Installing Multiple WordPress Sites on One Server: A Comprehensive Guide

For those who run multiple websites or need to test out different themes or plugins, installing multiple WordPress sites on one server can be a great way to save both money and resources. In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of installing two WordPress sites on one server.

Understanding Installation Options

Before we dive into the process, it’s important to understand the differences between installation options. WordPress can be installed in two ways: a single site installation or a multi-site installation. A single site installation means that only one WordPress site will be installed and can be accessed at one specific URL. A multi-site installation, on the other hand, allows you to install multiple WordPress sites within a single installation, and can be accessed from different URLs. This article will cover the installation of two WordPress sites using a single site installation.

Step 1: Choosing a Domain Name and Web Hosting Provider

The first step in the process is to choose a domain name and a web hosting provider. Your domain name is the web address where your website will be hosted (e.g. www.yourwebsite.com), and a web hosting provider is a company that will provide you with space on their web servers for your website to live.

When choosing a domain name, it’s important to choose something that is easy to remember, spell, and easy to associate with your brand or business. You can purchase your domain name from popular domain registrars such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Bluehost.

For web hosting, you can choose from different hosting providers such as Bluehost, HostGator, or SiteGround. A reliable web hosting provider will ensure that your website is always up and running smoothly.

Step 2: Setting Up the Server

After choosing your domain name and web hosting provider, you’ll need to set up your server. This process varies depending on your web hosting provider, but typically involves logging into your hosting account and navigating to the control panel or cPanel.

In the cPanel, click on the File Manager to access your website’s file system. Here, you can create a new folder for your second WordPress site. For example, if your primary site is named “example.com,” create a folder called “example2.com” for your second WordPress site.

Step 3: Installing WordPress

With the server set up, you can now proceed with installing WordPress for your second site. To do this, you’ll need to download the latest version of WordPress from their official website.

Once downloaded, extract the files and upload them to the folder you created for your second WordPress site. You can do this using an FTP client such as FileZilla or by using the Upload option on the cPanel.

Next, navigate to your second site’s folder by typing in the URL of your second site (e.g. www.example2.com) into your web browser. Doing so should redirect you to the WordPress installation process.

Follow the prompts to create a new database for your second site and enter the database credentials in the appropriate fields. This process varies depending on the web hosting provider you have chosen, so be sure to follow their specific instructions.

Once the installation process is complete, you can log into the WordPress dashboard for your second site using the login details you just created.

Step 4: Configuring Your Second Site

With WordPress installed for your second site, you can now begin customizing it to your liking. You can choose from thousands of themes and plugins in the WordPress repository, or install your own custom theme or plugin.

To activate your custom theme, navigate to the Appearance > Themes section on your second site’s dashboard and select your desired theme.

For plugins, navigate to the Plugins > Add New section on the dashboard and search for the plugin you want to install. Install and activate the plugin to begin using it on your site.

Step 5: Monitoring Your Server Resources

When running multiple WordPress sites on a single server, it’s important to monitor your resources to ensure they’re being used efficiently. You can use a tool like Google Analytics to track your website’s traffic and usage, and monitor your server’s resource usage through your web hosting provider’s dashboard.

If you notice that your server resources are being used up faster than expected, you may need to consider upgrading your server or optimizing your websites to reduce their resource usage.

Final Thoughts

Installing multiple WordPress sites on one server can save you time and money, but it requires proper planning and execution. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily set up two WordPress sites on a single server and start customizing them to meet your specific needs. Remember to always monitor your server resources to ensure maximum efficiency and performance.