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GHL WordPress Setup Procedures

Purpose​

This document provides step-by-step procedures for setting up and configuring WordPress hosting on the GoHighLevel platform.

Document Relationship:

  • SC WordPress Stack Standard: Defines WHAT (approved components, prohibited plugins, approval process)
  • Integration Guide: Explains WHY (architecture, strategy, design patterns)
  • Setup Procedures (this doc): Explains HOW (step-by-step configuration)

Prerequisites​

Required Access​

  • Active GoHighLevel Agency account
  • WordPress hosting plan purchased through GHL
  • Domain ownership or ability to modify DNS settings
  • Access to client sub-account (if setting up for client)

Important Notes​

  • WordPress hosting plans are in addition to the HighLevel plan (e.g., HighLevel Starter $97/mo + WordPress Standard $10/mo = $107/mo)
  • Setup includes domain DNS configuration which can take up to 48 hours to propagate

WordPress Hosting Plans Overview​

Key Features Included​

  • Global CDN network for fast loading times
  • Automatic daily backups at 05:00 AM CST
  • Manual backup capability
  • WordPress debugging tools and PHP error access
  • phpMyAdmin database management
  • FTP access available

Procedure 1: Enabling WordPress for Sub-Accounts​

Step 1: Enable WordPress Feature​

WordPress is hidden from all clients by default and must be enabled:

  1. Navigate to Agency View > Sub-Accounts
  2. Select the target sub-account
  3. Toggle the "Offer WordPress" option to make the WordPress menu available
  4. The WordPress option will now appear under Sites > WordPress

Step 2: Purchase WordPress Plan​

  1. Go to Agency View > Reselling > WordPress
  2. Select appropriate plan for client needs
  3. Configure pricing markup if reselling to clients
  4. Complete purchase to activate hosting

Procedure 2: Creating a New WordPress Site​

Step 1: Initial Site Setup​

  1. Navigate to Sites > WordPress and click "+ Create Site"

  2. Configure Site Details:

    • Site name and description
    • Administrator username and password
    • Administrator email address
    • Select "I want to create a new website"

  3. Installation Process:

    • Installation takes a few minutes to complete
    • System will provision WordPress instance
    • You'll receive access to WordPress dashboard

Step 2: Domain Configuration​

For New Domain Setup:

  1. In WordPress dashboard, click "Add Domain"
  2. Enter desired domain name
  3. System will verify if domain is available and not associated with another location

DNS Configuration Required:

  • For subdomain (blog.domain.com): Add CNAME record pointing to provided value
  • For root domain (domain.com): Add A record pointing to provided IP address

Procedure 3: Domain Setup and DNS Configuration​

Supported Providers: Google Domains, GoDaddy, Cloudflare, IONOS

  1. In GHL WordPress Dashboard:

    • Enter domain name
    • Click "Configure Domain" if available
    • System detects DNS provider automatically

  2. Authorization Process:

    • Click "Authorize Domain" when prompted
    • Login to DNS provider (in new tab)
    • Follow authorization prompts
    • Close provider tab after authorization
    • Return to GHL to complete verification

Method 2: Manual DNS Setup​

For Other Providers: Namecheap, Bluehost, etc.

  1. Get DNS Records from GHL:

    • WordPress dashboard will display required records
    • Note the CNAME and A record values
    • Copy TXT records for SSL verification

  2. Add Records to DNS Provider:

    For Subdomain (www.domain.com or blog.domain.com):

    Type: CNAME
    Name: www (or subdomain prefix)
    Value: [provided value like wp1.msgsndr.com]
    TTL: 600 (or lowest available)

    For Root Domain (domain.com):

    Type: A
    Name: @ (or leave blank)
    Value: [provided IP address]
    TTL: 600 (or lowest available)

    For SSL Certificate:

    Type: TXT
    Name: [provided name]
    Value: [provided verification string]
    TTL: 600 (or lowest available)

Critical DNS Settings​

  • For Cloudflare users: Set proxy status to "DNS Only" (gray cloud icon)
  • Configure TTL to 600ms or lowest possible for optimal propagation
  • Ensure no duplicate A records exist for the same domain

Verification Process​

  1. In WordPress Dashboard:

    • Click "Verify DNS Records"
    • Monitor status using 'Verified/Not Verified' tags
    • Check SSL certificate status with 'SSL Issued/SSL Not Issued' tags

  2. Propagation Timeline:

    • Most DNS updates activate within an hour
    • Global propagation can take up to 48 hours
    • Use tools like https://dnschecker.org/ to verify propagation status

Procedure 4: Migrating Existing WordPress Sites​

Overview​

Migrating an existing WordPress site to GHL hosting requires a two-stage DNS process to verify domain ownership while keeping the current site live during migration.

