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Wordpress Development

What is a WordPress Multisite and how to use it correctly

August 27, 2023 October 18th, 2023

In the expansive universe of WordPress, there’s a feature that stands out for its ability to manage multiple websites under one roof: WordPress Multisite. For administrators and businesses that operate more than one website, Multisite is a game-changer. However, with great power comes great responsibility. So, what is a WordPress Multisite, and how do you harness its capabilities correctly? Let’s delve in.

What is a WordPress Multisite?

A WordPress Multisite allows you to manage multiple WordPress websites from a single WordPress installation. Instead of maintaining several separate WordPress instances for each site, you can oversee them all from one dashboard.

Advantages:

  1. Unified Management: Update plugins, themes, and core WordPress files across all sites at once.
  2. Shared Plugins and Themes: Install a plugin or theme once, and choose to activate it on as many sites as needed.
  3. Streamlined User Management: Users can be added to multiple sites with different roles, without needing to create separate accounts for each site.
  4. Resource Efficiency: Reduces the overall server resources as you’re running a single WordPress installation.

Setting Up WordPress Multisite

  1. Backup First: Before making any significant changes to your WordPress setup, always back up your website.
  2. Enable Multisite: Edit your wp-config.php file and add the following line above the “/* That’s all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */” comment:
define('WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true);
  1. Network Setup: Once you’ve added the code and saved your wp-config.php file, go to your WordPress dashboard. Under the Tools menu, you’ll find a new Network Setup item. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  2. Choose Sub-domains or Sub-directories: During the setup, you’ll be asked if you want to use sub-domains or sub-directories for your sites. This choice determines your site’s URL structure. Sub-domains look like site1.example.com, while sub-directories appear as example.com/site1.
  3. Finish the Setup: WordPress will provide some code snippets. Add these to your wp-config.php and .htaccess files.

Using Multisite Correctly

  1. Decide Purpose Early: Understand why you’re using Multisite. Is it for different language versions of a site? Different brands under one umbrella company? Your use-case will determine themes, plugins, and user roles.
  2. Choose Plugins Wisely: Not all plugins are Multisite-compatible. Ensure any plugin you wish to use works well in a Multisite environment.
  3. User Roles and Permissions: Multisite introduces new user roles like Super Admin. Be cautious about assigning this role, as a Super Admin has access to all sites in the network.
  4. Regular Backups: With multiple sites, there’s more at stake. Regularly backup the entire network.
  5. Use Domain Mapping: If you want sites in your network to have unique domain names (instead of subdomains or subdirectories), use domain mapping. There are plugins available that make this process easier.
  6. Monitor Performance: More sites can mean more strain on server resources. Keep an eye on performance metrics and consider a hosting provider specializing in Multisite setups if needed.

Conclusion

WordPress Multisite is a robust tool, perfect for those needing to manage multiple websites efficiently. Whether you’re running a business with multiple brands or a school with various departments, Multisite could be the solution you need. By understanding its features and following best practices, you can harness its power while ensuring stability and security.