Deploying a WordPress Site on Microsoft Azure: A Guide for Non-Profits (With Video Tutorial)

This guide is particularly beneficial for non-profits, as a strong online presence is essential for sharing your mission, attracting donors, and engaging with volunteers. Azure offers an affordable, secure, and scalable solution, allowing non-profits to focus on their impact while Azure handles the infrastructure.

By the end of this session, you'll understand the key steps for deployment and how Azure can support your non-profit's digital transformation.

Getting Started with Azure

First, ensure you have an Azure subscription or an Azure account. If you don't have one, you can sign up at portal.azure.com.

Step-by-Step Deployment Process

1. Access Azure Marketplace
   • Go to the Azure portal and click on "Create a resource."
   • Search for "WordPress" in the Azure Marketplace.
2. Choose Deployment Method
   • There are various ways to deploy WordPress, but we recommend using Azure App Service.
   • Click on "Create" and select the standard plan.
3. Configure Your WordPress Site
   • Resource Group: Select an existing resource group or create a new one. This is a container for all resources related to your website.
   • Region: Choose the region closest to you for better performance. For example, select "Central US."
   • Site Name: Give your site a name.
4. Select a Hosting Plan
   • Free: Trial version.
   • Basic: Suitable for hobby projects.
   • Standard: Recommended for production sites.
5. Set Up WordPress Credentials
   • Create a username and password for your WordPress admin portal.
6. Review and Create
   • Fill in the required details and click "Review and create."
   • After validation, click "Create" to deploy your site.

Additional Features and Considerations

• Managed Identity: Securely access Azure services without storing secrets.
• Email with Azure Communication Services: Send bulk emails efficiently.
• Azure Content Delivery Network (CDN): Distribute content globally for faster load times.
• Azure Front Door: Optimize website access by directing traffic through the fastest routes.
• Azure Blob Storage: Store large files like images and videos without slowing down your site.
• Networking and Virtual Networks: Enhance security by isolating resources.
• Staging Environment: Test changes before deploying them to your live site.
• High Availability: Ensure your site remains accessible even if one zone goes down (available with premium plans).
• Tags: Categorize resources for better management and reporting.

Reference

Once your site is created, you can access it and start customizing. You may also want to add a custom domain to your WordPress site. For more detailed guides, check out our follow-up articles on deploying your WordPress site.

1. Deploying Your Nonprofit's Website on Azure (Part 2) | Microsoft Community Hub
2. Deploying Your Nonprofit's Website on Azure (Part 3) | Microsoft Community Hub
3. Pricing Calculator | Microsoft Azure