When you build and deliver a WaaS website, it doesn’t generate one-time but subscription-based income. The complexity of this website decides the subscription cost, and hence, multisite networks have a much higher price tag and value than single-site projects.
The good news is – InstaWP allows multisite website development (and care) using its WaaS capabilities. And in this tutorial, we are going to show you how.
The beginning of this article is a full-fledged tutorial explaining how to sell multisite websites using InstaWP WaaS.
For those interested in understanding the WaaS model, its benefits for their agency, and beyond, we have added a few sections right after the tutorial. So, read till the end because selling WordPress Multisite as a WaaS (Website as a Service) can be a game-changer for agencies looking to score big-ticket projects.
What is a Multisite WaaS?
If you know what is WaaS and have a little confusion about multisite WaaS, let us help.
A Multisite WaaS (Website as a Service) lets agencies or businesses create and manage many websites from one central WordPress dashboard.
Instead of building individual sites for each client, this setup allows you to run a network of websites where each client gets their own site but shares the same structure and features. It’s ideal for franchises or businesses with multiple locations because everything can be updated and maintained in one place.
Clients pay for their site on a subscription basis, and agencies benefit from recurring income while easily managing everything from a single control center.
Guide to Selling Multisite Websites using InstaWP WaaS
Note: To follow this tutorial along, you must sign up with InstaWP first.
Step 1 – Create a Staging site as a Multisite
Once you’ve logged into your InstaWP dashboard, go to Staging > click Add New and make sure to choose the configuration for this site as Multisite. Hit the Next Step button to proceed.
From the next screen, you can choose to install various plugins (from enlisted categories) on your multisite website or just proceed by clicking on the Next Step button.
That’s it about this step. Your multisite staging site is created. Use the link to visit it or the Magic Login button to log into its admin dashboard in one click.
Step 2 – Customize your WordPress Multisite Staging
Your staging site, created in the previous step, is going to serve as the building block for WaaS. So, all the customizations (according to your client’s requirements) must be made to this site.
To edit your WordPress multisite, you can use the magic login, code editor, SFTP, and various development tools while building with InstaWP. It’s going to be smooth and fast!
Step 3 – Save it as a Template
To save your staging site as a Template, click the Save Template icon for the said site.
Alternatively, you can go to the Templates page and choose your multisite staging site to build the template.
Add a name and description while creating your WordPress multisite template.
Make sure to mark your template as Shared Template, as your WaaS will be client-facing.
Step 4 – Use the template in WaaS.
Let’s build your Website as a Service site now!
Click WaaS from the top menu and hit the Add New button to get started.
Oh, and if you don’t see the WaaS option in the top menu, click the icon to explore more. You will find it in the dropdown.
For frequent use, you can pin it to the top menu.
Coming back to the topic, proceed by adding a name to your WaaS and selecting your multisite staging’s template.
Next, configure your WaaS settings, branding configuration, hosting plans, and so on.
Note: While you can build a single-site WaaS with any supported hosting provider, InstaWP Live is the only supported hosting provider for multisite WaaS. So, while editing Hosting Settings, choose “InstaWP Live” as your Server Alias, select your preferred Pack, and pick a Data Center.
Need help while building your WordPress WaaS? This video can help.
All set? Let’s move to the next step.
Read the Complete Guide to Creating a WaaS here →
Step 5 – Automatic Conversion of Sold Sites to Multisite
At this step, you need not do anything. Because your WaaS has a multisite staging’s template in its core, it will automatically act like a multisite WaaS.
Once you start selling your WaaS, it will be evident. The sold sites will automatically be converted to multisite websites, and your client will be able to map multiple domains to the WaaS.
Just generate a shareable link to your WaaS and share it with your client.
Step 6 – Your WaaS customer Mapping domain and Launching it
Now, upon purchasing your WordPress WaaS multisite website, your customers will be able to map multiple domains to them.
Benefits of Selling a Multisite WaaS
1. Attracting Big Fish in Niche Markets
With Multisite WaaS, you can bundle hosting, security, backups, and custom features into one big shiny package. And because you’re offering a comprehensive service, you can charge premium rates. Clients are willing to pay more when everything is handled for them.
