What Is WordPress Multisite- A Guide For WordPress Agencies 

Imagine managing 50 websites for your clients—each with its own content, updates, and plugins. Now, imagine doing all that from a single dashboard. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, for WordPress agencies, this dream is made possible with WordPress Multisite.

With over 40% of the web running on WordPress, Multisite offers agencies a game-changing way to streamline site management. In this guide, we’ll explore how WordPress Multisite can transform the way agencies handle multiple projects, saving time, reducing overhead, and scaling your business effortlessly. Let’s dive in!

What WordPress Multisite Meant for Agencies? 

For WordPress agencies, WordPress Multisite is a powerful feature that allows you to create and manage multiple websites from a single WordPress installation. Instead of juggling numerous separate WordPress sites, Multisite gives agencies a centralized system to manage themes, plugins, and user roles across all the sites. It’s like having a control center for your entire portfolio of client websites.

Let’s say you run a WordPress agency managing a network of small business websites. Each client needs a website with a custom domain, unique content, and specific features. Without WordPress Multisite, you’d have to manage each site individually, performing updates, backups, and customizations one at a time for every client. This can quickly become overwhelming, especially as the number of clients grows.

With WordPress Multisite, you can create a “network” of sites under one central installation. Each client’s site is still independent in terms of content and design, but all of them are managed from one dashboard. This means you can:

• Save time on updates: Update plugins, themes, and WordPress core for all sites simultaneously.
• Centralize user management: Assign users across different sites without the need for separate logins.
• Simplify backups: Back up all sites in one go, reducing the complexity of managing multiple backups.
• Streamline client communication: Access each client’s site from a single location without logging in and out of multiple dashboards.

In essence, WordPress Multisite allows agencies to scale their operations efficiently while maintaining control and consistency across a growing number of client sites. It’s a major time-saver and makes managing large-scale projects far more feasible.

How Does WordPress Multisite Work for Agencies?

When comparing WordPress multisite vs. single-site configurations, agencies quickly realize that both share many similarities, but multisite WordPress offers distinct advantages for managing multiple websites. 

While regular WordPress installations function independently, a WordPress multisite setup provides centralized control and additional features. Let’s break down the key components of multisite WordPress to understand how it can work for agencies handling multiple client projects.

User Roles and Permissions in WordPress Multisite

By default, WordPress offers five user roles, ranging from the highest authority to the lowest:

1. Administrator
2. Editor
3. Author
4. Contributor
5. Subscriber

In a WordPress multisite setup, there’s one additional role: Super Administrator (or Network Administrator). This role is crucial for agencies managing multiple client websites under one roof.

What is a Super Admin?

Imagine the super admin as the agency’s “head of operations” in charge of the entire multisite WordPress network. The super admin has the ability to oversee all subsites, which are the individual websites within the network. 

Regular administrators can only control the settings and content for their assigned subsite, but super admins can manage all subsites, install themes and plugins, and apply changes across the network.

For agencies, this means that the person in charge can maintain full control over every client site while still delegating day-to-day tasks to individual site administrators.

Themes and Plugins Management in WordPress Multisite

A key difference between a WordPress multisite and a regular WordPress site is how themes and plugins are managed. In a multisite WordPress network, plugins and themes are stored at the network level, rather than being installed individually for each site. This approach reduces redundancy and streamlines maintenance.

For example, if an agency is managing several e-commerce sites for different clients, the super admin can install a popular WooCommerce theme and plugin once, and then activate it across all the relevant subsites. This eliminates the need to install and configure the theme or plugin for each site separately.

• Centralized Updates: When a new version of a theme or plugin is released, the super admin can update it across the entire network in one go, saving time and ensuring consistency across all client sites.
• Security: Since plugins and themes are activated network-wide, super admins have better control over which plugins are used, reducing the risk of security vulnerabilities being introduced by individual administrators.

Domains and Domain Mapping in WordPress Multisite

One of the most useful features for agencies is the ability to manage subsites under a single domain or use custom domain mapping for individual sites.

