracting visitors and building your online presence.
Wrap-Up
Great work — you’ve just launched your WordPress website on Cloudways. This powerful managed cloud hosting platform gives you access to features like Cloudflare Enterprise, built-in malware protection, and convenient tools like client billing and automated updates with SafeUpdates. These features make website management easier and more secure.
Now that your site is up and running, make sure to keep everything fresh. Update your themes, plugins, and content regularly to keep your audience engaged and your website performing well.
Ready to get started? Try Cloudways for free today with no credit card required.
And if you’re looking to take things further, explore Cloudways Autonomous. It offers advanced tools to help streamline your workflow and manage your site more efficiently. Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your web presence with everything Cloudways has to offer.