How do I set up a website on a VPS with Plesk?

Setting up a website on a Virtual Private Server (VPS) using Plesk can be a straightforward process when done correctly. Plesk is a powerful web hosting control panel that simplifies website and server management. It allows users to manage websites, email accounts, databases service and more from a user-friendly interface. By hosting your website on a VPS, you gain greater control over resources, enhanced performance, and improved security compared to shared hosting.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of setting up a website on a VPS with Plesk. We will cover everything from preparing the server to configuring your website and securing it for optimal performance.

Step 1: Prepare Your VPS for Website Setup

Before setting up your website, ensure that your VPS is properly configured and ready for hosting.

Access Your VPS

Use an SSH client (like PuTTY) to connect to your VPS.

Enter your server’s IP address, username, and password.

Once connected, you will have access to your server’s command line interface.

Update Your Server

Run the following commands to update the server packages:

On Ubuntu/Debian:

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sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

On CentOS/RHEL:

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sudo yum update

Keeping your server updated helps prevent security vulnerabilities.

Install Plesk

Check whether Plesk is pre-installed on your VPS. If not, you can install it using the official Plesk installer.

Run the following command to install Plesk:

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sh <(curl http://autoinstall.plesk.com/one-click-installer)

Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

Step 2: Log in to Plesk

Once Plesk is installed, you can access its web interface to manage your VPS.

Open your browser and go to:

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https://your-server-ip:8443

Log in using your admin username and password.

If it’s your first time logging in, complete the initial setup by providing the required details.

Step 3: Set Up Your Domain

To host a website, you first need to add a domain in Plesk.

Go to "Websites & Domains" in the Plesk dashboard.

Click "Add Domain" and fill in the necessary information:

Domain name (e.g., example.com).

Location for website files (default is /httpdocs).

Click "OK" to add the domain.

Step 4: Upload Your Website Files

You can upload your website files through Plesk’s file manager or via FTP.

Using File Manager

Navigate to "Websites & Domains" and select the domain.

Click on "File Manager" and go to the "httpdocs" directory.

Upload your website files by clicking "Upload".

Using FTP

Create an FTP account via "FTP Access" in the domain settings.

Use an FTP client (like FileZilla) to connect using the server IP, username, and password.

Upload your website files to the "httpdocs" folder.

Step 5: Configure DNS Settings

Point your domain to the VPS by updating the DNS settings.

Update DNS Records in Plesk

Go to "Websites & Domains" and select your domain.

Click "DNS Settings" and ensure the following records are configured:

A Record: Points your domain to the server’s IP address.

CNAME Record: Maps www to your domain.

Update DNS at Domain Registrar

Log in to your domain registrar.

Update the nameservers to point to your VPS.

It may take up to 48 hours for DNS changes to propagate.

Step 6: Install SSL Certificate

Securing your website with SSL is essential for protecting data and boosting SEO.

Use Plesk's Let's Encrypt Extension

Go to "Websites & Domains" and select your domain.

Click on "SSL/TLS Certificates" and choose "Let's Encrypt".

Fill in your email address and select the domain to secure.

Click "Install" to enable SSL.

Test HTTPS

Visit your website using:

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https://yourdomain.com

Verify that the SSL certificate is working correctly.

Step 7: Configure Web Hosting Settings

Adjust hosting settings to optimize website performance.

Go to "Websites & Domains" and click "Hosting Settings".

Choose the appropriate web server (Apache, NGINX) and enable options like PHP support.

Adjust performance settings according to your website's needs.

Step 8: Set Up a Database (If Required)

If your website requires a database, you can set it up easily in Plesk.

Go to "Databases" under your domain.

Click "Add Database" and enter the database name, user, and password.

Choose the database type (like MySQL) and click "OK".

Connect your website to the database by updating the configuration file with the database credentials.

Step 9: Test Your Website

After completing the setup, it’s essential to test the website to ensure it works correctly.

Open your domain in a web browser.

Test all pages, links, and forms to make sure they function as expected.

Check for any missing files or errors and resolve them promptly.

Step 10: Monitor and Maintain Your VPS

Once your website is live, ongoing maintenance is crucial.

Regularly update Plesk, server software, and installed extensions.

Monitor server performance through Plesk’s monitoring tools.

Schedule backups to protect your data.

Conclusion

Setting up a website on a VPS with Plesk may seem complex at first, but following these step-by-step instructions makes the process manageable. Plesk’s intuitive interface and robust features make it easier to manage websites and servers efficiently. Whether you are hosting a personal blog or a business site, Plesk on a VPS offers enhanced control, flexibility, and security.

For reliable and high-performance VPS hosting, consider Cyfuture Cloud. With industry-leading infrastructure and round-the-clock support, Cyfuture Cloud ensures your website runs smoothly and securely. Take advantage of flexible hosting plans tailored to your needs and scale your online presence with confidence.