# Launch a WordPress site

> Add a domain, create a managed WordPress site, sign in, and confirm the first deployment.

Managed WordPress hosting combines a WordPress installation, built-in database, file access, backups, and logs.

## Before you begin

- Wait until the WordPress service is active.
- Choose a free AppLaunch subdomain or a domain you control.
- Have a strong WordPress administrator password ready.

## Add the domain

1. Open **Dashboard → Services** and select the WordPress service.
2. Open **Domains**.
3. Claim a free AppLaunch subdomain, or choose **Add Domain → Add External Domain**.
4. For an external domain, add the displayed ownership TXT record and click **Verify Ownership** after it propagates.

See [Connect an existing domain](/domains/connect-a-domain/) if ownership verification does not complete.

## Create the site

1. Open **WordPress**.
2. Click **Create Site**.
3. Enter the requested site and administrator details.
4. Select the linked domain.
5. Add the A record shown by AppLaunch.
6. Click **Verify DNS**.
7. Submit the site creation form once and wait for provisioning to finish.

For Cloudflare DNS, use **DNS only** while AppLaunch verifies the record and issues the certificate.

## Sign in to WordPress

Choose the provisioned site and open **Database** or **Access** to find the WordPress access controls. Use **Open WP Admin**, or visit `https://YOUR-DOMAIN/wp-admin`.

Store the administrator credential in a password manager. WordPress administrator access and AppLaunch account access are separate credentials.

## Complete the launch check

1. Open the public domain over HTTPS.
2. Sign in to `/wp-admin`.
3. Set the site title, timezone, permalink structure, and administrator email in WordPress.
4. Install only trusted, maintained themes and plugins.
5. Create an AppLaunch backup before importing content or making a major change.
6. Remove unused administrator accounts, themes, and plugins.

Continue with [Manage a WordPress site](/wordpress/manage-site/) for daily controls and [WordPress files and access](/wordpress/files-and-access/) before editing files directly.