Creating a website using WordPress can be a straightforward and rewarding experience, especially with the right tools and hosting provider. This guide will walk you through the process of building a website using WordPress with Cloudways as your host, and essential plugins like Elementor, RankMath SEO, Google Site Kit, Performance Lab, and Breeze by Cloudways. Additionally, we’ll cover setting up your domain with Porkbun.

Step 1: Set Up Your Hosting with Cloudways

Why Choose Cloudways?

Cloudways offers managed cloud hosting that provides flexibility, speed, and top-notch support. It’s ideal for WordPress websites due to its optimized performance and scalability.

Getting Started with Cloudways

1. 1. Sign Up for Cloudways:
      • Visit the Cloudways website and sign up for an account.
      • Use the promo code “EmbarkEMR” for even more discounts on their already low prices
   2. Select a Cloud Provider:
      • Choose a cloud provider (e.g., DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud) based on your needs and budget.
      • Select your server size, location, and other specifications.
      • I tend to find DigitalOcean the most affordable and you can acheive a lot using a server size of 2 GB with a 50GB disk.
   3. Launch Your Server:
      • Once you’ve configured your server, click on “Launch Server.”
      • Cloudways will set up your server, and you’ll receive an email with your server details.

Step 2: Register Your Domain with Porkbun

Why Porkbun?

Porkbun is known for its affordable pricing, user-friendly interface, and excellent customer support.  Also, they’re a lot of fun and include a lot of extra protections and features most registrars charge quite a bit extra for (like WHOIS protection).

Registering Your Domain

1. 1. Visit Porkbun:
      • Go to Porkbun.
   2. Search for Your Domain:
      • Use the search bar to find an available domain name.
      • Most of the time, you can get domains for <$14 per year.  There will be some domains that cost a lot more, but think about rebranding or finding a different extention to keep the cost low.
   3. Purchase Your Domain:
      • Add the desired domain to your cart and proceed to checkout.
      • Complete the purchase and register your domain.

Step 3: Point Your Domain to Cloudways

1. 1. Access DNS Settings in Porkbun:
      • Log in to your Porkbun account.
      • Navigate to the “Domain Management” section and select your domain.
   2. Update DNS Records:
      • Find the DNS settings or DNS management area.
      • Add an A Record with your server’s IP address provided by Cloudways.  You can find you server’s IP address on you application’s home page
      • Set the TTL (Time to Live) to the default value and save your changes.

Step 4: Install WordPress on Cloudways

1. 1. Log In to Cloudways:
      • Access your Cloudways account and navigate to the server you set up.
   2. Install WordPress:
      • Go to the “Applications” tab and click on “Add Application.”
      • Select WordPress, fill in the necessary details (e.g., application name, admin credentials), and click “Add Application.”

Step 5: Configure WordPress

Access Your WordPress Admin Dashboard

1. 1. Log In:
      • Visit your website’s admin URL (e.g., http://yourdomain.com/wp-admin).
      • Use the admin credentials you set up during the WordPress installation.

Install and Configure Essential Plugins

1. 1. Elementor Page Builder:
      • Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
      • Search for “Elementor” and click “Install Now,” then “Activate.”
      • Follow the setup wizard to start building pages with Elementor.
   2. RankMath SEO:
      • Search for “RankMath SEO” in the Plugins > Add New section.
      • Click “Install Now” and “Activate.”
      • Complete the setup wizard to optimize your website for search engines.
   3. Google Site Kit:
      • Search for “Google Site Kit” in the Plugins > Add New section.
      • Click “Install Now” and “Activate.”
      • Connect your Google account to integrate services like Analytics, Search Console, and AdSense.
   4. Performance Lab:
      • Search for “Performance Lab” in the Plugins > Add New section.
      • Click “Install Now” and “Activate.”
      • Use the plugin’s tools to monitor and enhance your site’s performance.
   5. Breeze by Cloudways:
      • Breeze is pre-installed on Cloudways servers.
      • Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins, find Breeze, and activate it.
      • Configure Breeze settings for optimal caching and performance.

Step 6: Customize Your Website

Using Elementor

1. 1. Create a New Page:
      • Go to Pages > Add New.
      • Click “Edit with Elementor” to start designing your page using the drag-and-drop interface.
   2. Customize Your Theme:
      • Access Appearance > Customize to adjust your theme settings.
      • Use Elementor to create custom headers, footers, and page layouts.

Optimize SEO with RankMath

1. 1. Configure General Settings:
      • Access RankMath from the WordPress dashboard.
      • Complete the setup wizard to configure basic SEO settings.
   2. Optimize Individual Pages:
      • Edit pages or posts and use the RankMath meta box to optimize SEO titles, descriptions, and keywords.

Monitor Performance with Google Site Kit and Performance Lab

1. 1. Connect Google Services:
      • Use Google Site Kit to connect Analytics, Search Console, and other Google services.
      • Monitor your site’s performance and traffic from the WordPress dashboard.
   2. Use Performance Lab:
      • Access Performance Lab settings to enable performance monitoring and optimization tools.
      • Regularly check performance metrics and implement recommended improvements.

Step 7: Get a Logo

Getting a logo is not critical to running your business, but it truly can be a recognizable symbol for people to associate your brand with.  Creating a logo is not too difficult either.  To get a logo for free, you can throw some shapes together with your business name in PowerPoint (or utilize PowerPoint’s “Design Ideas” section – I love this!) and BAM!  You have a logo.  If you’re not a creative type or would prefer to have a professional looking logo, I recommend the folks over at Fiverr.

Hire a pro:  Fiverr is a platform where you can outsource almost any task to a global workforce of skilled specialists to complete it for you.  Often times, you can have highly professional and qualified people design a logo for you for <$55.  To get started with Fiverr, just head to Fiverr.com.  As an added bonus, you can get 10% off your first order by using the link http://www.fiverr.com/s2/5090546013

Use AI:  There are many artificial intelligence tools available that can generate a logo.  ChatGPT 4.0 is a great option, but will require you to have a subscription.  A free option is to use Copilot by Microsoft.  This is a powerful AI that uses the same technology as ChatGPT 4.0.  You simply describe what you want in your logo and ask it to generate it.  Have a revision? Just say so, and the AI will revise the logo for you.  You can also specify color schemes to go along with the logo design.

Step 8: Regular Maintenance and Updates

1. 1. Keep Plugins and Themes Updated:
      • Regularly update WordPress, themes, and plugins to ensure security and functionality.
   2. Backup Your Site:
      • Use Cloudways’ automated backup feature to regularly back up your site.
      • Consider additional backup plugins for extra security.
   3. Monitor Performance:
      • Use Google Site Kit and Performance Lab to continuously monitor your site’s performance and make necessary adjustments.

Conclusion

Building a website using WordPress with Cloudways hosting is a straightforward process that can be accomplished with the right tools and steps. By following this guide, you can set up a professional, high-performing website that is optimized for search engines and provides an excellent user experience. With essential plugins like Elementor, RankMath SEO, Google Site Kit, Performance Lab, and Breeze by Cloudways, you’ll have everything you need to create and maintain a successful online presence.