How to Make a Website on AWS Lightsail (WordPress setup tutorial)

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a WordPress website hosted on Amazon Lightsail. We will cover the setup process, linking a domain name, and installing a free SSL certificate. This guide is perfect for beginners looking to establish an online presence with minimal hassle.

Step 1: Create an AWS Lightsail Account

• Visit the AWS Lightsail website.
• Click on “Get started with Amazon Lightsail.”
• Sign in with your Amazon account or create a new one.
• New users can take advantage of a 3-month free trial.

Step 2: Launch a WordPress Instance

Once logged into the AWS Lightsail console

• Click on “Create instance.”
• Choose the “Linux/Unix” platform.
• Select the “WordPress” blueprint.
• Choose your instance plan based on your anticipated traffic and budget.
• Select your instance location closest to your target audience.
• Click “Create instance” to launch your WordPress site.

Step 3: Access Your WordPress Dashboard

• After your instance is running, click on the instance name to open its management page.
• Note the public IP address assigned to your instance.
• Access your WordPress dashboard by visiting http://<your-public-ip>/wp-admin.
• Log in using the default username “user” and the password generated by Lightsail (available in the instance management page under “Connect” > “Connect using SSH”).

Step 4: Configure Your Domain Name

• Purchase a domain name from a registrar (like GoDaddy or Namecheap).
• In the Lightsail console, navigate to the “Networking” tab.
• Click on “Create static IP” and associate it with your WordPress instance.

Update your domain’s DNS settings by adding an A record

• Host: @
• Points to: Your static IP address.

Step 5: Install a Free SSL Certificate

• Go to your WordPress dashboard and install a plugin for SSL, such as Really Simple SSL.
• Activate the plugin and follow the prompts to enable SSL on your website.
• Verify that your site is accessible via HTTPS by visiting https://<your-domain>.

Conclusion

You have successfully set up a WordPress website on AWS Lightsail, linked a domain name, and installed a free SSL certificate for secure browsing. To further enhance your site, consider exploring themes, plugins, and performance optimization strategies. For more detailed instructions and code snippets, visit Tony Teaches Tech. Happy blogging!