How to Create a Website in Plesk

Plesk provides several built-in tools to help you create a website from scratch, even without any technical knowledge. You can use the drag-and-drop Sitejet Builder, install a content management system like WordPress, or upload your own HTML files. This guide covers each method step by step.

Method 1: Create a Website with Sitejet Builder

Sitejet Builder is a free drag-and-drop website builder included with Plesk. It is the easiest option for beginners who want to create a professional website without coding.

1. Log in to Plesk.
2. Go to Websites & Domains.
3. Click Add Domain.
4. Under "Choose a way of creating a website", select Sitejet Builder.
5. Enter your domain name and webspace settings, then click Add Domain.
6. Choose a template from the Sitejet gallery, or start with a blank page.
7. Use the drag-and-drop editor to add text, images, buttons, and other elements to your page.
8. Click Publish when you are done. Your website will go live immediately.

Sitejet Builder is recommended for: Personal websites, landing pages, simple business sites, portfolios, and anyone who wants a website up quickly without technical skills.

Method 2: Install WordPress and Use a Theme

WordPress powers over 40% of all websites and offers thousands of free themes and plugins to extend functionality.

1. Log in to Plesk.
2. Go to Websites & Domains → click Add Domain.
3. Select WordPress as the creation method.
4. Enter your domain name and webspace settings, then click Add Domain.
5. Plesk will install WordPress automatically with default credentials.
6. Click Log in on the installation card to access the WordPress dashboard.
7. Go to Appearance → Themes → Add New Theme to choose a design.
8. Customise your theme, add pages, and install plugins as needed.

WordPress is recommended for: Blogs, business websites, e-commerce stores (with WooCommerce), and anyone who wants access to thousands of themes and plugins.

Method 3: Upload Your Own HTML Files

If you already have a website built with HTML/CSS/JS, you can upload it directly to Plesk.

1. Log in to Plesk
2. Go to Websites & Domains → click Add Domain.

Uploading files is recommended for: Developers who have built a custom website, sites using custom frameworks (React, Vue, etc.), and migrations from another host.

Which Method Should You Choose?

• No coding skills: Use Sitejet Builder or WordPress.
• Want a blog or online store: Use WordPress.
• Building a custom site: Upload your own files.
• Need a quick landing page: Use Sitejet Builder.

Important Notes

• Your domain must be publicly accessible and pointing to your Plesk server before visitors can see your website.
• Plesk automatically creates the httpdocs directory where your website files are stored.
• The default page loaded when visiting your domain is index.html or index.php. Make sure one of these files exists.
• Publishing a Sitejet website will replace all files in httpdocs. Back up any existing files first.

Troubleshooting

"Sitejet Builder" option is not available:

• Your subscription may not include Sitejet Builder. Contact your hosting provider.

"WordPress" option is not visible:

• The WP Toolkit extension may not be installed. Contact your hosting provider.

Website shows "Index of /" instead of your site:

• No index.html or index.php file exists in httpdocs. Upload your website files or create a homepage.

Website shows after DNS propagation but content is missing:

• Make sure you uploaded files to the correct httpdocs directory.
• Check that the main page file is named index.html or index.php.