Getting Started

Getting Your Website Online — Checklist

A simple end-to-end checklist that takes a brand-new WebFulHost account from sign-up to a live, secure website.

Starting from scratch can feel overwhelming. This checklist breaks getting a website online into twelve simple steps, each with a link to the full guide. Tick them off one at a time.

1. Your account

  1. Complete your WebFulHost order and payment. Account activation is automatic.
  2. Save your welcome email — it contains your cPanel and client area logins. Learn more
  3. Log into your client area to confirm your account.

2. Your domain

  1. Register a new domain with WebFulHost, or point a domain you already own at our nameservers (ns1.sitetheidea.com, ns2.sitetheidea.com).
  2. Allow up to 48 hours for DNS propagation.

3. Your website

  1. Log into cPanel.
  2. Either install WordPress with the one-click installer, or upload your own website files. Install WordPress · Upload your website
  3. Create your email address(es). How to create an email account
  4. Point your email client or app at your new address. Email settings guide

4. Security and launch

  1. Make sure SSL is active and your site force-loads over HTTPS. Enable SSL & force HTTPS
  2. Test your site in a normal browser and in a private/incognito window.
  3. Update your passwords, keep your email deliverability high, and you're live. Website security basics

When things go wrong

Don't panic — most launch-day issues are fixed in minutes. Visit Website Not Loading for the most common problems, or contact support any time.

Tip: book this page — it's worth revisiting the checklist for each new website or domain you add later.

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