How To Set Up and WordPress Blog at DreamHost – Do It Yourself!
July 14th, 2009One of the many reasons I like using DreamHost as a hosting company, is their WordPress “one-click installer” program that makes adding a WordPress blog to a website fast and simple. This article lists directions on how to set up a blog on DreamHost, assuming that you’ve already purchased a domain name and set up a hosting account with DreamHost. These instructions also assume that you’ve already got a good understanding of how WordPress works.
1. Make sure domain names are purchased.
I’m assuming that you’ve already purchased your domain names from DreamHost.com.
If you purchased the domain through another domain registrar, you’ll need to modify the 3 DNS (Domain Name Server) settings to point to DreamHost:
ns1.dreamhost.com
ns2.dreamhost.com
ns3.dreamhost.com
2. Host your new domain names at DreamHost.com
Domains -> Manage Domains->Add New Domain
Domain to host: fill in
How do you like the www in your URL: add “www.”
Uncheck Google Apps and Gmail
Leave all other choices at default
Click “Fully host this domain now”
3. Install WordPress
Goodies->One-Click Installs ->Install new website software-Advanced mode
Select WordPress
Install to: select right domain. Can elect to put in subdirectory, which is optional. If the entire website is a blog, don’t put in subdirectory. If website is already there, put in subdirectory (like “blog”).
Create a new database
Make up a database name
Use existing hostname – pick domain
First user: make one up
Password: make one up
Click “install it for me now”
In 10 minutes, you’ll receive email from DreamHost; follow instructions in that email to complete installation process. Make sure you save original admin login password! Yes, you can change it later.
4. Choose a theme
Log in to WordPress admin area.
Click on Appearance.
Choose a theme, see preview.
If you like it, click “activate” in upper right hand corner.
Note, themes are made by other people and there is no guarantee they will function correctly. Be sure to fully test any theme for functionality.
These are the basic steps to setting up a WordPress blog on DreamHost, assuming you have purchased your domain name from DreamHost and already have a hosting account set up with them.
Jill--------------
J. Olkoski
Aldebaran Web Design, Seattle
Jill Olkoski has a BS in Engineering, a BS in Computer Science and an MA in Clinical Psychology. She delights in using her advanced technical and psychological skills to help small business owners develop cost-effective and successful websites.
September 11th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Hi there. I’ve been trying to do this for days now and I am at a complete loss. I want my domain name (which I’ve registered with DreamHost) to have the WordPress plugin on the main page (not a subdomain), but it will not let me have the site hosted with DreamHost AND use the WP plugin, unless I were to select something like blog.website.com. I followed all of your directions here, and it’s giving me this error:
You’re already using “www.wearablejoy.com” for a database (or website)
Any chance you can help me out?
Thanks!
September 11th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Hi Tabitha,
I think you might be using the term “plugin” in the wrong way. Plugins are little mini-applications that get added to a WordPress installation to expand WordPress’s functionality. So I’m going to assume that you really mean “installation”, not “plugin”.
You can install WordPress via DreamHost’s control panel right under your root directory, but it must be empty. Additionally, you will need to select a database name that’s not in use.
I suggest that you contact DreamHost’s support for assistance – I can help you but you’ll need to submit a request via my contact form, versus posting a question in my blog.
Jill
January 19th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Super useful! Thanks!!!