The 5-Minute Guide to Launching a WordPress Site for $11/mo on Cloudways
Step 3 of 3: Connect Your Domain
At this point, you should have your WordPress website up and running and the admin accessible. Now, let's get your website connected to your domain.
Since we used Cloudways, this is now easier than ever. From your Cloudways app, select the Domain Management link.
1. Connect a new domain in Cloudways
Click + Add Domain to add a new domain that you already own.
If you do not already own a domain, head over to NameCheap.com (affiliate link, please use to support WebsiteProTutorials). They have an easy to use management system and have the best prices around.
Your new domain will be set up as an alias. Make your domain the primary by selecting the dot menu and clicking Make Primary.
2. Update domain settings
Login to wherever you purchased your domain and change the DNS Settings.
Your DNS Settings should look something like this (if you have current A-Records, you will need to remove them):
You need to create new A-Records here that point your domain to your Cloudways server IP address.
First, navigate to Servers in Cloudways and find your server's Public IP Address:
Now, in your domain's DNS Settings (where you purchased your domain), add two new A-Records that direct to your Cloudways IP address.
Hostname: @
Hostname: www
3. Add SSL Certificates (https)
Lastly, to make your website available at https, head to your app in Cloudways and select SSL Certificate from the left-hand menu to add an SSL Certificate. Add two here, one without www and one with www to cover all your bases.
