What is WordPress Multisite [WordPress 101]

WordPress multisite is a feature which allows users to run multiple websites from a single installation of WordPress. Read on to find out more.

WordPress multisite allows users to create a network of websites and have everything accessible from one WordPress dashboard, instead of having to log into a bunch of different WordPress websites. It allows users to have several websites residing on the same server, all sharing the same themes and plugins. This is a cost-effective and user-friendly solution to managing multiple WordPress websites at the same time.

It’s important to point out that WordPress multisite works only when all the websites you want to include reside on the same network. This allows all the websites to share resources like IP address, and subdomain or subdirectory of the main network website.

WordPress multisite also allows WordPress management tools to be used on multiple WordPress websites from the same dashboard. These tools include security, management and performance tracking. Admin can easily create custom domains and manage the web server through hosting.

Multisite is actually a WordPress feature which was first introduced with the launch of WordPress version 3.0 and was part of the WordPress Multiuser project. The project Is no longer around, as WordPress multisite has been integrated into the WordPress core.

Why Use WordPress Multisite?

With WordPress multisite, it becomes much easier to manage several websites which use the same theme and plugins, especially when the admin dashboard is centrally located. Because all the websites in the multisite network share the same plugins, themes and files, the ability to update the websites becomes much simpler and needs to make much less frequently.

When you use WordPress multisite, instead of being an admin, you suddenly become the Super Admin. This title allows users to ability to access the primary WordPress website as well as all the other websites in the network. Also, the network admin area where all the WordPress websites are managed in one place.

How To Enable WordPress Multisite

There are a few simple steps to enable WordPress multisite, although it is best used by users with a more advanced knowledge of WordPress. These steps include everything from installing WordPress to backing up your data and content to installing multisite and configuring it on your WordPress website.

Install WordPress – Download WordPress through your web hosting provider for a quick setup and install. Then admin can choose whether to use subdomains or subdirectories for the network web addresses.

Backup Your Website – Use a back and restore WordPress plugin to easily save and backup all your data and information on the WordPress websites. This is a safeguard if you have any issues, and a good idea to do in general to prevent a loss of information and easily restore any data if needed.

Deactivate Plugins and Logout – Simply deactivate all plugins so multisite can be activated. Then logout of WordPress before continuing.

Update wp-config.php – Go into your web host and access your FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client. Then find the update wp-config.php file and add a new define line with this text:

/* Multisite */

Define( ‘WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE’, true );

Install Multisite – Now you can log back into WordPress and under the Tools tab on the dashboard, navigate to Network Setup. Configure your settings and click Install.

Enable the Network – Go to your FTP client and select the option for showing hidden files. Then open wg-config.php to edit it again. Add the following code under the code previously added.

define( ‘MULTISITE’ , true);

define( ‘SUBDOMAIN_INSTALL’ , true);

define( ‘DOMAIN_CURRENT_SITE’ , ‘ (Add Current site)

define( ‘PATH_CURRENT_SITE’ , ‘/’);

define( ‘SITE_ID_CURRENT_SITE’ , 1);

define( ‘BLOG_ID_CURRENT_SITE’ , 1);

Save all your changes and close the file. You can also reactivate your plugins and begin using your multisite.

Who Should Use WordPress Multisite?

Anyone can use the WordPress multisite, although its unique features are tailored to a specific area of WordPress users. The key is just how many websites needed to be managed, how to streamline the update process, cut costs for hosting and much more.

Single Sign-On – The ideal clients for WordPress multisite are customers who want to use single sign-on access to get to all of your WordPress websites from one central dashboard.

Multiple Websites on the Same Network – WordPress multisite is ideal for admin who have a related network of WordPress websites they need to manage.

Creating New Websites – When admin want to create different branches of a website and also create their own theme, management and subdomain.

Cost Cutting – Using WordPress multisite will allow admin to cut down costs of paying for multiple web hosting plans. Money which can go towards upgrading server space.

Sharing – When your websites share the same themes and plugins, using WordPress multisite allows for less stress on your server overall.

Streamline Updating – Easily streamline the update process for all your WordPress websites, so all of the plugins and themes can be update on the network instead of individually.

CreativeMinds Plugins With MultiSite Support

One CreativeMinds WordPress plugins has specific multisite support.

You can use the MicroPayments Digital Wallet and share wallets across different sites.

See how it works here: CM MicroPayments (CMMP) – MultiSite Installation.

Conclusion

WordPress multisite is a unique and very helpful feature for WordPress users. WordPress multisite is also a good way for websites to be more user-friendly, cost effective and simpler to update.

WordPress multisite is simple to install and use, from a one click install through a web host to using FTP client to adjust code and from backing up information to reactivating plugins after a full multisite install process.

WordPress multisite can handle dozens, hundreds, and thousands of WordPress websites at the same time, which makes it an ideal choice for people that are managing multiple WordPress websites and it is already integrated into the WordPress core to make updating and managing much easier.