# \[PAID\] Backend Setup for New Discourse Instance (Self-Hosted/Docker)

**URL:** https://meta.discourse.org/t/paid-backend-setup-for-new-discourse-instance-self-hosted-docker/400431
**Category:** Marketplace
**Created:** [April 10, 2026, 8:21pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/paid-backend-setup-for-new-discourse-instance-self-hosted-docker/400431 "2026-04-10T20:21:07Z")
**Posts on this page:** 4
**Page:** 1

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### Author: ![Wanda\_Malhotra](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/wanda_malhotra/32/550273_2.png) [@Wanda\_Malhotra](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Wanda_Malhotra)
#### Post date: [April 10, 2026, 8:21pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/paid-backend-setup-for-new-discourse-instance-self-hosted-docker/400431/1 "2026-04-10T20:21:07Z")

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I am looking for a developer to perform a clean, professional installation of Discourse for a new intelligence-driven community platform currently in stealth mode. We are handling all UI/UX, CSS, and Theme design in-house; we specifically need an expert to build the “engine,” ensure maximum performance, and guarantee full data ownership.

### **Scope of Work**

- **Installation:** Set up Discourse on a cloud VPS (DigitalOcean or Hetzner preferred). Must use the official Docker-based install.

- **Email/SMTP:** Configure a transactional email provider (Mailgun or Postmark) for reliable notifications.

- **Security:** Set up SSL (Let’s Encrypt), basic firewall, and security best practices.

- **Data Ownership & Backups:** Configure automated daily backups to an external S3-compatible bucket (Amazon S3 or Cloudflare R2) that I own.

- **Operations Readiness:** Enable Google Analytics components and ensure Webhooks are accessible for future Airtable integrations.

- **Handover:** Provide a brief document with SSH access details and administrative credentials.

### **Budget**

**$250 – $450** (Negotiable based on experience and ability to meet our timeline).

### **Timeline**

We have a hard target for a soft launch on May 1st. I am looking to have the backend live and accessible by **Friday, April 17**.

### **How to Apply**

Please send a PM or reply with:

1. A brief summary of your experience with Discourse installations.

2. Your preferred hosting and SMTP recommendations for a startup.

3. Confirmation that you can meet the April 17th handover.

\*Please mention **“Signal 2026”** in your reply so I know you’ve read the full scope.\*ou like done?

Thank you.

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### Author: ![jahan\_gagan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/jahan_gagan/32/501948_2.png) [@jahan\_gagan](https://meta.discourse.org/u/jahan_gagan)
#### Post date: [April 10, 2026, 8:38pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/paid-backend-setup-for-new-discourse-instance-self-hosted-docker/400431/2 "2026-04-10T20:38:54Z")

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Hi @Wanda_Malhotra , I can help with this. Sending you a PM to discuss the details.

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### Author: ![pfaffman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/pfaffman/32/120154_2.png) [@pfaffman](https://meta.discourse.org/u/pfaffman)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2026, 6:32am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/paid-backend-setup-for-new-discourse-instance-self-hosted-docker/400431/3 "2026-04-11T06:32:00Z")

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Sent a pm. Happy to help.

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### Author: ![system](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/system/32/443519_2.png) [@system](https://meta.discourse.org/u/system)
#### Post date: [May 11, 2026, 6:32am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/paid-backend-setup-for-new-discourse-instance-self-hosted-docker/400431/4 "2026-05-11T06:32:05Z")

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