Use this checklist to get your first website online with ArkHost. Have your domain name, hosting activation details and access to your domain's DNS provider ready.
1. Check your hosting plan
CMS plans include MySQL databases for applications such as WordPress. Static plans serve website files and include neither databases nor email mailboxes. Upload a finished static export to a Static plan, not an application that needs a database or a running development server.
Check your service's website, storage and traffic limits before adding content. Keep a separate copy of your website and any database outside the hosting account.
2. Open DirectAdmin
- Sign in to your ArkHost Client Area.
- Open the active web hosting service for this website.
- Select Login to DirectAdmin. The service must be activated first.
- Confirm that you are working with the correct domain. If it is missing, contact support before uploading files or installing an application.
If single sign-on fails, follow the DirectAdmin access guide below. Use only the supplied HTTPS panel address, not a guessed address based on your website or server IP. Never bypass a certificate warning to log in.
3. Choose how to publish
- New CMS website: on a compatible CMS plan, open Softaculous, choose the application and select Install. Check the target domain and installation folder, then enter the requested administrator details. Do not install over an existing website. Available applications and features depend on your service.
- Static website: open File Manager and upload your finished website into the selected domain's website folder. DirectAdmin normally uses domains/example.com/public_html within your account. Replace example.com with your domain and keep the website's folder structure intact.
- Existing website: request a migration before changing DNS. Keep the old hosting active until the moved site has been checked and the DNS change is complete. Email migration needs a separate plan.
4. Connect the domain safely
Use the DNS values supplied for your hosting service. Edit records at the provider that hosts your authoritative DNS, which may not be ArkHost. If you are moving an existing site, agree the switch with support after testing.
Keep your current email MX records and the records they depend on. Preserve SPF, DKIM and DMARC too. Changing nameservers replaces where the whole DNS zone is managed, so copy all required records first. Website hosting does not automatically move your mailboxes.
5. Verify before sharing the site
After DNS updates, open your domain and check the homepage, another page, images and links. Set up a trusted HTTPS certificate before using login or contact forms. Test the main domain and www if you use both. Stop if the browser reports a certificate warning.
If something fails, send support the domain, failing URL and exact error. Do not send passwords. ArkHost handles hosting and DNS issues; website design and broken application code need your developer.
