How to Run WordPress on a VPS with HestiaCP…

HestiaCP is a lightweight and free control panel that you can use to host dynamic PHP websites and static websites a like. HestiaCP supports both LAMP and LEMP stack. With LAMP stack, the Hestia Control Panel also supports NGINX reverse proxy out of the box.

In this HestiaCP Tutorial, however, we will only deal with LEMP stack. With the setup we will cover, you can use cheap servers to successfully run your website.

HestiaCP supports both Ubuntu Server and Debian Server. In this Hestia tutorial, I used Ubuntu 22.04. However, You can follow along with Debian 11 as well. Compare the 2 Linux OS servers and decide which one you would rather use in your production environment.

What was used in this tutorial

Vultr as the Cloud provider. You can literally use any VPS/Cloud provider of your choice.
Ubuntu 22.04 as the Server OS. You can use Debian 11 if you so wish.
HestiaCP as the Control Panel. HestiaCP is free and open source, derived from VestaCP.
LEMP stack. No Apache server. Nginx is lightweight and can support more traffic with less resources. We'll go with Nginx and PHP-FPM on Hestia.

Exactly what we will cover in this HestiaCP Tutorial:

Firstly, we need to install and harden Ubuntu 22.04 along with other Initial server setup tasks. This includes the following:

Step 1 : Deploy Ubuntu 22.04 Vultr serverStep 2 : Log in via SSHStep 3 : Ubuntu 22.04 Create user + Ubuntu 22.04 add user to sudoersStep 4 : Ubuntu 22.04 SSH Key Login Set upStep 5 : Disable root login and Password AuthenticationStep 6 : Ubuntu 22.04 Firewall SetupStep 7 : Ubuntu 22.04 Change SSH PortStep 8 : Create a swap fileStep 9 : Change Server HostnameStep 10 : Set TimezoneStep 11 : Setup Automatic Updates
Next, we need to install the Hestia Control Panel.Step 12 Install HestiaCP Ubuntu 22.04
After installing the control panel, we will see how to install multiple WordPress websites, work with the Hestia File manager, Database, Mail and so much more.

Before you decide whether you should learn how to use Hestia to host your websites, the following are some of its features as highlighted on the documentation:

Users

Support for SFTP chroot jails
2-Factor authentication for the Admin Panel
SSH keys for login via SFTP and SSH

Web domains

Nginx FastCGI cache support for Nginx + PHP-FPM
Nginx Proxy cache support for Nginx + Apache2
Per domain TLS certificates for web domains
MultiIP support for web/mail/dns
MultiPHP support for
- php5.6 (EOL)
- php7.0 (EOL)
- php7.1 (EOL)
- php7.2 (EOL)
- php7.3 (EOL)
- php7.4
- php8.0
- php8.1
1 Click Install Apps
- WordPress
- Dokuwiki
- Drupal
- Grav
- Laravel
- MediaWiki
- NextCloud
- Opencart
- Prestashop
- Symphony

Mail

Per-domain TLS certificates for inbound and outbound mail services (exim4, dovecot, webmail)
SMTP relay setup for Exim in case port 25 is blocked by the provider
Rate limit adjustable per user or email account
Per-domain TLS certificates for web domains
Let's Encrypt support for mail domains
Latest version of Roundcube

Database

Support for MariaDB 10.2 -> 10.8 with 10.6 as default
Support for Postgresql
Latest version of PHPmyAdmin

Server admin

Automated backups to

What's inside

Syllabus

Let's get started learning how to set up our Ubuntu 22.04 server in readiness for HestiaCP setup.

Introduction

Hi again. This course will be free forever. I hope it helps you to move away from shared hosting. Or it helps you grow your business in any way you hope to.

If you want to support me, consider using any of the VPS I recommend ( https://bizanosa.com/vpslist ). Some have my affiliate links and some don't. Hopefully the one you prefer to use has my affiliate links.

All in all, thanks for your support.