Step 1: Prepare Migration​

  1. In Sites > WordPress:

    • Select "I want to move my existing website over"
    • System provides a randomly generated verification CNAME
    • Note this verification subdomain and target value

  2. Backup Current Site:

    • Install All-in-One WP Migration plugin on existing site
    • Navigate to All-in-One WP Migration > Export
    • Select "Export To > File"
    • Download backup file to local computer
    • Keep backup file accessible for later upload

Step 2: Domain Verification (Stage 1)​

Purpose: Verify domain ownership without affecting live site

  1. Create Verification DNS Record:

    • Log into your DNS provider
    • Add new CNAME record with values from GHL: 
      Type: CNAME
      Name: [provided verification subdomain, e.g., verify-abc123]
      Value: [provided target, e.g., verify.msgsndr.com]
      TTL: 600

  2. Verify in GHL:

    • Return to GHL WordPress setup
    • Click "Verify Domain Ownership"
    • Wait for verification confirmation
    • Do not proceed until verification succeeds

Step 3: Site Migration​

  1. Access New WordPress Instance:

    • After verification, GHL provisions your WordPress instance
    • Access via provided temporary URL or wp-admin
    • Log in with credentials created during setup

  2. Install Migration Plugin:

    • In new WordPress instance, install All-in-One WP Migration
    • Activate the plugin

  3. Import Backup:

    • Navigate to All-in-One WP Migration > Import
    • Click "Import From > File"
    • Upload backup file from Step 1
    • Confirm import and wait for completion
    • Plugin will restore entire site (content, plugins, themes, settings)

  4. Update URLs:

    • Navigate to Settings > General
    • Update "WordPress Address (URL)" to your final domain
    • Update "Site Address (URL)" to your final domain
    • Save changes

Step 4: DNS Cutover (Stage 2)​

Purpose: Point production domain to new GHL WordPress instance

Important: Only proceed when site is fully migrated and tested on temporary URL

  1. Update DNS Records:

    • Log into DNS provider
    • Modify or add production domain records:

    For www subdomain:

    Type: CNAME
    Name: www
    Value: [provided by GHL, e.g., wp1.msgsndr.com]
    TTL: 600

    For root domain:

    Type: A
    Name: @ (or leave blank)
    Value: [IP address provided by GHL]
    TTL: 600

    For SSL certificate:

    Type: TXT
    Name: [provided by GHL]
    Value: [verification string provided by GHL]
    TTL: 600

  2. Remove Old Records:

    • Delete or disable old A/CNAME records pointing to previous host
    • Keep only the new GHL-pointing records
    • For Cloudflare: Ensure proxy is OFF (gray cloud)

  3. Verify Propagation:

    • Use https://dnschecker.org/ to monitor DNS propagation
    • Check that domain resolves to new GHL IP
    • Test site access at production URL
    • Verify SSL certificate issues successfully

Step 5: Post-Migration Validation​

  1. Functionality Testing:

    • Test all pages load correctly
    • Verify forms submit properly
    • Check embedded media displays
    • Test mobile responsiveness
    • Confirm admin panel access

  2. Performance Testing:

    • Check page load speeds
    • Verify CDN is active
    • Test from multiple geographic locations

  3. SEO Validation:

    • Verify site is accessible to search engines
    • Check robots.txt file
    • Confirm XML sitemap is accessible
    • Validate structured data/schema markup

  4. Integration Testing:

    • Test LeadConnector plugin functionality
    • Verify GHL forms work correctly
    • Check chat widget loads properly
    • Confirm calendar embeds function

  5. Backup Verification:

    • Confirm GHL automatic backups are running
    • Create manual backup of successfully migrated site
    • Document backup restoration process if needed

Procedure 5: Post-Setup Configuration​

The standard plugin and theme stack is defined in the SC WordPress Stack Standard. This procedure covers installation and initial configuration of each component.

5.1 Install and Configure Astra Theme​

  1. Install Astra:

    • Navigate to Appearance > Themes > Add New
    • Search "Astra" and click Install, then Activate

  2. Configure via WordPress Customizer:

    • Open Appearance > Customize
    • Site Identity: Upload client logo (recommended: SVG or transparent PNG, max 200px height) and favicon (512x512 PNG)
    • Colors: Set primary brand color (links, buttons), heading color, body text color, site background
    • Typography: Configure primary font (headings) and secondary font (body text). Set base font size to 16px minimum.
    • Layout: Select page layout (full-width recommended for Elementor sites), set container width (1200px default)
    • Header: Configure header layout, logo position, and menu style. Set transparent header if needed for hero sections.
    • Footer: Configure footer layout, copyright text, and widget areas
    • Click Publish to save all changes