Subdomains vs. Subdirectories

When setting up a WordPress multisite setup, super admins can decide whether to use subdomains (e.g., client1.agency.com) or subdirectories (e.g.,agency.com/client1) for each subsite. This flexibility allows agencies to manage multiple client sites efficiently, whether they prefer a distinct look for each client or a more consolidated brand presence.

Custom Domain Mapping

For clients who require their own domain, multisite WordPress allows agencies to map custom domains to subsites. For instance, a client running a blog for their health business can have a unique domain while still being part of the agency’s WordPress multisite network.

Code and Storage Management in WordPress Multisite

While each WordPress installation is unique in terms of its backend configuration, WordPress multisite networks share a key advantage: shared code and resources.

• Shared Core Files: In a WordPress multisite setup, all subsites use the same WordPress core files. This helps agencies save server space since themes, plugins, and core files are stored centrally, and each subsite uses them without duplication.
• Individual Media and Data: Although subsites share core files, each subsite keeps its own data and media files. This means that images and other uploaded files are stored separately for each client, ensuring that each site’s content remains distinct.

For agencies, this is highly beneficial because it simplifies the backend management of multiple client websites while still offering flexibility in terms of storage and customization.

Benefits of WordPress Multisite for Agencies

WordPress multisite offers several key advantages that agencies can leverage to streamline their operations and save time.

Centralized Site Management: For agencies with multiple clients, multisite WordPress offers the ability to manage all sites from a single dashboard. From installing and updating plugins and themes to managing user roles and permissions, a super admin can efficiently handle all networked sites. This centralized control makes it easier to ensure consistency across all client websites.

Let’s say you’re an agency managing websites for several restaurants. With WordPress Multisite, you can ensure that all restaurant sites are using the same theme, plugin, and design standards, and you can quickly roll out changes, updates, or new content across all sites with minimal effort.

Scalability: As your agency grows and your client base expands, WordPress multisite allows you to add unlimited subsites under one installation. Whether you’re working with a growing franchise or expanding your service offerings, the scalability of multisite WordPress means you can add new sites with just a few clicks, without the need for setting up new WordPress installations.

For an agency that works with multiple locations of a retail chain, WordPress multisite offers the ability to add new store websites as the chain grows, without the hassle of individual site setups.

Bonus: Do you know that you can sell WordPress multisite using WaaS and have an extra and stable revenue source for your agency? 

Cost Savings: Running multiple WordPress sites can get expensive, especially when you need separate themes, plugins, and hosting for each. With WordPress multisite setup, you only need to install and maintain one copy of WordPress, which means your agency can reduce costs associated with hosting, themes, and plugins.

Data Sharing and User Access: WordPress multisite networks allow users to seamlessly access multiple subsites without needing to log in separately for each one. This is ideal for agencies managing client accounts, as it simplifies user management and access permissions.

Different WordPress Multisite Use Cases for Agencies

WordPress multisite is a great option for agencies that need to manage multiple related websites. Here are some common use cases:

• Client Networks: For an agency managing multiple websites for a client, such as a hotel chain or a group of restaurants, WordPress multisite set-up provides a centralized platform to manage all sites efficiently.
• Franchises: Agencies that work with franchises benefit from WordPress multisite setup because it allows for easy expansion of the network as more franchisees join, with a consistent theme and branding applied across all sites.
• Multi-Language Websites: If an agency works with international clients, WordPress multisite makes it easy to create multilingual sites for different regions or languages, all under the same umbrella.
• Community Sites: If an agency builds online communities, multisite WordPress allows users to create their sub-communities while the agency retains control over the entire network.

When Not to Use WordPress Multisite for Agencies

While WordPress multisite set-up offers significant benefits, it’s not always the best solution for every agency. Consider these points before opting for a multisite WordPress configuration:

• Diverse Site Functionality: If your clients’ websites require very different designs, plugins, or themes, a WordPress multisite setup may cause more headaches than it solves.
• Limited Hosting Resources: WordPress multisite networks require solid server resources to handle multiple sites. If your hosting environment can’t support high traffic for many sites, it’s better to keep individual installations.
• Security Concerns: WordPress multisite network is inherently more vulnerable than single-site configurations because subsites share core files. If one subsite is compromised, it can affect the entire network, so agencies need to take extra precautions. You can solve this issue by using a site management service. 

