How to Set Up Managed WordPress Hosting on GoDaddy

GoDaddy, Tutorials, WordPress

Are you ready to launch your WordPress website with minimal hassle and maximum performance? Managed WordPress hosting from GoDaddy (also available through our reseller services at LittleDesignOwl.com) is designed to take care of the technical heavy lifting—like server optimization, security, and updates—so you can focus on creating and managing your site’s content. In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through setting up your Managed WordPress hosting account on GoDaddy, from purchasing your plan to customizing your brand-new site.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is Managed WordPress Hosting?
  2. Purchasing a Managed WordPress Hosting Plan
  3. Setting Up Your Domain
  4. Installing WordPress
  5. Accessing Your WordPress Dashboard
  6. Configuring SSL (HTTPS)
  7. Tips for Optimizing Your Managed WordPress Site
  8. Why Choose LittleDesignOwl.com for Your GoDaddy Managed Hosting
  9. Final Thoughts

1. What Is Managed WordPress Hosting?

Managed WordPress hosting is a specialized hosting environment optimized specifically for WordPress websites. Rather than spending time on regular updates, security patches, and performance tuning, a managed host handles many of these technical aspects for you.

Key Benefits

  • Automatic Updates: Core WordPress files, theme, and plugin updates can be automatically handled, reducing your workload.
  • Enhanced Security: Built-in malware scanning, firewalls, and daily backups.
  • Performance Optimization: Servers are configured for fast page load times.
  • Expert Support: Managed hosting providers often have WordPress-savvy support teams.

2. Purchasing a Managed WordPress Hosting Plan

If you haven’t already, the first step is to purchase a Managed WordPress Hosting plan:

  1. Visit LittleDesignOwl.com: Check out our hosting products (as an official GoDaddy reseller) and choose a Managed WordPress plan that fits your needs—Basic, Deluxe, Ultimate, or eCommerce, depending on your requirements.
  2. Add to Cart: Decide whether you need one site or multiple sites, and choose your billing cycle (monthly or annual).
  3. Checkout and Configure: Complete the purchase, and you’ll receive an email with instructions to set up your hosting.

3. Setting Up Your Domain

You’ll need to connect your domain to your new Managed WordPress Hosting account. There are two main scenarios:

A. If You Purchased the Domain Through GoDaddy (or LittleDesignOwl.com)

  1. Auto-Configuration: Often, when you buy both domain and hosting from the same vendor, they will be automatically linked.
  2. Check Domain Settings: In your GoDaddy account, ensure that the domain is set to use GoDaddy’s default nameservers.

B. If You Have a Domain Elsewhere

  1. Point Nameservers: Log into your domain registrar’s account and update the nameservers to match GoDaddy’s (usually something like nsXX.domaincontrol.com).
  2. Verify DNS Propagation: Allow up to 24–48 hours for DNS changes to propagate worldwide.

4. Installing WordPress

A. Automatic Setup (GoDaddy Dashboard)

When you purchase Managed WordPress Hosting from GoDaddy (or through LittleDesignOwl.com), you’ll typically be guided through an onboarding process:

  1. Access Your Products: Log in to your account and locate “Managed WordPress” under “My Products.”
  2. Click “Set Up”: If it’s your first time, you’ll be prompted to choose a domain (from a dropdown menu) or enter an existing domain.
  3. Wait for Provisioning: GoDaddy will automatically install WordPress on your hosting plan, configure the database, and link your domain.

B. Migrating an Existing Site (Optional)

If you already have a WordPress site elsewhere and want to move it to GoDaddy’s Managed WordPress environment:

  1. Select “Migrate My Site”: Follow GoDaddy’s migration wizard.
  2. Provide Your Current Site’s Details: You’ll need your old hosting’s FTP credentials or an automated migration plugin.
  3. Verify and Complete: Once the migration is done, test your website to make sure everything is running smoothly.

5. Accessing Your WordPress Dashboard

Once WordPress is installed, you’ll receive a confirmation email or see a success message. To log in to your WordPress admin panel:

  • Method 1: Go to yourdomain.com/wp-admin and enter the username/password created during installation.
  • Method 2: Use the GoDaddy Dashboard. In your “Managed WordPress” product, you’ll see a “WP Admin” button that redirects you to your site’s admin area.

6. Configuring SSL (HTTPS)

Security is paramount, and Managed WordPress Hosting often includes a free SSL certificate:

  1. Activate SSL: In your GoDaddy account under “My Products” → “Managed WordPress,” find the option to set up your SSL.
  2. Force HTTPS: Once SSL is installed, update your WordPress URLs to use “https://” in the “Settings” → “General” section. Alternatively, check if your plan automatically enforces HTTPS.

7. Tips for Optimizing Your Managed WordPress Site

  1. Choose a Lightweight Theme
    • Helps your site load faster and conserves server resources.
  2. Use a Caching Plugin
    • Managed WordPress often comes with built-in caching, but if not, consider a caching plugin (e.g., WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache).
  3. Enable a CDN (Content Delivery Network)
    • Distribute your site’s static files across global servers for quicker load times (Cloudflare, for example).
  4. Keep Plugins Updated
    • You may have automated updates with Managed WordPress, but ensure everything stays current to avoid security risks.
  5. Routine Backups
    • Managed WordPress Hosting typically includes daily backups. Still, verify you’re receiving them, and download backups periodically for extra safety.

8. Why Choose LittleDesignOwl.com for Your GoDaddy Managed Hosting

Although this tutorial applies to GoDaddy hosting in general, LittleDesignOwl.com (as a GoDaddy reseller) makes the process seamless by offering:

  • Competitive Pricing: Enjoy the same reliable service, often at promo rates.
  • Centralized Support: One-stop shop for domain registration, hosting, and SSL solutions.
  • User-Friendly Setup: Simplified onboarding for those new to WordPress.
  • Expert Assistance: We’re here to answer any WordPress questions you have—big or small.

9. Final Thoughts

Managed WordPress Hosting on GoDaddy (or through our LittleDesignOwl.com reseller platform) is an excellent choice if you’re looking to launch and maintain a WordPress website without diving into technical complexities. Automatic updates, robust security features, and expert-level support make it an ideal environment for both beginners and experienced site owners.

Next Steps:

  • Design Your Site: Explore WordPress themes to find a design that matches your brand.
  • Install Essential Plugins: Look into SEO, security, and performance plugins to keep your site efficient.
  • Stay Secure: Regularly check for updates even if they’re mostly automated; it’s good practice to remain vigilant.

Ready to get started? Browse our Managed WordPress Hosting plans on LittleDesignOwl.com and launch your website with confidence!

Questions? Feel free to drop us a line or explore more WordPress tutorials on LittleDesignOwl.com. We’re always here to help you make the most of your WordPress journey.