Are you launching your digital agency or starting to host client websites on Cloudways?
This guide will walk you through the first essential steps to get your business online and thriving.
Whether you're building from scratch or migrating from another host, we’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow instructions.
Table of Contents:
Getting Started with Agency on Cloudways
Start your agency journey on Cloudways with confidence. This guide walks you through the first five essential steps to launch your website or client project successfully—no technical expertise required. Let’s get you live, fast and hassle-free.
1. Choose and Launch Your First Application
Cloudways supports several popular applications, making it easy to get started. Choose from:
WordPress / WooCommerce
Magento
OpenCart
Custom PHP-based applications
With Cloudways’ 1-click installation process, launching your preferred application takes just a few minutes.
Click here to read the full KB Article.
2. Migrate Your Existing Website
Already have a website? You can move it to Cloudways easily:
Use our free automated WordPress Migrator plugin for WooCommerce stores.
Migrate from popular platforms like Kinsta, WPEngine, SiteGround, cPanel, or GoDaddy.
Migrate from self-managed hosting such as Amazon AWS, Google Cloud (GCE), or DigitalOcean.
Migrate from any other hosting provider.
Prefer not to do it yourself? Let us handle it for you. With our white-glove managed migration service, your first five migrations are absolutely free.
Planning to migrate 50 or more websites? We offer attractive discounts on bulk migrations. Reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.
Click here to read the full article.
3. Configure Domain and DNS Settings
Point your domain to Cloudways by updating your DNS records. (Click here to learn more about domain configuration)
To ensure security and trust, install a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate, available directly from your Cloudways dashboard.
Click here to read the full KB Article to learn how to install Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificate.
4. Set Up Email Services for Subscriptions and Orders
Set up email to send essential messages like order confirmations and newsletter subscriptions:
Use Elastic Email Add-on for transactional emails (e.g., orders, subscriptions).
Use Rackspace Email Add-on to create a professional custom email address for your domain.
5. Optimize Website Performance
Speed is essential for user experience and SEO. Optimize your store with:
Breeze cache plugin (ideal for WordPress and WooCommerce)
Cloudflare CDN integration for faster global content delivery
Automated disk cleanup to keep things running smoothly
6. Secure Your Website
Keep your website and customer data safe with these security features:
Malware Protection and built-in firewall.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for account safety
IP whitelisting and blacklisting for controlled access
Automated backups and easy restore options
7. Create Staging & Development Environments
Before applying any big changes, test them first in a staging environment. Cloudways allows you to:
Create a free staging environment for testing
Safely deploy changes to your live site once you're satisfied
8. Monitor and Scale Your Store
Stay on top of performance and plan for growth:
Monitor your server and application health using built-in tools
Scale resources instantly to handle traffic surges or growing business needs
9. Explore Agency Workflows, Themes, and Tools
Boost productivity with tools built for agencies:
Securely manage your database
Access files using SSH / SFTP
Add block storage for more space
Run multiple servers (GCE, DigitalOcean, etc.)
Use the Team feature to collaborate with clients or developers
Transfer servers directly to clients when the project is complete
10. Track Your Hosting Budget & Earn Money
Keep your costs in check and explore ways to earn:
Monitor month-to-date charges in your account dashboard
Refer Cloudways and earn a $50 bonus
Set up client stores using your affiliate link and earn $125 per sale
Final Thoughts
Getting started with your agency on Cloudways doesn’t have to be complicated. With user-friendly tools, free migrations, performance boosters, and reliable support, you can launch, manage, and grow your client projects smoothly. Follow the steps in this guide to go live with confidence and set a strong foundation for your agency’s success.
Need Help?
Seek Assistance from Cloudways Support.
Feel free to:
Visit the Cloudways Support Center
Chat with us: Need a Hand > Send us a Message
Or create a support ticket anytime.
We're here 24/7 to help you!