Pros and Cons of WordPress Multisite for Agencies

Before as an agency you start investing in WordPress multisite set-up, you must weigh down the pros and cons of this process. 

Pros	Cons
Centralized Management: Agencies can manage multiple sites from a single dashboard, saving time and effort.	Complex Setup: Initial setup and configuration can be time-consuming and require technical expertise.
Cost-Effective: Reduces hosting and plugin costs as resources are shared across sites.	Limited Plugin Control: Plugins and themes are shared across the network, limiting individual site customization.
Consistent Updates: Updates to plugins, themes, and core WordPress can be applied network-wide, ensuring consistency.	Scalability Challenges: As the network grows, performance optimization and resource allocation become critical.
Streamlined User Management: Administrators can manage users across all sites, simplifying role assignments for agencies.	Shared Resources: A poorly optimized site on the network can affect the performance of others.
Efficient Site Creation: Agencies can quickly spin up new sites using pre-configured templates and settings.	Backup Complexity: Backing up or restoring a single site within a network requires specialized tools or processes.
Custom Permissions: Agencies can set specific permissions for site admins, allowing limited control per site.	Limited Autonomy for Clients: Clients managing individual sites may face restrictions due to shared settings and resources.
Scalable for Niche Projects: Ideal for agencies managing multiple sites for similar industries or use cases, like franchises.	Dependency on Hosting: Requires robust hosting infrastructure; otherwise, downtime can affect all sites on the network.
Global Settings Control: Agencies can enforce uniform branding, settings, and functionalities across sites.	Security Risks: A vulnerability in one site can pose a risk to the entire network.

What Are The Requirements to Set up a WordPress Multisite Network? 

Setting up a WordPress Multisite network involves specific technical and administrative requirements to ensure smooth functionality. For agencies managing multiple client websites, meeting these WordPress multisite set-up requirements is crucial for efficient operation. 

Technical Requirements

Here are the technical requirements that agencies need to set up the WordPress multisite network. 

Hosting: The primary requirement to set up a WordPress multisite network is hosting. But, agencies need to know that any random hosting won’t do much here. Agencies need WordPress multisite hosting that can handle the demands of a multisite setup. 

Agencies should prioritize managed WordPress hosting for better performance and scalability. Make sure these technical requirements are met by the multisite hosting provider. 

Sufficient server resources: At least 2GB of RAM for smaller networks; more for larger or high-traffic networks.

PHP version: Minimum PHP 7.4 (PHP 8.0+ is recommended).

Database: MySQL 5.7+ or MariaDB 10.3+.

Domain Configuration: Next, agencies should have to meet certain domain configurations to set up WordPress multisite network. For subdomain set-up, agencies require wildcard subdomain support (*.yourdomain.com) configured in your DNS and hosting panel.

For the subdirectory setup, agencies should ensure that WordPress installation must reside in the root directory of the domain.

File Permissions: Proper file permissions for the WordPress directory to allow modifications during the WordPress multisite setup process. In addition, you should have the ability to edit the wp-config.php and .htaccess files.

SSL Certificate: A valid SSL certificate is recommended for secure connections, particularly if the WordPress multisite network includes sensitive client data.

WordPress Installation: A fresh or existing WordPress installation, running the latest version. Ensure the installation has minimal customizations to prevent conflicts during the process of installing WordPress multisite.

Administrative Requirements

Along with these technical requirements, here are some of the basic administrative requirements to set upa  WordPress multisite network. 

Super Admin Access: Agencies need full administrative access to the WordPress installation to enable and manage the multisite network effectively.

Plugin and Theme Compatibility: Ensure all plugins and themes are compatible with WordPress multisite hosting to avoid performance or functionality issues.

