If you are wondering if there is an easy way to manage multiple sites simultaneously, the answer is yes: with WordPress Multisite.
In this article, we will talk about WordPress Multisite and how it works. We will also cover how a Multisite network stores data and media compared to a regular WordPress site.
Additionally, we’ll explore the pros and cons of WordPress Multisite and review the types of users and websites it’s best suited for.
Finally, we will teach you how to install, configure and manage a Multisite network in your WordPress.
What is WordPress Multisite?
WordPress Multisite allows you to create multiple websites under a single WordPress installation. When activated, users can manage a network of individual sites from a single control panel.
WordPress Multisite is a popular solution for many companies and institutions that manage multiple websites, as a network of subdomains or subdirectories can be created.
For example, a main website with the domain multisite.com can have subdomains like firstsite.multisite.com either secondsite.multisite.com.
You can also create subdirectories like multisite.com/firstsite either multisite.com/secondsite.
Schools and universities can use Multisite to create multiple sites for different departments. Similarly, a company can create websites for different branches or offices.
How Multisite works
To understand how WordPress Multisite works, it’s essential to understand the different roles of a super admin and a website admin.
Also know as network administrator, a super administrator is in control of an entire network of websites. This administrator is the one who activated Multisite in the first place.
Super administrators have access to the configuration of the network administrator and to the control panel of all the web sites in the network. They can also give users permission to create new accounts or websites.
The Super Admin of a Multisite Network controls the installation of plugins and themes on your websites and can manage uploads across all sites in the network. Also, you can assign custom domains.
The administrator of a website normally only has administrative access to a website within a Multisite network. However, depending on the permissions granted by your super administrator, you may also have access to more than one website.
Administrators can add users, but only to websites they administer. Although they cannot install plugins or themes, they can generally choose which ones to activate or deactivate.
Multisite and data
All websites in a multisite network share the same file system and the same . The tables that store the data of the users of the entire network are wp_users Y wp_usermeta.
When Multisite is activated, WordPress creates seven new database tables to store this network data:
- wp_blogs
- wp_blog_versions
- wp_registration_log
- wp_signups
- wp_site
- wp_sitemeta
- wp_sitecategories (optional)
When a new website is created in a Multisite network, 11 new tables are created that correspond to the site ID. For example, for site 02, the new tables are
- wp_2_posts
- wp_2_postmeta
- wp_2_comments
- wp_2_commentmeta
- wp_2_users
- wp_2_usermeta
- wp_2_links
- wp_2_term_relationships
- wp_2_term_taxonomy
- wp_2_terms
- wp_2_options
As a Multisite network grows, more database tables are added. This allows WordPress to ensure that sites are separate and that the admin of one site cannot access or modify data on other sites.
Multisite and multimedia content
Each website on a Multisite network has separate media upload directories that are only accessible to that site’s administrator and super administrator. This means that the administrator of one site cannot access the files of another site, even if they are on the same network.
When Multisite is activated in a standard WordPress installation, a new folder is created in the directory wp-content/uploads. This new folder is called sites and contains media uploaded from all websites within a network.
Every time a new website is created in a Multisite network, a folder corresponding to the ID of that website is added inside the folder sites. For example, the main site of a Multisite network has the ID 01.
This means that any new website that is created on the network will have an ID of 02, 03, etc. Therefore, the new folders will have the names wp-content/uploads/sites/02, wp-content/uploads/sites/03etc.
Multisite and security
Having some form of digital security or cryptographic protocol is crucial to .
Most site owners implement a to encrypt the communication between a web browser and the website, ensuring the secure transfer of sensitive information.
Since the Transport Layer Security or TLS protocol is the successor to SSL, many SSL certificates are compatible with the .
Using a WordPress Multisite network means you have to purchase separate SSL certificates for each of your websites. When hosting providers offer a with a web hosting plan, it usually only applies to the main domain or website.
Acquiring SSL certificates for all your Multisite websites is important because if one site on the network lacks the proper security protocols, the security of the entire network can be compromised.