Link to VPS list : https://bizanosa.com/vpslist

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers HestiaCP, a free and open-source control panel derived from VestaCP, which can be useful for those looking for alternatives to paid hosting solutions

Focuses on setting up a LEMP stack (Nginx, MySQL/MariaDB, PHP) on Ubuntu 22.04, which is a popular and efficient configuration for hosting websites

Explores initial server setup tasks, such as creating users, configuring SSH, setting up firewalls, and managing updates, which are essential for server security and maintenance

Features multi-PHP support, including versions that are end-of-life (EOL), which may require additional security considerations and updates from the user

Demonstrates how to install multiple WordPress websites and work with databases and mail, which are common tasks for web hosting and website management

Includes instructions for installing HestiaCP on Ubuntu 22.04, which may not be applicable to users with other operating systems or control panel preferences

Reviews summary

Run wordpress on vps with hestiacp

According to learners, this course provides a clear and practical guide to setting up WordPress on a VPS using HestiaCP. Students appreciate the step-by-step instructions for server preparation (like SSH key setup, firewall, swap file) and the HestiaCP installation process itself. The course is highlighted as easy to follow and particularly beneficial for beginners or those moving from shared hosting. Reviewers often mention the direct, no-nonsense approach and the useful tips and tricks shared throughout the lectures. While some felt certain topics could be more detailed, the overall consensus points to a highly effective and valuable resource for learning self-hosted WordPress management.

Direct, efficient, and knowledgeable delivery.

"The instructor gets straight to the point, no filler."

"His approach is direct and easy to understand."

"Clear explanations and demonstrates deep knowledge of the topic."

"Pace is just right, and the explanations are concise."

Details server setup before control panel.

"Liked that the course covers initial server setup tasks like SSH keys and firewall before installing HestiaCP."

"The section on hardening Ubuntu was very informative and crucial before installing the control panel."

"Appreciate the focus on basic server security and setup before diving into HestiaCP."

"The initial server setup steps were explained well."

Accessible even with limited prior experience.

"It is a fantastic course for beginners who want to learn how to host wordpress website on VPS."

"Highly recommend this course for anyone moving away from shared hosting."

"As someone new to VPS hosting, I found this course incredibly helpful and not overwhelming."

"Great starting point for understanding VPS and control panels like HestiaCP."

Teaches practical skills for hosting websites.

"This course is highly practical and teaches you exactly what you need to know to host your own WordPress sites."

"Very useful and hands on course, teaches you the basics and gives you the confidence to go further..."

"Learned a lot about hardening a server and the HestiaCP interface. Very practical."

"The practical demonstrations were incredibly helpful."

Instructions are easy to follow, ideal for beginners.

"The steps are very clear and easy to follow even for someone who has never worked with a VPS or command line interface..."

"Very good step by step guide to set up Hestia CP and wordpress on it"

"Excellent tutorial for setting up a VPS with HestiaCP. Clear and concise step-by-step instructions."

"The instructions were extremely clear and easy to follow."

Focus is on setup, less on advanced features.

"Could use more depth on specific HestiaCP features beyond basic setup, like backups or troubleshooting."

"I was hoping for more advanced server optimization tips."

"Covers the basics well, but doesn't go into much detail on mail server setup within HestiaCP."

"Good intro, but leaves you wanting more on managing multiple sites or specific configurations."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Run WordPress on a VPS with HestiaCP -Hestia Tutorial with these activities:

Review Linux Server Basics

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Reviewing Linux server basics will help you better understand the underlying system that HestiaCP manages, making troubleshooting and optimization easier.

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Review basic Linux commands.
Understand file system navigation.
Practice user and permission management.

Practice SSH Key Generation and Usage

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Practicing SSH key generation and usage will ensure secure server access, a crucial aspect of the initial server setup covered in the course.

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Generate an SSH key pair.
Copy the public key to the server.
Log in using the SSH key.
Disable password authentication.

Follow a LEMP Stack Setup Tutorial

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Following a LEMP stack setup tutorial will provide hands-on experience with the technologies used in the course, reinforcing your understanding of the server environment.

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Find a LEMP stack tutorial.
Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
Troubleshoot any issues encountered.
Document the process.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Configure UFW Firewall Rules

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Practicing UFW firewall configuration will solidify your understanding of server security and how to protect your HestiaCP installation.

