Get Perplexed and Bursty with WordPress Multisite

If you’re fascinated by the idea of running multiple websites from a single installation, WordPress Multisite is the answer. Once you’ve set up a WordPress Multisite, you can effortlessly manage all your websites from a single dashboard. Maintenance and updates become much easier, and user management becomes a breeze. But before we get technical, let’s break down what WordPress Multisite really is and how it operates.

Understanding WordPress Multisite

The WordPress Multisite feature permits users to develop multiple sites under one WordPress installation. Each site can be associated with its own domain or subdomain, and each site can have its own groups of users, themes, plugins, and specific content. Consider it as a central hub where you can effortlessly manage your website network.

How it works

In WordPress multisite, the network refers to a centralized installation that hosts all the sites. It serves as the management dashboard for all the sites on the network. Each site within the network is a separate website with its unique content and design, but since they share the same central installation, they can all be managed from a single hub.

Setting up WordPress Multisite

Step 1: Choose a hosting provider that supports WordPress Multisite

Some of the most reputable WordPress Multisite supporting providers include Bluehost, SiteGround, and WP Engine. Make sure to select a hosting plan that supports additional websites. This guarantees your website is prepared to handle the extra traffic and resources that come with running multiple websites.

Step 2: Install WordPress

Once you have identified a hosting provider to support your Multisite, install WordPress. Many hosting providers offer a one-click WordPress installation which makes the process much easier.

Step 3: Enable WordPress Multisite

To enable WordPress Multisite on your website, you’ll need to make some changes to your WordPress files and database.

1. Back up your WordPress site – It’s crucial to back up your site before making any changes to your WordPress files.
2. Open the wp-config.php file – This file is located in the root directory of your WordPress installation. Open it in a text editor.
3. Add the following line of code – Add the following line of code just above the line that says “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging.”
   

   define( ‘WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE’, true );

4. Save and close the file – Save the changes you’ve made to the wp-config.php file and close it.
5. Log in to your WordPress dashboard – Log in to your WordPress dashboard and go to Tools > Network Setup.
6. Choose your website structure – You’ll need to choose whether you want to use subdomains or subdirectories to create your network of sites. If you choose subdomains, each site will have its domain, e.g., example.site1.com, example.site2.com. Alternatively, if you choose subdirectories, each site will have a path within the primary domain e.g. example.com/site1, example.com/site2.

Step 4: Create a New Site

1. Go to My Sites > Network Admin > Site – This will take you to the site’s dashboard.
2. Click on “Add New” – This will take you to the Add New Site page.
3. Fill out the form – Enter a site title and site address (either a subdomain or subdirectory), and select a language if desired. You can also choose a theme for the site.
4. Click “Add Site” – Once you have filled out the form, click on “Add Site” to create the new site.
5. Manage the Site – After you’ve created the site, you can manage it from the Sites dashboard. You can change the site’s theme, activate plugins, and view the site’s stats.

Repeat the same process for each site you want to create within your network.

Step 5: Manage Your Multisite

Once your WordPress Multisite is set up, you need to manage your network effectively. Here are some tips:

1. Install plugins – You can install plugins that are available to all of the sites within your network.
2. Create user roles – You can create user roles that apply to all of the sites within your network. This allows you to manage user access more easily and ensure that all users have the correct permissions.
3. Update themes and plugins – When you update a theme or plugin, it will be updated for all of the sites within your network. This ensures that all of your sites will stay up-to-date and secure.
4. Manage your sites – Use the Sites dashboard to manage your pages. From here, you can view stats, manage themes and plugins, and add new sites.

Conclusion

If you want to manage multiple sites under one installation, WordPress Multisite is an ideal feature to use. Though it may seem complex, you can enable Multisite on your WordPress by following the above easy steps. By creating a network of sites within one installation, you’ll easily manage all of your websites, save time in maintenance and upgrades, and simplify user management.