When to use WordPress Multisite (and when not)
Although WordPress Multisite is a great strategy for some, it may not be the right approach for everyone.
WordPress Multisite is a great solution for those who manage multiple similar WordPress websites. It’s an efficient way to manage them from one place and makes it easier to ensure all sites on a network are up to date.
Enabling Multisite is also beneficial for sites that share code, such as websites that share similar core WordPress files or the same plugins and themes. A network administrator can simply activate a WordPress Multisite installation and perform updates or backups simultaneously.
Some examples of types of websites that can benefit from a WordPress Multisite network are:
- personal sites. Networks, online resumes or personal blogs that share similar content and plugins.
- business sites. Companies that have several departments or projects and want to have separate websites for each one.
- community sites. Non-profit organizations, charities and educational institutions with multiple divisions or projects.
The most notable example of a WordPress multisite network is , which manages millions of websites with the subdomain .wordpress.com.
Another great example is from Harvard University. Uses a WordPress Multisite network that allows students and faculty members to create a blog with an email address harvard.edu.
Conversely, you shouldn’t install WordPress Multisite if you only have one website or if it’s your first time.
Also, Multisite may not be the right solution if you manage several unrelated websites. For example, a web designer who manages several projects for different clients.
In this case, you may find Multisite limiting as most features and functions must be shared and enabled by a network administrator.
Advantages and disadvantages of WordPress Multisite
Now that we’ve explored the different use cases for WordPress Multisite, let’s look at some of its pros and cons. It is important to consider these factors before deciding.
Advantage
Some of the advantages of managing a WordPress multisite are:
- Efficient management. As a network administrator, you can perform updates, backups, and installs from a single WordPress dashboard.
- Easier delegation. WordPress Multisite allows you to assign administrators to different websites within the network, making it easy to share site management tasks.
- greater control. If you manage multiple sites, activating WordPress Multisite allows you to control the use of plugins and themes of the sites. This reduces the risk of bad plugins or themes compromising the security or performance of the entire network.
Disadvantages
Activating WordPress Multisite has its drawbacks, such as:
- More limitations. Websites in a Multisite network share a database, so backups and updates can only be done for the entire network.
- higher risk. Since websites share the same server resources, all sites will go down if the shared network goes down. Furthermore, if a cyberattack occurs on one website, the others can be compromised as well.
- interdependent performance. The performance of each site depends largely on the amount of traffic other sites on the same network receive. If a website experiences a sudden increase in traffic volume, the performance and speed of other sites may also be affected.
- Limited plugins and themes. Not all plugins or themes are compatible with a Multisite network.
- Limited choice of hosting providers. Not all hosting providers support WordPress Multisite.
How to activate WordPress Multisite on a new site (in 4 steps)
If you have decided that WordPress Multisite is the right option for you, it is time to activate and configure it in your WordPress installation.
Depending on your hosting provider, Multisite can be activated automatically through the control panel of the hosting account. For an easier configuration, with the Multisite function.
In the next four steps, however, we’ll explain how to set up WordPress Multisite manually.
What do you need?
Please note that in order to activate WordPress Multisite, some requirements need to be met:
- web-hosting. Get one that can manage multiple sites or domains within the same plan.
- WordPress Installation. Make sure you have a fresh WordPress installation to set up a Multisite network. You can also use an existing WordPress installation, but you must create a backup of the files and deactivate the plugins first.
- FTP access. You must have access to a client like in your WordPress installation.
1. Update wp-config.php file
The first thing you need to do is locate and edit your website’s configuration file. In WordPress, this is the , located in the root directory of your website.
wp-config.php This is where your site’s configuration data is stored, including database and host names, username, and password.
Let’s see the process to update wp-config.php Step by Step:
- Open your FTP client and access your website.
- Go to your root directory, which is usually public_html. If you use , you can access through the file manager.
- Find the file wp-config.php, double click. This will open a file where you will see lines of code.
- Scroll down until you find the line that says /* That’s all, stop editing! Happy…
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