  3. Import Starter Template (optional):

    • Navigate to Appearance > Starter Templates
    • Select Elementor as page builder
    • Browse templates by industry or style
    • Import selected template, then customize for client brand

5.2 Install and Configure Elementor + Elementor Pro​

  1. Install Elementor Free:

    • Navigate to Plugins > Add New
    • Search "Elementor" and click Install, then Activate

  2. Install Elementor Pro:

    • Navigate to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin
    • Upload the Elementor Pro zip file (from agency license dashboard)
    • Click Install Now, then Activate
    • Enter the agency license key when prompted

  3. Disable Default Colors and Fonts:

    • Navigate to Elementor > Settings > General
    • Check "Disable Default Colors"
    • Check "Disable Default Fonts"
    • This forces Elementor to use the global design system instead of its own defaults

  4. Configure Global Design System:

    • Open any page with Elementor editor
    • Click the hamburger menu (top-left) > Site Settings
    • Global Colors: Define 6-8 colors matching client brand. Name functionally (e.g., "Primary", "Accent", "Text") not descriptively (e.g., "Blue").
    • Global Fonts: Configure primary font (headings) and secondary font (body). Set heading hierarchy (H1: 32-48px, H2: 24-32px, H3: 20-24px, Body: 16-18px).
    • Theme Style > Buttons: Set default button colors, border radius, padding (44px minimum touch target)
    • Save all settings

  5. Enable Performance Features:

    • Navigate to Elementor > Settings > Features
    • Enable Improved CSS Loading
    • Enable Optimized DOM Output

5.3 Install and Configure SearchAtlas OTTO​

  1. Install SearchAtlas Plugin:

    • Navigate to Plugins > Add New
    • Search "SearchAtlas" and click Install, then Activate

  2. Install OTTO Pixel:

    • Log in to SearchAtlas dashboard (searchatlas.com)
    • Navigate to OTTO > Pixel Installation
    • Copy the OTTO pixel code (JavaScript snippet)
    • In WordPress, navigate to SearchAtlas > Settings
    • Paste the pixel code and save
    • Verify pixel is firing: open browser console on the frontend, confirm no JavaScript errors from the pixel

  3. Connect Google Search Console:

    • In SearchAtlas dashboard, navigate to Settings > Integrations
    • Click Connect Google Search Console
    • Authorize the Google account that owns the site's GSC property
    • Select the correct property and allow data import
    • Verify site ownership shows as confirmed

  4. Configure Automation Settings:

    • In SearchAtlas dashboard, navigate to OTTO > Settings
    • Set auto-implementation to ON for technical fixes (broken links, canonical tags, schema)
    • Set content changes (title tags, meta descriptions) to Recommend (requires human approval)
    • Configure notification settings (email alerts for critical issues)
    • Review the initial SEO audit and address any critical findings

5.4 Install and Configure LeadConnector​

  1. Install LeadConnector Plugin:

    • Navigate to Plugins > Add New
    • Search "LeadConnector" and click Install, then Activate

  2. Authorize GHL Sub-Account:

    • Navigate to LeadConnector > Settings
    • Click Authorize and log in to the GHL account
    • Select the correct sub-account from the dropdown
    • Verify connection shows as "Connected" with the correct location name

  3. Configure Webchat Widget:

    • Navigate to LeadConnector > Chat Widget
    • Select the default chat widget configured in the GHL sub-account
    • Set display rules: all pages (default) or specific pages as needed
    • Configure widget position (bottom-right default) and style to match brand
    • Test: Visit the frontend, confirm widget appears, send a test message, verify it routes to GHL Conversations inbox

  4. Verify Form Integration:

    • Navigate to LeadConnector > Forms
    • Confirm GHL forms from the sub-account appear in the dropdown
    • Test embedding a form on a page using the Elementor LeadConnector widget or shortcode [ghl_form id="FORM_ID"]
    • Submit a test form entry and confirm it appears in GHL CRM with correct pipeline routing

5.5 Post-Configuration Verification​

After all components are installed, run through this checklist:

  • Astra theme active with client branding (logo, colors, fonts)
  • Elementor Pro license activated and connected
  • Global design system configured (colors, fonts, button styles)
  • SearchAtlas OTTO pixel firing (check browser console)
  • Google Search Console connected in SearchAtlas
  • LeadConnector connected to correct GHL sub-account
  • Chat widget visible on frontend and routing messages to GHL
  • At least one test form submission successfully reaches GHL CRM
  • Site loads in under 3 seconds (test with Google PageSpeed Insights)
  • Mobile responsive -- test at 320px, 768px, and 1024px breakpoints

