WordPress Multisite allows you to manage multiple WordPress sites from a single installation. This is powerful for agencies managing client sites, franchises with multiple locations, or organizations with department sites that share resources.
This playbook covers complete multisite setup and management. From installation to domain mapping, these strategies enable efficient management of multiple sites. A WordPress developer can help set up complex multisite networks.
1What is WordPress multisite and when should you use it?
WordPress Multisite is a feature that allows you to run multiple WordPress sites from a single WordPress installation. All sites share the same WordPress core, plugins, and themes, but have separate content, users, and settings.
Use multisite when managing multiple related sites that benefit from shared resources. Do not use it for completely unrelated sites or when you need complete site isolation.
- • Completely unrelated sites with different needs
- • Sites requiring complete isolation and security separation
- • High-traffic sites that need dedicated resources
- • Sites with conflicting plugin or theme requirements
2How do you enable WordPress multisite?
Enabling multisite requires editing wp-config.php and .htaccess files. This process is straightforward but requires careful execution. Always backup before enabling multisite.
Create full backup before enabling multisite. This allows rollback if issues occur.
Add this line before "That's all, stop editing!": define('WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true);
Go to Tools → Network Setup in WordPress admin. Choose subdomain or subdirectory structure.
Copy provided code to wp-config.php and .htaccess files. WordPress provides exact code to add.
Log out and log back in. You will see Network Admin menu for managing the multisite network.
Important: Multisite should be enabled on a fresh WordPress installation or after careful planning. Converting existing sites to multisite is complex and should be done by experienced developers.
3What is the difference between subdomain and subdirectory multisite?
The choice between subdomain and subdirectory structure affects setup complexity and site organization. Choose based on your specific needs.
Subdomain Multisite
Sites: site1.example.com, site2.example.com
Subdirectory Multisite
Sites: example.com/site1, example.com/site2
Recommendation: Use subdirectory for simpler setup and related sites. Use subdomain for separate brands or when you need distinct domain identities. You cannot change this after setup, so choose carefully.
4How do you manage users in WordPress multisite?
Multisite user management is more complex than single sites. Network admins can manage network-wide users, while site admins manage site-specific users. Users can have different roles on different sites.
Can create users for entire network, manage all sites, install network-wide plugins, and assign users to sites. Highest level of access.
Can manage users for their specific site, assign roles, and manage site content. Cannot access other sites or network settings.
Can have different roles on different sites. A user can be admin on one site and editor on another. Roles are site-specific.
- Use Network Admin → Users for network-wide user management
- Assign appropriate roles per site based on user needs
- Regularly audit user access and remove unused accounts
- Use plugins like User Role Editor for advanced role management
5Do all WordPress plugins work with multisite?
Most WordPress plugins work with multisite, but some require multisite-specific configuration. Network-activated plugins apply to all sites, while site-activated plugins work per site.
Some plugins are not multisite-compatible. Always test plugins on staging multisite before production use.
Activated from Network Admin. Apply to all sites in network. Cannot be deactivated per site. Best for essential functionality (security, backups, caching).
Activated per site from individual site admin. Each site can have different plugins. Best for site-specific functionality.
Testing Tip: Test all plugins on staging multisite first. Some plugins require multisite-specific settings or may not work correctly in multisite environment.
6How do you map custom domains to multisite sites?
Domain mapping allows each multisite site to have its own custom domain instead of subdomain or subdirectory. This requires DNS configuration and domain mapping plugins.
Install WordPress MU Domain Mapping or Mercator plugin. Configure plugin settings in Network Admin.
Point custom domain's A record or CNAME to main multisite server IP address. DNS propagation takes 24-48 hours.
In Network Admin, add domain mapping for each custom domain. Associate domain with specific site in network.
Configure server to accept requests for custom domains. May require server-level configuration depending on hosting.
7What are the performance considerations for WordPress multisite?
Multisite shares resources across all sites. High traffic on one site can impact others. Proper optimization is essential for maintaining performance across the network.
8Can you convert existing WordPress site to multisite?
Yes, but this is a complex process that should be done by experienced developers. Converting existing sites to multisite requires careful migration to preserve data and functionality.
The process involves enabling multisite, migrating existing site to become main site, then adding new sites. Always test on staging first and have rollback plan ready.
Recommendation: Converting to multisite is complex. Consider hiring a WordPress developer experienced with multisite conversions. Test thoroughly on staging before production.
Putting it all together: Your multisite setup roadmap
WordPress multisite setup requires careful planning and execution. Follow this roadmap to set up and manage your multisite network successfully.
Determine if multisite is right for your needs, choose subdomain or subdirectory structure, plan site organization, and prepare server requirements.
Install fresh WordPress, enable multisite, configure wp-config.php and .htaccess, set up network structure, and configure DNS if using subdomains.
Configure network settings, set up network admin account, install essential network plugins, and configure user management.
Create first sites in network, configure site settings, install site-specific plugins, and set up themes.
Install domain mapping plugin, configure DNS for custom domains, add domain mappings, and test domain access.
Set up object caching, configure CDN, optimize database, and monitor resource usage across network.
Monitor network performance, manage users, update plugins and themes, audit site usage, and optimize based on data.
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Need expert help setting up WordPress multisite?
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