--- title: Step 1 - Requirements/Recommendations description: Be a member of an MLS using the Flexmls Platform. Be authorized by your MLS for IDX. Subscribe to the Flexmls IDX WordPress Plugin from FBS. Terms of Use. Use a supported version of PHP  - Ask your we --- [Skip to content](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/step-1-requirements-recommendations#main-content) [![](https://go.wearefbs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FBS%20Products_transparent_back.png?width=200&height=151&name=FBS%20Products_transparent_back.png)](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center?hsLang=en) - [Help Documentation](https://help.flexmls.com/) - [Academy](https://flexmls.com/flexmls-academy/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Help Documentation](https://help.flexmls.com/) - [Academy](https://flexmls.com/flexmls-academy/) - [Contact Us](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/contact-us) [Contact Us](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/contact-us?hsLang=en) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [IDX Help Center](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center?hsLang=en) 2. [Flexmls® IDX WordPress Plugin](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-wordpress-plugin?hsLang=en) 3. [Getting Started](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-wordpress-plugin?hsLang=en#getting-started) # Step 1 - Requirements/Recommendations ### **Requirements** 1. Be a member of an MLS using the Flexmls Platform. 2. Be authorized by your MLS for IDX. 3. Subscribe to the [Flexmls IDX WordPress Plugin](https://fbsproducts.com/idx-wordpress-plugin/) from FBS. 4. [Terms of Use.](https://wearefbs.com/terms/) 5. Use a supported version of PHP  - Ask your web host what version is being used for your site. - Supported Versions – [https://www.php.net/supported-versions.php](https://www.php.net/supported-versions.php) - Unsupported Branches - [http://php.net/eol.php](http://php.net/eol.php) Also see the WordPress Requirements: [https://wordpress.org/about/requirements/](https://wordpress.org/about/requirements/)  ### **Hosting** We do **not** recommend  GoDaddy or shared hosting:  - [“Why You Should NOT Use GoDaddy Managed WordPress Hosting”](https://www.searchrank.com/dont-use-godaddy-managed-wordpress-hosting/) - ["Shared Hosting Vs Managed WordPress Hosting: What’s The Difference?"](https://bloggingwizard.com/shared-hosting-vs-managed-wordpress-hosting/) Hosts featured by WordPress: [https://wordpress.org/hosting/](https://wordpress.org/hosting/) - **Pressable: [https://pressable.com/host-with-pressable-wporg/](https://pressable.com/host-with-pressable-wporg/  )** - **BlueHost: [https://www.bluehost.com/wordpress-hosting](https://www.bluehost.com/wordpress-hosting)** - **Hostinger: [https://www.hostinger.com/wordpress-hosting](https://www.hostinger.com/wordpress-hosting)**  Additional hosts we recommend: - **SiteGround: [https://www.siteground.com/wordpress-hosting.htm](https://www.siteground.com/wordpress-hosting.htm)** - Offers a free migration plugin that completely clones and moves the site over seamlessly. - **WP Engine: [https://wpengine.com/managed-hosting-platform/](https://wpengine.com/managed-hosting-platform/)** - A reliable managed host that features a free automated migration tool and 24/7 support. - **Flywheel: [https://getflywheel.com/managed-wordpress-hosting/](https://getflywheel.com/managed-wordpress-hosting/)** - Provides a free automated tool, as well as 100% free manual migration assistance handled directly by their support staff. - **AMS Computer Services: [https://www.amscomputer.com/hosting.php](https://www.amscomputer.com/hosting.php%20 )** - **Kinsta - [https://kinsta.com/wordpress-hosting/](https://kinsta.com/wordpress-hosting/)** - **DreamHost: [https://www.dreamhost.com/wordpress-hosting/](https://www.dreamhost.com/wordpress-hosting/)** - **WordPress.com: [https://wordpress.com/wordpress-hosting/](https://wordpress.com/wordpress-hosting/)** ### **Theme Recommendations** If you are in the early stages of building your WordPress site and you are shopping around for a theme, we recommend checking out the free themes available before committing to purchasing one.  [http://www.wordpress.org/themes/](http://www.wordpress.org/themes/)  We also recommend that you select a theme that provides a Full-Width Template. This way you can give our plugin and other content plenty of space to display. [https://wordpress.org/themes/tags/full-width-template](https://wordpress.org/themes/tags/full-width-template)  You can also search for themes in WordPress under **Appearance \> Themes \> Add New** #### **Step #2 - [Installing and Activating the Plugin](https://go.wearefbs.com/help-center/step-2-install-and-activate-the-plugin?hsLang=en)** - [About Our IDX Solutions](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/about-our-idx-solutions?