Table of contents
How to host ExpressionEngine on Cloudways
A comprehensive installation guide
The problem with cheap hosting
Opting for cheap hosting providers may seem like a cost-effective choice on it's face, but it often comes with a number of drawbacks that can adversely impact your website's performance and user experience.
These providers typically cut corners on infrastructure where shared resources are being used for multiple sites, leading to slower loading times and unreliable server uptimes. Inadequate customer support is another common issue, making it challenging to address technical issues or seek assistance when needed. Security may also be compromised, with cheaper providers offering less robust measures to protect your website from potential threats.
Investing in a reputable hosting provider might incur a slightly higher cost, but the long-term benefits of speed, reliability, and security are well worth the investment for an improved online presence. If you've found yourself in a similar situation and you're looking to get the most of your ExpressionEngine site, Cloudways is an ideal hosting provider for running your ExpressionEngine website.
Why Cloudways + ExpressionEngine?
Cloudways excels as a hosting provider, ideal for hosting ExpressionEngine websites. Its user-friendly interface and seamless management and integration tools simplify the hosting process. Built on major cloud infrastructure, it ensures high performance and scalability. Cloudways offers customizable servers tailored to ExpressionEngine requirements, prioritizes security with regular updates, offsite backups, one-click staging environments, and free SSL certificates, and provides 24/7 customer support. With transparent pricing, it's a top choice for an efficient, scalable, and secure hosting solution for ExpressionEngine websites
ExpressionEngine is a powerful content management system that provides unparalleled flexibility and control. If you've chosen Cloudways as your hosting provider, you're on the right track to a seamless ExpressionEngine experience. However, there are a few crucial steps and considerations to ensure a smooth installation and optimal performance. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process step by step.
Installing ExpressionEngine on Cloudways
-
Disable Varnish cache: While Varnish cache can enhance performance, it may interfere with dynamic content, especially forms. If you find this happening try disabling it, navigate to your Cloudways dashboard, locate Varnish settings, and turn it off.
-
Test server requirements with ExpressionEngine server wizard: Before diving into the installation, run ExpressionEngine's Server Wizard. Note that it might not catch all requirements, which brings us to the next step. Visit ExpressionEngine's Github docs for more info here.
-
Add htaccess file: Add an essential
.htaccessfile to your project. Visit ExpressionEngine's documentation here to learn more about configuring your htaccess file -
To ensure your ExpressionEngine CP is secure, move the
system/folder toprivate_html/since Cloudways doesn't allow files in the project root directory. Set the system path inindex.phpandadmin.phpto../private_html/system. -
Set correct file permissions: Cloudways tends to enforce stricter file permissions. Adjust them accordingly by restoring file and folder permissions to the correct owner. More info about modifying folder permissions at Cloudways here.
-
Restore file/folder permissions to correct owner. For more information about setting ExpressionEngine's folder permissions see their documentation here.
Execute the following commands:
find public_html \( -type d -exec chmod 775 {} \; \) -o \( -type f -exec chmod 664 {} \; \)
find private_html/system/ee \( -type d -exec chmod 775 {} \; \) -o \( -type f -exec chmod 664 {} \; \)
-
Use Memcached or Redis instead of file cache: Optimize your site's caching mechanism by using either Memcached or Redis. Modify your ExpressionEngine settings accordingly:
- Choose your preferred cache driver (either memcached or redis)
- Set cache driver backup to
file - Configure memcached settings
- Configure redis settings
-
Enable Redis in Cloudways panel: If you've chosen Redis, navigate to the Cloudways panel to enable it. This might require some configuration adjustments within the Cloudways platform. More here in this Cloudways blog
Conclusion
By following these steps, you'll not only get ExpressionEngine up and running on Cloudways but also ensure that it operates smoothly with optimal performance. Remember to stay updated with the latest versions of ExpressionEngine and Cloudways to benefit from the newest features and security enhancements. Now, go ahead and unleash the full potential of ExpressionEngine on Cloudways!
Looking to host your ExpressionEngine website on Cloudways?
Schedule a call
7 Easy Changes You Can Make On Your Website To Get More Leads!
Get our free guide to learn how you can instantly improve conversions on your site.
Jared Chesebro, Guest Author
Jared Chesebro, a digital artisan from Northern California, has spent years transforming businesses by specializing in CMS excellence and crafting high-performance front-end code. With expertise in platforms like Craft CMS, ExpressionEngine, Statamic, HubSpot CMS, and WordPress, Jared is not just a developer but a versatile digital marketer. Beyond web development, his curiosity extends to IT and DevOps, giving him a wide range approach to web and digital marketing integrations.