Creating a WordPress site using Amazon Lightsail

What is Amazon Lightsail?

The purpose of Amazon Lightsail is to make deploying a website or application to an AWS cloud EC2 instance easier. You don’t have to worry about configuring your EC2 instance with the correct resources, load balancing, network, and other provisions. Instead, you choose from preconfigured instances, such as a WordPress site, which is what we’ll cover in this article.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Simple interface and guided setup: Lightsail provides a dashboard interface that exposes fewer configuration option than a direct EC2 setup. When setting up a WordPress website, a connection wizard guides you through the setup of your domain, DNS zone, static IP, domain and subdomain mapping, and SSL/TLS certificate. Once this is done, you can jump straight into your WordPress website admin page and start adding content.
2. Pricing: Lightsail offers predictable pricing and free trials (3 months at the timing of writing this article). You choose a plan that suits your needs, and you’ll know exactly what you’ll pay. The prices are comparable to traditional hosting options.
3. Flexible configuration: The website project referenced in this article uses an external DNS provider and domain register. Alternatively, you can use a full suite of Amazon services including Route 53 for your domain and then allow Lightsail to manage your DNS zone and subdomain mapping. Although the setup wizard will show warning exclamation marks when you use non-Amazon options, your website will still work with a combination of providers if you get your settings right.

How to Get Started with Amazon Lightsail

1. Create an AWS Account: If you don’t already have one, sign up for an AWS account. You can use your existing Amazon account, if you have one.
2. Access the Lightsail Dashboard: Once you’re logged in, navigate to the Lightsail dashboard.
3. Launch an Instance: Click on the “Create instance” button to start the process. To create a WordPress site, choose an appropriate location based on your audience/personal location, select Linux/Unix as your platform, and WordPress as the blueprint (within the Apps + OS) section.
4. Choose a Plan: Lightsail offers a range of plans to fit different budgets and needs. Select the one that suits you best. For a basic website, the lowest tiers are appropriate. Amazon Lightsail allows you change plan at any stage.
5. Launch Your Instance: Click “Create instance,” and Lightsail will handle the rest. In just a few minutes, your server will be up and running.

Amazon Lightsail is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to dip their toes into cloud hosting or simplify their current cloud infrastructure. It combines the power of AWS with a user-friendly interface and cost-effective pricing, making it an ideal choice for web developers, small businesses, and startups.