How to Create and Manage a Subdomain in DreamHost for WordPress

If you’re hosting your WordPress site on DreamHost, you might eventually want to create a subdomain—whether for a blog, a staging site, or a separate section of your website. Subdomains can help you organize your content and add new features without disrupting your main site.

In this guide, you’ll learn what a subdomain is, why you might want to use one, and how to create and manage subdomains through your DreamHost control panel. We’ll also walk through setting up WordPress on your subdomain, step by step.

What Is a Subdomain?

A subdomain is a prefix added to your main domain name, creating a separate web address under the same root domain. For example:

• blog.yoursite.com
• store.yoursite.com
• staging.yoursite.com

Each subdomain can point to its own website or section of content, and is often treated as a separate site for both users and search engines.

Subdomains are useful for:

• Hosting a blog separate from your main site
• Creating a test or staging environment
• Running a different CMS or web app alongside your WordPress site
• Targeting a different audience or region

Does DreamHost Support Subdomains?

Yes, DreamHost fully supports subdomains. You can add as many subdomains as you like at no additional cost, provided they are connected to a domain already hosted in your DreamHost account.

Each subdomain can have its own directory, software installation (like WordPress), and settings.

How to Create a Subdomain in DreamHost

Here’s how to create a subdomain in your DreamHost panel:

1. Log In to the DreamHost Panel

Visit panel.dreamhost.com and log in using your DreamHost credentials.

2. Go to “Manage Websites”

In the left-hand menu, click on Websites → Manage Websites. You’ll see a list of all domains and subdomains currently hosted in your account.

3. Click “Add Hosting to a Domain / Sub-Domain”

Scroll down and click the “+ Add Hosting to a Domain / Sub-Domain” button.

4. Enter Your Subdomain Name

In the domain field, enter the full subdomain you want to create. For example, type blog.yoursite.com if you want to create a blog section.

Make sure the root domain (like yoursite.com) is already hosted in your DreamHost account.

5. Choose Hosting Options

DreamHost will ask you to configure basic hosting settings for the subdomain:

• Directory: Set the directory where files for this subdomain will be stored. For example: /home/username/blog.yoursite.com
• PHP Version: Choose the version of PHP you want to use (use the same as your main site unless you have a specific need)
• Secure Hosting (HTTPS): Enable Let’s Encrypt SSL if you want HTTPS for your subdomain

Click “Fully host this domain” to proceed.

6. Wait for DNS Propagation

DreamHost will begin setting up the subdomain. It may take a few minutes for the DNS settings to propagate. Once complete, you’ll see the new subdomain listed in your “Manage Websites” section.

Installing WordPress on a DreamHost Subdomain

After creating the subdomain, you can install WordPress on it just like you would for a regular domain.

1. Go to One-Click Installs

In your DreamHost panel, navigate to Websites → One-Click Installs.

2. Choose WordPress

Select WordPress from the list of available apps.

3. Select Your Subdomain

In the dropdown menu, choose your newly created subdomain (e.g., blog.yoursite.com).

4. Complete Installation

DreamHost will automatically install WordPress in the specified directory. You’ll receive an email once the installation is complete, usually within a few minutes.

After installation, you can log into the WordPress dashboard at:

arduinoCopiarEditarhttps://your-subdomain.yoursite.com/wp-admin

Managing Subdomain Files and Settings

DreamHost stores each subdomain’s files in a separate directory. You can manage these files using:

• FTP/SFTP with your DreamHost credentials
• DreamHost File Manager
• SSH access, if enabled

You can also:

• Change PHP versions per subdomain
• Enable or disable HTTPS
• Add redirects or custom DNS records
• Modify .htaccess settings for security or redirects

All of this can be done via the DreamHost panel under Manage Websites.

SEO Considerations for Subdomains

Subdomains are treated by search engines as separate entities from your main domain. This means SEO authority is not automatically shared between your root domain and its subdomains.

Here are some tips:

• Use subdomains for truly distinct content or features
• Link between your main site and subdomain where relevant
• Submit the subdomain separately in Google Search Console
• Use consistent branding and structure to help users navigate easily

If your content is closely related to the main site (e.g., a blog), a subdirectory (e.g., yoursite.com/blog) may be better for SEO. However, subdomains offer flexibility and independence that many developers and site owners prefer.

Common Use Cases for DreamHost Subdomains

• blog.yoursite.com – A separate blog for your business
• store.yoursite.com – An eCommerce section running WooCommerce or another platform
• staging.yoursite.com – A test environment for design or plugin changes
• help.yoursite.com – A knowledge base or support portal
• members.yoursite.com – A gated area for registered users or subscribers

Each of these can be fully customized and managed independently of your main site.

Final Thoughts

Creating a subdomain in DreamHost is straightforward, and it opens the door to expanding your WordPress site without cluttering the main domain. Whether you’re building a staging site, launching a new feature, or experimenting with design ideas, subdomains offer a clean, organized solution.

WordPress runs smoothly on DreamHost subdomains, and with the built-in one-click installer, setup is quick and beginner-friendly. As long as you understand the structural and SEO implications, using subdomains can be a powerful part of your site-building strategy.

For more WordPress tutorials and tips on managing your site with DreamHost, explore the full content library at KnowbaseWP.