> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.ex2.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# How to put your first website online with Ex2

Just signed up and wondering what to do first? Here is the complete path from a fresh account to a live website, in order.

**What you need:** your Ex2 client-area login, and ideally a domain name (you can also test without one, see step 2).

1. **Log in to your Ex2 account** at ex2.com, then open **cPanel** from the client area (Services → your hosting plan → Login to cPanel).
2. **Make your domain point to Ex2.** If your domain is registered elsewhere, set its nameservers to `ns1.ex2.com`, `ns2.ex2.com` and `ns3.ex2.com` at your registrar. DNS changes can take up to 24 hours to propagate — while you wait, you can preview your site via the temporary URL shown in cPanel.
3. **Install your site.** The fastest route: in cPanel, open **Softaculous Apps Installer** and install WordPress in one click (choose your domain, set an admin username and a strong password). If you built a static site instead, open **File Manager**, go to `public_html`, and upload your files there.
4. **Enable HTTPS.** Ex2 installs a free Let's Encrypt SSL certificate automatically on new accounts. In cPanel, check **SSL/TLS Status** — if the certificate is not there yet, run **AutoSSL**. Then force HTTPS: in WordPress use a plugin like Really Simple SSL, or add a redirect rule in your `.htaccess`.
5. **Test everything.** Visit your domain, click through every page, submit your contact form, and check the site on your phone. Clear your browser cache (or use a private window) if you see the old version.

**Good to know:** the "Getting Started" category in the help center is mostly a glossary — this article is the actual step-by-step checklist. If you get stuck on any step, Ex2 support can check DNS propagation and the SSL status for you.