I create virtual private servers at least 8-12 times an year for client and personal projects. The steps to go live remain the same - Get a cheapo VPS on Digital Ocean, Vultr (get $100 credit), Hetzner, OVH, and friends - I end up choosing Ubuntu as the OS Secure your server Setup app server, database server and tools Stitch together various components through configuration files I have thought about switching to Docker (or Caprover) for months, but keep putting off any kind of automation.