Step 1: Get Webspace
You need webhosting that lets you install WordPress and upload your own themes. WordPress itself is free; your hosting and domain are paid separately from Lay Theme.
We recommend Netcup for its low regular prices, without a scheduled introductory-price increase after the first year.
- Webhosting 1000 (€2.69/month, paid yearly) — for one WordPress website. The linked US plan includes 1 .com domain.
- Webhosting 2000 (€4.03/month, paid yearly) — for several WordPress websites, including the 3 sites allowed by our Pro License. The linked Austrian plan includes 1 .at, .de, .eu, .com, .li or .ch domain; additional websites may need paid domains.
Choose a server location before ordering: USA, Germany or Austria. Included domains can vary by location. Both linked plans are paid 12 months in advance and have a 12-month minimum term.
Any other webhost that supports WordPress can work too. Check the regular price, renewal price and additional charges before signing up; many hosts raise their introductory price after the first year.
Prefer monthly payments or want to compare other options? See our recommended webhosts, including ALL-INKL, Hetzner and Kinsta.
For a five-year cost overview, see Portfolio Website without Subscription.
Prices checked November 12, 2026 and include 19% German VAT. Your final price depends on your billing country and selected offer.
If you are still experimenting, start with LocalWP. It is free and lets you install WordPress locally on your laptop.
You can build your site privately without paying for webhosting or buying a domain first. When your site is ready to go live, choose a provider from our recommended webhosts, install WordPress there and move your local website to the live server.
Step 2: Install WordPress
Connect your domain to your hosting and enable the host’s free SSL certificate so your website uses https://. Then install WordPress in your webhost control panel with its WordPress installation assistant. Our webhosting comparison links to the installation guides.
If your webhost doesn’t support 1-click WordPress installation, you have to install WordPress manually. Download WordPress at www.wordpress.org. Then follow the official installation guide.
Step 3: Install Lay Theme and Addons
Purchase Lay Theme. Look for the Lay Theme “Key & Files” email with your license key and download links. Your payment receipt or invoice comes separately from Dodo Payments.
If you cannot find your license key, check your spam folder or email info@laytheme.com and tell us the email address you used for the purchase.
Download lay.zip and keep it as a .zip file for the upload below. If you bought addons, their .zip files are available through your download links. The Setup Wizard can install the addons included with your key automatically.
Theme installation
Log in to your WordPress at “https://yourwebsite.com/wp-admin/”.
- Go to “Appearance” → “Themes”
- At the top click on “Add New”
- Then at the top click on “Upload Theme”
- Choose the “lay.zip” file and click “Install Now”
- Afterwards click “Activate”
After activating Lay Theme, follow the Setup Wizard. Enter your site title and license key, let Lay Theme install the addons that belong to your key automatically, then choose a Blueprint or start with a blank site. Review your update preference on the final screen and click “Done”.
If you clicked “Skip setup” or if you are installing an older Lay Theme version without the Setup Wizard, set up Lay Theme manually.
- Enter your license key in “Lay Options” → “License Key”.
- Install addons manually in “Plugins” → “Add New Plugin” → “Upload Plugin”.
- Upload each addon .zip file, click “Install Now”, then “Activate Plugin”.
- Repeat this for every addon you want to use. If you do not want to use an addon, keep it disabled.
Install a backup plugin
Set up regular backups of both your files and database. They help you recover from accidental changes, failed updates or a compromised site. If your host already provides backups, check how long they are kept and how to restore them.
For your own off-site backups, install a plugin like UpdraftPlus. Go to "Plugins" → "Add New Plugin", search for "UpdraftPlus" and install and activate it.
In “Settings” → “UpdraftPlus Backups” → “Settings”, choose schedules for both files and database and connect remote storage such as Dropbox or Google Drive. Weekly backups can suit a rarely edited portfolio; use more frequent backups if the site changes daily. Run a first backup and check that it reaches your remote storage.
What now?
Watch the Getting Started Video.
Visit Documentation to learn more.
You can always find your key and downloads here: www.laykeymanager.com
Questions?
Go here: Support.
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