How to create a site

Creating a new site in WPShift is a streamlined process that allows you to deploy WordPress sites quickly, whether you’re starting fresh or deploying from Git repositories like GitHub or GitLab. Follow the steps below to create a new site.

1. Navigate to the sites page

  1. In the WPShift dashboard, click on Sites in the top navigation bar.
  2. Click the Create site button to start the setup.

2. Choose a source provider

In the Create site panel, the first step is to select how you want to set up your site:

  • GitHub: Use a GitHub repository as your source.
  • GitLab: Use a GitLab repository as your source.
  • Fresh install: Set up a new WordPress installation.
  • Copy site: Duplicate an existing site from this workspace.

Note: If you select "Fresh install," you will skip the Source settings step.

  1. Choose your preferred option and enter a Site title.
  2. Toggle Edit advanced settings if you want to customize PHP version, database settings, and other configurations.
  3. Click Next.

3. Select a server

  1. In the Server step, select the server where you want to deploy the site.
    • You can search for a server by name or scroll through the list.
  2. Click Next once you’ve selected a server.

4. Configure source settings (for GitHub and GitLab)

Note: This step only appears if you chose GitHub or GitLab as your source.

  1. Select your source credentials: Choose the credentials for accessing your GitHub or GitLab repository. If you need to add or update credentials, click Manage providers.
  2. Repository: Enter the full repository URL (e.g., username/repo-name).
  3. Deployment branch: Select the branch you want to use for deployment (e.g., main or production).
  4. Click Next to continue.

5. Choose a domain option

In the Domain step, select how you want to manage the site’s domain:

  • Managed domain: WPShift will fully manage your domain’s DNS settings.
  • External domain: Use a domain you manage outside of WPShift. You’ll need to configure DNS settings with your domain provider.
  • Free subdomain: Get a free subdomain under WPShift’s domain for quick testing and setup.

Configuring an external domain

If you choose External domain, additional configuration is required:

  1. WPShift will display the IP address to point your domain’s A record to.
  2. Ensure your domain is pointed to this IP in your domain provider’s DNS settings.
  3. Enter your domain in the Your site's domain field.

Once you’ve selected your domain option and completed any required fields, click Create site to finalize the setup.

6. complete setup

WPShift will now begin setting up your site. Depending on your selections, this may include:

  • Cloning the repository, if applicable.
  • Configuring WordPress installation.
  • Setting up DNS and domain configurations.

Once the setup completes, your site status will update on the Sites page. If any issues occur, such as an installation failure, the status will indicate the problem.