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Enable the UFW firewall.
Allow SSH connections.
Allow HTTP and HTTPS traffic.
Deny all other incoming traffic.
Test the firewall rules.

Document Your HestiaCP Setup

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Documenting your HestiaCP setup will reinforce your understanding of the process and provide a valuable reference for future use.

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Record each step of the installation.
Include screenshots and commands used.
Explain the purpose of each step.
Organize the documentation clearly.

Migrate a WordPress Site to HestiaCP

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Migrating a WordPress site to HestiaCP will provide practical experience with the control panel and its features, solidifying your skills.

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Backup the existing WordPress site.
Install WordPress on HestiaCP.
Import the WordPress database.
Copy the WordPress files.
Update the DNS records.

Contribute to HestiaCP Documentation

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Contributing to HestiaCP documentation will deepen your understanding of the platform and help others learn from your experience.

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Identify areas for improvement.
Submit a pull request with your changes.
Respond to feedback from the community.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Run WordPress on a VPS with HestiaCP -Hestia Tutorial will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

WordPress Administrator

A WordPress administrator manages WordPress websites, including their server environments. This course is directly relevant to a WordPress administrator who wants to control the server where their WordPress site is hosted. The course focuses on using HestiaCP to set up a server with a LEMP stack and install WordPress. Knowledge of server configuration, database management, and domain setup are all important for a WordPress administrator. This course provides an ideal starting point for a WordPress administrator who needs to know how to manage the underlying server environment, and is a valuable way to gain direct hands-on skills managing the environment a site lives in.

See salaries and explore the career path for WordPress Administrator

Web Server Administrator

Web server administrators specialize in managing the servers that host websites, and this course is very directly associated with that role. The course teaches the setup of a LEMP stack and the use of HestiaCP to manage web domains, databases, and email services. A web server administrator manages the underlying infrastructure for websites, and a course like this can help teach the necessary practical skills to install and configure a server, secure it, and manage web services using a control panel. In particular, the skills of setting up virtual hosts, handling multiple PHP versions, and configuring TLS certificates are very useful to a web server administrator.

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Junior System Administrator

A junior system administrator performs entry-level tasks in the management of computer systems, and this course aligns very well with their responsibilities. The course focuses on setting up and securing a server, tasks that a junior systems administrator would often perform. This course helps a junior system administrator by teaching the basics of server configuration, user management, and web services using HestiaCP. Because the course provides direct hands-on experience with server environment setup, this is a good way to begin a career as a system administrator.

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Systems Administrator

A systems administrator manages and maintains computer systems, including servers, which is a core topic of this course. They ensure that systems operate efficiently and securely, which this course directly addresses through its focus on setting up and hardening an Ubuntu server. Knowledge of command-line operations, server configuration, and security best practices, which are covered in this course, are all necessary to be a successful systems administrator. This course will be very helpful to a systems administrator because it provides practical experience in configuring a server using a control panel like HestiaCP, which is a tool that may be part of a systems administrator's toolkit.

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Linux System Administrator

A Linux system administrator focuses on managing systems running on Linux, and this course covers in depth the creation and configuration of an Ubuntu Linux server. This course will help a Linux System Administrator because it provides practical knowledge in setting up a server, including all basic server configuration and management tasks such as securing the server, setting up a firewall, and managing server software. For a Linux system administrator who must troubleshoot issues related to web services and Linux installations, this course also provides value because it covers setting up web domains, email and databases using HestiaCP. This course is a good way to gain hands-on experience with Linux server administration.

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DevOps Engineer

A DevOps engineer focuses on automating and streamlining the software development lifecycle, including server deployment and management. This course helps a DevOps Engineer by providing hands-on experience with setting up a server from scratch using HestiaCP. It teaches how to configure the server, set up a LEMP stack and understand the basics of managing web services. The course's content on automating updates, securing a server, and managing web applications like WordPress are useful for a DevOps engineer who sets up and manages the infrastructure for the deployment of applications. A DevOps engineer could find that learning this course is like taking an introductory course on server and service configuration.

