Ubuntu Linux

How to Create your Website on Google Cloud Server

Written by

Richard

Dec 28, 2021 Updated Mar 19, 2026 4 min read

You create your website on a Google Cloud server by installing a Content Management System (CMS) after setting up your server environment.

A CMS is a software application designed to help you create and manage digital content, making website building accessible even without deep coding knowledge.

This tutorial focuses on the seventh step in our series, where you’ll tie together the components like Ubuntu Linux, Apache or Nginx, PHP, and MySQL/MariaDB that you’ve already configured on your Google Cloud instance.

You will install a popular CMS to publish your dynamic website content.

How to connect to Google Cloud servers

Google Cloud server (Compute Engine) allows users to connect using SSH from the browser window to their virtual machine (VM) instance within the Google Cloud Console.

SSH from the browser supports the following:

Web browsers
- The latest version of Google Chrome
- Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 and later
- Safari 8 and later. Note that Safari in private browser mode is not supported.
Virtual machine configurations
- All Linux VM images are natively available in Google Cloud.

No additional software or browser extensions are needed. Simply login to Google Cloud Console and go to Menu ==> Compute Engine ==> VM instances.

In the list of virtual machine instances, click SSH in the row of the instance that you want to connect to.

Alternatively, you can open an SSH connection to an instance by clicking its name and SSH from the instance details page.

An SSH terminal window with the Ubuntu Linux instance created in the series’s second post will open.

You should now be able to run commands in Ubuntu Linux created on the Google Cloud server.

Connecting to Google Cloud instance host for website setup

How to create websites on Google Cloud Servers

Installing and managing a website on Ubuntu Linux is no different, whether on Google Cloud servers or a local VM instance.

Once you installed all required packages, your website can be set up directly from your browser by browsing the server hostname or IP address.

Detailed posts and help to create websites on Ubuntu Linux with Apache or Nginx are linked below. Click on any of them to learn more about installing and managing CMS on Ubuntu Linux.

How to install WordPress on Ubuntu Linux with Apache

How to install WordPress on Ubuntu Linux with Nginx

How to install Drupal on Ubuntu Linux with Apache

How to install Drupal on Ubuntu Linux with Nginx

How to install Joomla on Ubuntu with Apache

How to install Joomla on Ubuntu with Nginx

Each link above will show you all the steps we performed in our previous posts to get here. You also will learn how to secure your website with free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

In summary, creating a website on Google Cloud servers running Ubuntu Linux can be a straightforward process if you follow the necessary steps. Here are the key points to remember:

Domain Name: Ensure your domain name is properly registered and pointed to your Google Cloud server.
Google Cloud Setup: Set up your Google Cloud server with Ubuntu Linux, installing necessary software and packages.
Choose a CMS: Select a popular content management system (CMS) like WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla to help create your website.
Connection via SSH: Use SSH from the Google Cloud Console to connect to your server easily without additional software.
Website Management: After installation, manage your website directly through the browser using the server’s IP address or hostname.
Security: Don’t forget to secure your website with free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates to enhance security.

With these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to build and manage a beautiful, functional website online!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a website on Google Cloud Server?

To create a website on Google Cloud Server, first set up a Google Cloud account, then create a virtual machine instance running Ubuntu Linux. After that, install a web server like Apache or Nginx, PHP, and a database like MySQL or MariaDB to host your website.

What is a content management system (CMS) and how do I use it?

A content management system (CMS) is a software platform that allows you to create, manage, and modify content on your website without needing extensive coding knowledge. Popular CMS options include WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal, which can be easily installed on your Google Cloud server.

Can I use Google Cloud to host any type of website?

Yes, Google Cloud can host various types of websites, including static sites, dynamic sites, and web applications. By utilizing different software stacks like LAMP or LEMP, you can build and manage any website according to your needs.

What are the steps to connect to my Google Cloud server?

To connect to your Google Cloud server, you can use SSH from the Google Cloud Console. Simply navigate to your VM instance, click on 'SSH', and a new browser window will open, allowing you to access your server securely.

Is it necessary to install a database for my website on Google Cloud?

Yes, if your website requires dynamic content management, installing a database like MySQL or MariaDB is essential. This allows you to store and retrieve data efficiently, enabling features like user accounts, comments, and other interactive elements.

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About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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