How to Host a Website on Cloudways: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

Finding a hosting platform that offers flexibility, speed, and easy server management can make launching a website much simpler. Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform that lets you deploy websites on leading cloud providers without handling complex server administration. It combines powerful performance, built-in security, automated backups, and an intuitive dashboard, making it an excellent choice for businesses, developers, agencies, and individuals.

By TechScaleMedia Editorial · Updated July 2026 · 11 min read

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Whether you’re building a portfolio, business website, online store, or blog, Cloudways provides the tools needed to launch and manage your website with confidence. In this guide, you’ll learn how to host a website on Cloudways from account creation to website deployment.

How do you host a website on Cloudways?

Quick Answer

Hosting a website on Cloudways is straightforward:

1. Create a Cloudways account.
2. Verify your account and log in.
3. Launch a new cloud server.
4. Create a new website or application.
5. Connect your custom domain.
6. Update your DNS records.
7. Enable the free SSL certificate.
8. Upload your website files or migrate an existing website.
9. Test your website’s performance and security.
10. Publish your website and monitor server health.

Quick Tip: Cloudways lets you choose from multiple cloud infrastructure providers, allowing you to select resources that match your website’s needs.

Prerequisites

Before getting started, you’ll need:

• A Cloudways account
• A registered domain name
• A stable internet connection
• Website files or your preferred CMS
• Basic understanding of website hosting

Create a Workflow Manually (Recommended for Beginners)

If you’re new to managed cloud hosting, launching your first website on Cloudways is the best way to understand how the platform actually works.

Step 1: Create Your Cloudways Account

Visit the Cloudways website and create a new account.

After registration:

• Verify your email address.
• Complete account verification.
• Log in to the Cloudways Platform.

Step 2: Launch a Cloud Server

Cloudways allows you to deploy your website on a cloud server.

During setup, you’ll select:

• Your preferred cloud infrastructure provider
• Server size
• Data center location
• Project name

Wait for the server provisioning process to finish.

Step 3: Access Your Dashboard

Once your server is ready, open the Cloudways dashboard.

Here you can manage:

• Servers
• Applications
• Domains
• SSL certificates
• Backups
• Monitoring
• Team access

Spend a few minutes exploring the platform.

Step 4: Create Your Website

Click Add Application or create a new website.

You’ll typically:

• Select your server
• Name your website
• Configure basic application settings

Cloudways will automatically prepare your hosting environment.

Step 5: Connect Your Domain

To connect your custom domain:

• Open the Domain Management section.
• Add your domain name.
• Copy the server IP address or DNS information.
• Update your DNS records with your domain registrar.

Wait for DNS propagation before continuing.

Step 6: Enable SSL

Secure your website with the free SSL certificate.

Confirm that:

• HTTPS is enabled.
• SSL status is active.
• Your website loads securely.

SSL protects visitor data and improves website credibility.

Step 7: Upload Your Website

Now upload your website by:

• Uploading website files
• Installing your preferred CMS
• Migrating an existing website
• Importing a backup

Choose the deployment method that fits your project.

Step 8: Optimize Website Performance

Improve website performance by:

• Compressing images
• Enabling caching
• Updating website software
• Removing unnecessary plugins
• Optimizing media files

These optimizations improve speed and user experience.

Step 9: Test Your Website

Before publishing, check:

• Homepage
• Navigation
• Contact forms
• Mobile responsiveness
• SSL certificate
• Internal links
• Website loading speed

Fix any issues before going live.

Step 10: Publish Your Website

After testing:

• Launch your website.
• Share your domain.
• Monitor server performance.
• Keep your website updated.

Your website is now successfully hosted on Cloudways.

How can you improve your website’s performance on Cloudways?

Tips

• Choose the nearest data center to your visitors.
• Enable built-in caching features.
• Compress images before uploading.
• Keep website software updated.
• Remove unused plugins and themes.
• Schedule automatic backups.
• Monitor server resources regularly.

What mistakes should you avoid when using Cloudways?

Common Mistakes

• Selecting insufficient server resources
• Forgetting to update DNS records
• Launching before SSL activation
• Ignoring software updates
• Uploading unoptimized media files
• Skipping routine backups
• Publishing without fully testing the website

How can you keep your Cloudways-hosted website secure and optimized?

Best Practices

• Keep website software updated.
• Enable automatic backups.
• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
• Monitor server health regularly.
• Optimize media files before publishing.
• Remove inactive plugins and themes.
• Test your website after major updates.
• Review security settings frequently.
• Upgrade server resources as website traffic increases.

How can you fix common Cloudways hosting issues?

Troubleshooting

Problem	Solution
Website isn’t loading	VVerify your DNS records and server status.
SSL certificate isn’t active	Check domain settings and wait for SSL provisioning.
Unable to access the dashboard	Reset your password or contact Cloudways support.
Website loads slowly	Enable caching, optimize images, and review server resources.
Domain isn’t connecting	Double-check your DNS configuration with your registrar.
Website displays unexpected errors	Review recent changes or restore a previous backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cloudways suitable for beginners?

Yes. Cloudways provides an intuitive dashboard and managed hosting features that simplify cloud hosting for beginners.

Can I migrate an existing website to Cloudways?

Yes. Cloudways offers migration tools and migration assistance for eligible users.

Does Cloudways include free SSL?

Yes. Free SSL certificates are available for hosted websites.

Can I host multiple websites?

Yes. You can host multiple websites depending on your selected server resources.

Is Cloudways suitable for business websites?

Absolutely. Its managed cloud infrastructure, scalability, and security make it an excellent choice for business websites, online stores, and high-traffic projects.

Does Cloudways provide automatic backups?

Yes. Cloudways offers automated backup scheduling to help protect your website data.

Conclusion

Cloudways makes cloud hosting more accessible by combining powerful infrastructure with an easy-to-use management platform. From launching your server and connecting your domain to enabling SSL and optimizing website performance, the platform simplifies every stage of website hosting.

By following this guide, you can confidently launch a secure, scalable, and high-performing website while benefiting from Cloudways’ flexible cloud hosting environment.