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Web Developer

Web developers build websites and web applications, and the skills taught in this course are useful for setting up the environment where their work lives. While a web developer does not manage servers directly, this course provides insight into server configuration and management of the hosting environment. By learning how to set up a server with HestiaCP and manage web applications like WordPress, a web developer can more fully understand the tech stack they're building on. A web developer who understands how the system hosting their work is set up will be able to troubleshoot issues more effectively and contribute to the smooth deployment of their projects. This kind of knowledge is especially helpful for full stack developers who work on both front and back end logic.

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Freelance Website Manager

A freelance website manager helps individuals and businesses manage their websites and often has to handle server side operations. This course can assist a freelance website manager by teaching how to set up a server with HestiaCP and how to manage web applications like WordPress. When a freelance website manager learns the basics of server administration, they can troubleshoot technical issues more effectively and offer better services to their clients. This course can help the freelance website manager by enabling them to control the operating environment of their client's sites and manage their own environment.

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Cloud Engineer

A cloud engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing cloud-based systems, and this course directly relates to tasks that they would perform. This course teaches how to set up a server on a VPS, which is often the basis of cloud infrastructure. By learning how to deploy and configure a server, set up a control panel like HestiaCP as well as manage web services, this course helps build a foundation for tasks faced by a cloud engineer. This course is excellent for a cloud engineer who needs to understand how to set up and configure the servers that are the building blocks of cloud environments, and will also be beneficial in developing familiarity with the management of web applications.

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IT Specialist

An IT specialist provides a range of technical support and management, frequently including server and website related operations, and this course covers directly relevant skills. This course is a good fit for an IT specialist as it teaches the setup and management of a server using HestiaCP. Setting up a LEMP stack, configuring firewall settings, managing web applications, and troubleshooting server issues are all practical skills an IT specialist should know. This course is an excellent way for an IT specialist to broaden their skill set and assist clients with their web hosting tasks or to manage their own servers.

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Technical Support Specialist

A technical support specialist provides assistance to users with technical issues, sometimes involving server management. This course may be useful to a technical support specialist because it teaches how to set up and manage a server environment using HestiaCP. A technical support specialist who has some understanding of server administration is often better equipped to assist users who are facing issues related to web hosting and server configuration. The practical hands-on approach of this course may provide helpful experience that can translate to faster troubleshooting and resolution of problems. This course may help a technical support specialist build a broader skill set that includes server management.

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Network Administrator

A network administrator manages computer networks, and this course can broaden their understanding to include the configuration of servers, which are part of a network. The course material touches on important network configurations such as setting up firewalls and managing SSH access, which are essential to network security. This course gives a network administrator an opportunity to understand the complexities of server configuration and how it relates to network management. Because the course is structured around hands-on practice, it will be a useful experience for a network administrator.

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IT Consultant

An IT consultant advises organizations on how to use technology to meet their business goals, and this course may be useful for consultants dealing with web hosting. Since the course covers setting up and managing a server using HestiaCP, an IT consultant can use this knowledge to give advice on server infrastructure. The IT consultant's ability to understand the complexities of server setup and management provides an added layer of value for their clients, who may not have any technical understanding. The hands-on approach of this course means an IT consultant will be better equipped to recommend specific solutions when it comes to web hosting and server administration.

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Solutions Architect

A solutions architect designs technology solutions for businesses. This course may be useful to a solutions architect because it teaches the setup and configuration of a server environment. Solutions Architects who understand the practical aspects of setting up web hosting servers can better design overall architecture for their clients. Because they know how HestiaCP manages databases, web domains, email and the other software under the hood, their designs are more realistic and implementable. This kind of knowledge is especially helpful for a solutions architect who must consider the technical details of a web service's architecture.

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Database Administrator

Database administrators manage database systems which is touched upon in this course. The course helps a database administrator by providing practical skills on setting up and managing a server which holds the database. Though the course does not focus directly on database administration it does introduce the creation and management of databases using a control panel. Gaining a more holistic view of the system through a course like this will be of great benefit to the database administrator, as they are able to better understand how their systems relate to one another. This means a database administrator may find a course like this helpful in understanding how a server interacts with the databse.

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