The above means – Franchises, associations, and multi-location businesses are your prospects when it comes to Multisite. They need lots of websites fast, but they also want uniformity.
You can even license your network to businesses that want to offer sites to their own customers. It’s like selling shovels during the gold rush—everyone needs one!
2. Recurring Revenue
With a WaaS model, you’re not just selling a one-time website. You’re creating a subscription-based income. This implies that your client remains in your orbit with ongoing services. That means money coming in like clockwork every month, not just when you finish a project.
3. Easy Management, Big Profits
With Multisite, you manage everything from one dashboard. Update one plugin, and it updates across hundreds of sites. The whole process takes much less time and fewer headaches.
4. Quick Deployment, Fast Money
Clients love it when things get done fast, and they’ll pay a premium for it. “Fast, good, and done,” as the saying goes!
Once your Multisite setup is live, you can spin up new sites very fast. This lets you take on more clients without burning out your team. And the best part is, you can charge extra for that speed.
5. Long-term Partnerships = Long-term $$$
Enterprise clients love consistency, and Multisite is all about that. You’re not just their web agency—you’re their go-to partner for the long haul.
Offering WaaS shows big clients you can handle the complexity, so they’ll keep coming back for updates, maintenance, and new features. It’s a lot of money if you count.
Recap: Why Multisite WaaS Is a No-Brainer for Big Clients?
- Consistency for Franchises: Ideal for businesses needing uniform websites across multiple locations.
- Recurring Revenue: The WaaS model generates consistent, subscription-based income.
- Easy Management: Manage all sites from one dashboard, saving time and reducing complexity.
- Quick Deployment: Spin up new sites fast, enabling you to handle more clients without extra strain.
- Long-term Partnerships: Build lasting relationships with enterprise clients, offering continuous updates and maintenance.
Final Word
By offering WordPress Multisite WaaS, you’re setting your agency up for sustainable growth, bigger clients, and a steady stream of income that keeps flowing long after the project is launched. This can establish your agency as a long-term, valuable partner with consistent, recurring revenue and premium pricing.
For your clients, it means a lot less headache and a well-managed, high-performing (single or multisite) website, which brings higher revenue and more visibility to them.
It’s the best of both worlds—scalable for you, and a no-brainer for them!
Start building your Multisite WaaS today with InstaWP →
Questions you might have about WaaS and Multisite WaaS
What is a WaaS?
WaaS stands for “Website as a Service.” It’s a subscription-based model where clients pay for fully managed websites, including hosting, security, and updates.
How does a multisite WaaS differ from a regular website?
With multisite WaaS, you manage multiple websites from one dashboard, offering clients the same features and structure but with easier maintenance.
Who is Multisite WordPress WaaS for?
WaaS is perfect for franchises, businesses with multiple locations, or companies that want multiple sites managed from one central place.
Can I scale WaaS to handle hundreds of clients?
Absolutely. A multisite WaaS setup is built to scale, allowing you to manage hundreds (or even thousands) of websites with ease.
Does InstaWP support multisite WaaS setups?
Yes! InstaWP makes it simple to create, manage, and deploy multisite WaaS networks, streamlining the process for agencies and freelancers.
Can I create multiple WaaS sites with InstaWP?
Absolutely. InstaWP allows you to create and manage multiple WaaS setups, each with its own unique branding, features, and clients.
Is WaaS better for clients or agencies?
It’s a win-win! Agencies enjoy recurring revenue and easier management, while clients benefit from a fully managed, professional website without the headaches.
How fast can I launch a WaaS with InstaWP?
With InstaWP, you can have a fully functional WaaS up and running in just minutes, thanks to pre-configured templates and fast deployment tools.
What makes InstaWP ideal for WaaS?
InstaWP offers rapid staging site creation, seamless multisite management, and easy template-saving options, making it perfect for agencies wanting to offer WaaS services at scale.
What kind of support can I expect for managing multiple clients?
Agencies need reliable support when managing several client websites. InstaWP offers dedicated support, including managed hosting, backups, and performance monitoring, ensuring a smooth WaaS experience.
Will WaaS limit my customization options for clients?
Customization is crucial for agencies. InstaWP allows you to easily tailor each client’s site with unique branding, features, and plugins while still managing everything centrally.