There are now quite a large number of free WordPress hosts available (see previous post: Free WordPress Hosts). But what about setting up WordPress (or any other blogging software for that matter) on free web hosts, i.e. hosts that allow you setup web sites for free (and support PHP and mySQL databases, of course).

For this example, I’ll be using Janhost (because I like the cool domain they use, i.e. username.cv.vc).

Well, they don’t have Fantastico (or any other suite that allows automatic installs of WordPress), but all the more reason to try installing WordPress manually.

Okay, they do not have shell access too (but that’s standard policy for free hosts). So, I had to FTP the WordPress files over.

Well, you don’t really need this guide, because there’s the WordPress Codex for it. But anyway, if you want a specific step-by-step example, continue on:

Firstly, download a copy of WordPress. Unzip it or untar it (whichever package you chose) to your desktop (or anywhere you like on your PC). Then, FTP all the unzipped files to your site (using the FTP instructions given in Janhost’s e-mail).

Next, logon to your admin. interface, and note down the name of your mysql database (it should be clearly printed, e.g. mine was 3040).

From the WordPress files, edit the file wp-config-sample.php (use a local copy that you have from the zip file you downloaded earlier). Replace DB_Name with the name of your database, e.g. 3040. Replace DB_User with the same name, e.g. 3040. Replace DB_Password with your FTP password and finally, leave the DB_Host untouched at localhost.

Save the file as wp-config.php and upload to your site.

Next, point your browser to the directory you installed WordPress in. For example, I uploaded all my WordPress files directly to the main site (not in a subfolder). So, I would just enter http://zmang.cv.vc in my browser.

You will then get a message that you haven’t installed WordPress yet and should thus run install.php. Just click the install.php link given and follow the instructions, i.e. enter your blog’s name and your e-mail address. You’ll then get temporary login details that you can change later.

Finished? Nope. Given that these are free hosts after all. You will have to put adverts on your site, just like most blog hosts out there (though there are many that go without putting ads on your blog). Since installing WordPress kills their automatic ad placement script, Janhost provides custom ads that you can place on your site (or blog in this case).

Now you are done. So, what do you have? You have a WordPress blog installed on a free web host, which provides you 200mb webspace and 5GB bandwidth a month (400mb a day). Space wise, that’s a lot more than most free blog hosts. You’ll have more flexibility and configurability too since yours will be a full WordPress install. For example, most free blog hosts don’t allow you do edit your themes or upload new ones. This install will allow it.

You can even install a forum to complement your blog (Janhost provides an auto-install for this, and I’m sure a large number of free hosts have fantastico or some other alternative).

But do I recommend this? Not really, especially since free web hosts might be a little shaky on their revenue models (and might thus close down on you anytime). But as long as you do some research on your hosts (any host for that matter), you’ll be fine.

Moreover, you would have to handle WordPress updates manually. That sucks. But at least you’ll get it done. Another thing I’m afraid of is the mysql database size limit for free web hosts. They are usually capped to a small limit as free hosts generally oversell, i.e. issue more accounts than they have space or bandwidth for.

So that it is. If there’s something that isn’t clear, just push me a comment.

wordpress, free+web+hosts, guide, howto

If you found this post useful, keep updated with future posts by subscribing to blogHelper (for free) through RSS or email.