What is Multisite Domain Mapping in WordPress?
Multisite Domain Mapping in WordPress is a feature that enables WordPress Multisite subsites to use custom top-level domain names. This allows subsites within a network to appear as independent websites while being managed from a single WordPress installation.
Functionality of Domain Mapping
Since WordPress version 4.5, domain mapping has been incorporated into the core software, eliminating the need for plugins like WordPress MU Domain Mapping. Subsites can have custom domain names instead of default subdomains (e.g., subsite1.mainsite.com) or subdirectories (e.g., mainsite.com/subsite1).
This functionality allows network administrators to assign unique domain names to subsites, giving them the appearance of standalone websites, even though they share the same codebase and database.
Common Use Cases for Domain Mapping
Businesses often apply Multisite Domain Mapping when managing multiple brands. Each subsite can use a distinct domain name to match its branding strategy.
Agencies and freelancers also benefit from centralizing the management of client sites under a single WordPress Multisite network while using individual domain names for each client project.
Another application involves multinational organizations, where country-specific subsites are mapped to localized domain names, such as example.ca for Canada or example.de for Germany.
Similarly, website owners can manage multiple personal projects or blogs with unique top-level domains while relying on a single WordPress backend.
Requirements for Setup
To implement Multisite Domain Mapping, a hosting plan with support for multiple domains is needed. Hosting providers typically offer this feature within shared, managed, or dedicated plans.
Domains for each subsite must be registered and configured to point to the hosting server, which often involves modifying nameservers or DNS records. DNS propagation can take up to 24–48 hours to take effect.
Configuration Process
After setting up a WordPress Multisite network, subsites are created and initially assigned subdomains or subdirectories. To enable domain mapping, administrators must update the wp-config.php file to support mapped domains.
Custom domains are added as parked or alias domains at the web host, ensuring they route correctly to the WordPress network.
Subsites are then configured to use specific custom URLs by updating their settings within the WordPress admin dashboard. Finally, DNS settings for the custom domains need to point to the nameservers provided by the hosting provider.
Impact on Subsites and Visitors
From the visitor’s perspective, subsites with mapped domains function independently of the main WordPress network. This also extends to improving search engine optimization, as each subsite benefits from having a unique domain name.
However, the subsites remain part of a single WordPress installation, benefiting from centralized management while maintaining their distinct identities.
Management of Domain-Mapped Subsites
Administrators can manage all subsites efficiently through the central WordPress admin interface.
Despite the domains being mapped to masquerade as separate sites, underlying updates and configurations still take place from the same network dashboard, streamlining operations.
With WordPress Multisite, maintaining multiple websites with individual domains does not require separate installations, making it a scalable option for growing networks.