What is Multisite (MU) in WordPress?
Multisite (MU) in WordPress is a feature that allows users to create multiple sites within one installation of WordPress. This feature allows managing and maintaining separate websites under a single administrative interface.
This can be particularly useful for larger organizations, such as universities or businesses, as it reduces the time and effort required for managing multiple websites.
MU also offers other benefits, such as shared themes and plugins across all sites, allowing consistency between different websites. Additionally, it allows administrators to easily create new sites using existing content from other websites within the network.
Multisite is an advanced feature of WordPress and requires a more technical understanding of how WordPress works to set up and configure properly.
However, once configured correctly, it can save considerable time and effort in managing a network of websites.
Why Do People Use a WordPress Multisite Network?
The main purpose of using a WordPress Multisite network is to create and manage multiple websites in one place. This feature can be used by organizations with different departments or teams needing their websites.
It also allows for more content sharing between sites and easier administration of the entire network. Additionally, since all websites are connected within the same installation of WordPress, there are fewer security risks associated with managing many sites.
How to Implement Multisite in WordPress?
Step 1: Check Your Hosting Environment
Before utilizing Multisite in WordPress, you must assess your hosting platform. Not all web hosts allow this feature; some may require extra configuration measures.
Make sure to contact your host provider about their compatibility with Multisite and any customization that might be necessary before beginning the integration process.
Step 2: Enable Multisite
If you would like to activate WordPress Multisite, begin by editing your wp-config.php file and adding the following line of code:
define( 'WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true );
After inserting the code, remember to save the file and refresh your WordPress dashboard. Doing this, you should see an additional menu item, “Network Setup,” under the “Tools” tab.
Step 3: Set Up Your Network
Head to the “Network Setup” page and follow the steps to start your network. You will be asked whether you want subdomains or subdirectories to structure your network.
If you’re looking for various websites with independent domain names, go for subdomains; otherwise, select subdirectories if all of them should be hosted under a single domain name.
Now that you’ve settled on the ideal network structure, provide your necessary information (network title, email address) and click “Install” to complete the process.
Step 4: Configure Your Network
Once your network is up and running, you will be redirected to its “Dashboard,” where you can customize the settings for all your sites. In addition, you’ll have access to installing themes and plugins applicable across every site on the network.
Additionally, from here, you can add new sites or edit existing ones anytime.
Step 5: Add Sites to Your Network
If you want to add another website to your network, head to your dashboard’s “Sites” section and click the “Add New” option. You will then be prompted for details about this new addition, such as its title, admin email address, and site language.
After providing these particulars, press the ‘Add Site’ button to finalize it.
Step 6: Manage Your Sites
You can quickly and easily manage your websites with the “Sites” tab in your network dashboard. Here, you can modify site settings, delete unnecessary sites, and control user accounts connected with each website.