Hosted Blog Setup

Hosted Blog Setup

Don't have a WordPress site? RankPrompt can host a blog for you on your own domain. We handle all the technical setup—WordPress installation, SSL certificates, and updates—so you can focus on content.

How It Works

1. You provide: Your domain (e.g., blog.yourdomain.com)

2. You configure: DNS records pointing to our servers

3. We provide: Fully-managed WordPress blog with SSL

Requirements

• Domain you own (or subdomain you can configure)

• Access to DNS settings for your domain

• Starter plan or higher

Setting Up Your Hosted Blog

Step 1: Navigate to Integrations

From the sidebar, click Integrations to open the integrations page.

Step 2: Enter Your Domain

In the Hosted Blog section:

1. Enter your subdomain (e.g., blog)

2. Enter your root domain (e.g., yourdomain.com)

3. Click Verify Domain

Step 3: Domain Verification

RankPrompt needs to verify you own the domain:

1. Copy the verification TXT record value shown

2. Add this TXT record to your DNS

3. Wait for DNS propagation (usually 5-15 minutes)

4. Click Verify to confirm

Step 4: Configure DNS

After verification, add the CNAME record:

Step 5: Wait for Provisioning

1. Click Provision Blog

2. WordPress installation begins

3. Process takes 10-15 minutes

4. You'll see "Active" status when complete

DNS Configuration Guide

Adding TXT Record

Most DNS providers have similar interfaces:

1. Log into your DNS provider (GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Namecheap, etc.)

2. Go to DNS settings for your domain

3. Add a new TXT record:

   • Name/Host: _rankprompt-verify (or as specified)

   • Value: The verification code from RankPrompt

   • TTL: 3600 (or default)

Adding CNAME Record

1. Add a new CNAME record:

   • Name/Host: blog (or your chosen subdomain)

   • Value: The target from RankPrompt (e.g., sites.rankprompt.com)

   • TTL: 3600 (or default)

Common DNS Providers

Blog Status

After Setup

Accessing Your Blog

Once active, your blog is available at your configured URL (e.g., https://blog.yourdomain.com).

WordPress Admin

A temporary WordPress admin password is shown when provisioning completes:

1. Save this password immediately—it's shown only once

2. Log into https://blog.yourdomain.com/wp-admin

3. Change your password after first login

Blog Settings

Customize your blog from the Integrations page:

• Click Settings next to your hosted blog

• Update blog title, tagline, and other options

Analytics Settings

Add Google Analytics tracking:

• Click Analytics next to your hosted blog

• Enter your GA4 Measurement ID (format: G-XXXXXXX)

• Save to start tracking visitors

SSL Certificate

• Certificate: Let's Encrypt (free, trusted)

• Renewal: Automatic before expiration

• Status: Always HTTPS

You don't need to do anything—SSL just works.

Troubleshooting

DNS Not Propagating

Symptoms:

• Verification keeps failing

• "Pending DNS" status for over an hour

Solutions:

• Wait longer (some providers take up to 48 hours)

• Verify records are correct using DNSChecker.org

• Check for typos in record values

• Try a different TTL value

CNAME Conflict

Symptom: Can't add CNAME because record already exists

Solution:

• Remove any existing A or CNAME records for that subdomain

• Then add the RankPrompt CNAME

Provisioning Stuck

Symptom: "Provisioning" status for over 30 minutes

Solutions:

• Verify CNAME is correctly configured

• Contact support if issue persists

Can't Access WP Admin

Symptom: Lost or forgot WordPress password

Solution: Contact support to reset your WordPress admin password

Plan Requirements

Hosted blogs require Starter plan or higher.

Limits

Need more? Contact us at [email protected] for custom options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my main domain (not a subdomain)?

Yes, but you'll need to point your root domain to RankPrompt. Most users prefer a subdomain like blog. to keep their main site separate.

Can I install WordPress plugins?

You have full WordPress admin access and can install plugins. However, some hosting-level plugins may conflict with our managed infrastructure.

Can I migrate an existing WordPress blog?

Currently, hosted blogs start fresh. For migration assistance, contact our support team.

What happens if I cancel my subscription?

Your blog remains accessible for 30 days after cancellation. Export your content before this period ends.

Next Steps

• Publishing Your Content - Start publishing articles

• Google Analytics Connection - Track your blog traffic

Need Help?

If you have questions about hosted blog setup, contact us at [email protected].