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Developer Resources](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/about-our-idx-solutions?hsLang=en#developer-resources) - [Flexmls® IDX WordPress Plugin](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-wordpress-plugin?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Getting Started](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-wordpress-plugin?hsLang=en#getting-started) - [Using the Widgets](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-wordpress-plugin?hsLang=en#using-the-widgets) - [The Widgets](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-wordpress-plugin?hsLang=en#the-widgets) - [Examples](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-wordpress-plugin?hsLang=en#examples) - [SEO Tips](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-wordpress-plugin?hsLang=en#seo-tips) - [No Listings/Search Results Displaying on the Site](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-wordpress-plugin?hsLang=en#no-listings-search-results-displaying-on-the-site) - [WordPress Plugin FAQ](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-wordpress-plugin?hsLang=en#wordpress-plugin-faq) - [Transition](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-wordpress-plugin?hsLang=en#transition) - [Troubleshooting](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-wordpress-plugin?hsLang=en#troubleshooting) - [Patch Notes](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-wordpress-plugin?hsLang=en#patch-notes) - [Flexmls® IDX SmartFrames](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-smartframes?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Getting Started](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-smartframes?hsLang=en#getting-started) - [IDX Manager Steps](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-smartframes?hsLang=en#idx-manager-steps) - [Creating Custom Links](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-smartframes?hsLang=en#creating-custom-links) - [Smart Frame API](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-smartframes?hsLang=en#smart-frame-api) - [Tips & Tricks](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-smartframes?hsLang=en#tips-tricks) - [Smart Frame Installation Guides](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/flexmls-idx-smartframes?hsLang=en#smart-frame-installation-guides) - [Training](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/training?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Lead Management](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/training?hsLang=en#lead-management) - [Tip Videos](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/training?hsLang=en#tip-videos) - [Tips & Tricks!](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/tips-tricks?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Flexmls IDX Lite Help](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/tips-tricks?hsLang=en#flexmls-idx-lite-help) - [Wordpress Tips & Tricks](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/tips-tricks?hsLang=en#wordpress-tips-tricks) - [Forwarding/Masking Your Domain](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/tips-tricks?hsLang=en#forwarding-masking-your-domain) - [Social Media & Marketing Tips](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/tips-tricks?hsLang=en#social-media-marketing-tips) - [Add MLS search to your email signature](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/tips-tricks?hsLang=en#add-mls-search-to-your-email-signature) - [Not Finding A Solution on Our Site?](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/tips-tricks?hsLang=en#not-finding-a-solution-on-our-site) - [FAQ](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/faq?hsLang=en#main-content) - [About IDX](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/faq?hsLang=en#about-idx) - [Support](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/faq?hsLang=en#support) - [IDX Manager](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/faq?hsLang=en#idx-manager) - [Looking for the Spark API?](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/faq?hsLang=en#looking-for-the-spark-api) - [Listings](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/faq?hsLang=en#listings) - [My IDX 'Contact Me' Info Isn't Correct](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/faq?hsLang=en#my-idx-contact-me-info-isnt-correct) - [Billing](https://go.wearefbs.com/idx-help-center/faq?hsLang=en#billing) [![FBS\_Blue](https://go.wearefbs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FBS/FBS%20Logos/FBS_Blue.png?width=100&height=49&name=FBS_Blue.png "FBS_Blue")](https://wearefbs.com/) 4601 33rd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104 [mailto:idxsupport@flexmls.com](mailto:idxsupport@flexmls.com) Copyright © 2025, FBS, Inc.