Procedure 6: Additional Domain Management​

Adding Additional Domains​

  1. In WordPress Dashboard:
    • Navigate to domain management section
    • Click "Add Domain"
    • Enter additional domain name
    • Follow DNS configuration process (see Procedure 3)

Changing Primary Domain​

  1. In WordPress Dashboard:

    • Navigate to domain management
    • Select new primary domain from list
    • Confirm domain change
    • Update WordPress URL settings if needed

  2. Update Settings:

    • Navigate to Settings > General
    • Verify WordPress Address and Site Address match new primary domain
    • Save changes

SSL Certificate Management​

Automatic SSL:

  • GHL automatically provisions Let's Encrypt SSL certificates
  • Certificates auto-renew before expiration
  • Monitor SSL status in WordPress dashboard

Manual SSL Certificate:

  1. Obtain SSL certificate from provider
  2. Contact GHL support to install custom certificate
  3. Provide certificate, private key, and chain files

Procedure 7: Backup and Restore​

Manual Backup Creation​

  1. In WordPress Dashboard:
    • Navigate to backup section
    • Click "Create Manual Backup"
    • Add backup description/label
    • Confirm backup creation
    • Wait for backup completion

Backup Download​

  1. Access Backup List:
    • Navigate to backup management
    • Locate desired backup
    • Click "Download"
    • Save backup file locally

Backup Restoration​

  1. In WordPress Dashboard:
    • Navigate to backup section
    • Locate backup to restore
    • Click "Restore"
    • Confirm restoration
    • Wait for process to complete
    • Verify site functionality after restoration

Procedure 8: Database and FTP Access​

phpMyAdmin Access​

  1. In GHL WordPress Dashboard:

    • Navigate to advanced settings
    • Click "phpMyAdmin Access"
    • System opens phpMyAdmin interface
    • Log in with provided credentials

  2. Database Operations:

    • Select WordPress database
    • Execute queries carefully
    • Always backup before database modifications
    • Document all changes made

FTP Access Configuration​

  1. Request FTP Credentials:

    • Contact GHL support for FTP access
    • Receive FTP host, username, and password
    • Note: FTP may not be available on all plans

  2. Connect via FTP Client:

    • Use FileZilla or similar FTP client
    • Enter host, username, password
    • Connect to WordPress file system
    • Navigate to /wp-content/ for themes/plugins

Troubleshooting Common Issues​

DNS Not Propagating​

Symptoms: Domain not resolving to new site after 24+ hours

Solutions:

  • Verify DNS records exactly match GHL-provided values
  • Check for duplicate or conflicting records
  • For Cloudflare: Ensure proxy is OFF (gray cloud)
  • Clear local DNS cache: ipconfig /flushdns (Windows) or sudo dscacheutil -flushcache (Mac)
  • Test with multiple DNS checker tools

SSL Certificate Not Issuing​

Symptoms: Site shows "Not Secure" or certificate error

Solutions:

  • Verify TXT record for SSL verification is present
  • Confirm DNS records are fully propagated
  • For Cloudflare: Disable "Always Use HTTPS" temporarily
  • Wait 24-48 hours for certificate issuance
  • Contact GHL support if issue persists beyond 48 hours

Migration Site Not Loading Correctly​

Symptoms: After migration, site shows errors or missing content

Solutions:

  • Verify WordPress Address and Site Address are correct in Settings > General
  • Clear WordPress cache if caching plugin is active
  • Regenerate permalinks: Settings > Permalinks > Save Changes
  • Check file permissions are correct (755 for directories, 644 for files)
  • Review PHP error logs for specific error messages

Forms Not Submitting to GHL​

Symptoms: Forms appear but submissions don't reach GHL CRM

Solutions:

  • Verify LeadConnector plugin is active and connected
  • Check form embed code is correct
  • Test form directly in GHL to isolate issue
  • Review browser console for JavaScript errors
  • Confirm GHL sub-account connection is valid

Support and Resources​

GHL Support​

  • WordPress hosting support: Available 24/7
  • Submit tickets through GHL support portal
  • Live chat available for urgent issues

Documentation​

Internal Resources​

  • WordPress + GHL Developer Guide (strategic/architectural reference)
  • Symphony Core documentation repository
  • #wordpress-support Slack channel

Document Maintenance​

Review Schedule: Quarterly or when GHL updates WordPress hosting features

Update Triggers:

  • GHL WordPress hosting platform updates
  • DNS configuration process changes
  • New troubleshooting patterns identified
  • Support ticket trend analysis

Feedback: Submit suggestions to #documentation channel

Document Status: Active

Last Updated: 2026-02-28

Version: 3.0 (Enhanced Procedure 5 with detailed Astra/Elementor/SearchAtlas/LeadConnector configuration steps)