Backup Solution: Implement a robust backup system to safeguard the main site and all subsites. Regular backups are crucial for agencies managing multiple clients.

How To Set up WordPress Multisite for Agencies

Setting up a WordPress multisite network for agencies requires strategic planning and adherence to a standard set-up approach. 

Pre Set-up Preparations

Before moving any further in the WordPress multisite network set-up journey, agencies need to make sure that: 

• You’re the administrator of the site
• You’re able to access the wp-config file of the site 
• You’ve enough WordPress multisite hosting update 
• WordPress core, plugin, and themes are updated 
• You have a recent backup of the site 
• All users are trusted and verified 
• All the plugins are deactivated, if you have an active site 

Once all these things are sorted, move ahead. 

Step 1: Enable Multisite in wp-config.php

Add the following line to your wp-config.php file to enable multisite functionality:

define(‘WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE’, true);

Save the file and restart the browser to apply these changes effectively. 

Step 2: Set up a Multisite WordPress Network 

On your WordPress site, deactivate all the active plugins before setting up a WordPress multisite network. 

Next, go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Tools > Network Setup to configure your network.

Step 3: Choose Your WordPress Multisite Network Settings

You will see options for setting up your multisite network. You can choose between subdomains or subdirectories.

• Subdomains will create a new site for each subdomain (like site1.example.com).
• Subdirectories will create a new site for each subdirectory (like example.com/site1).

Once you’ve chosen your preferred option, click the Install button.

Step 4: Update the wp-config.php and .htaccess Files:

After clicking Install, WordPress will generate some code for you to add to your wp-config.php and .htaccess files.

Copy and paste the code into the respective files as instructed.

Step 5: Log Out and Log Back In:

Once you’ve updated the files, log out of your WordPress dashboard.

Log back in to activate the multisite network.

Step 6: Network Admin Dashboard:

You’ll now have access to the Network Admin dashboard under the My Sites menu in the top WordPress admin bar.

From there, you can manage the WordPress multisite network, add new sites, and configure your network settings.

Now you have successfully enabled the WordPress Multisite feature and can manage multiple websites from a single WordPress installation.

Step 7: Test the Network

Create WordPress test sites to ensure everything works correctly. Verify that plugins, themes, and settings function as expected.

Too many steps and information to gauge on? We agree. But, what if we tell you that setting up a multisite WordPress network can only be a matter of a few steps without much editing? 

Yes! that‘s true. All you need is a wordPress development platform that offers you the ability to convert a live site to multisite instantly. 

Log in to the Dashboard. 

Navigate to the ‘Hosting’ tab from the main menu.

Head to your live site’s settings and select the option to convert to a multisite by clicking on the three-dot menu and choosing ‘More Options’.

In the settings, click ‘Convert’ to initiate the conversion to a multisite.

Choose between subdirectory or subdomain format. For example, selecting a subdirectory will create sites like example.com/site1, while subdomains will create site1.example.com. Choose wisely—this step is irreversible!

Once the update completes, perform a magic login to verify that your site has been converted successfully.

This way of setting up a WordPress Multisite network is a game-changer for agencies! It saves time, and effort, and eliminates the complexity of manual setups. Agencies can quickly convert your live site into a multisite network, manage multiple websites from one dashboard, and streamline your workflows—all in just a few clicks. 

Essential Resources for WordPress Multisite

When setting up a WordPress Multisite, it’s vital to choose the right tools and resources to maximize productivity and efficiency. While many practices remain the same as managing a single WordPress site, WordPress Multisite requires special attention to the hosting environment, themes, and plugins used to ensure optimal performance, security, and scalability.

Though WordPress Multisite is a built-in feature, it doesn’t always play well with every plugin and theme. So, let’s dive into the must-have resources that will keep your WordPress Multisite network running smoothly.

WordPress Multisite Hosting: Choosing the Right Provider

Does hosting matter when setting up a WordPress Multisite network? Absolutely!

Running multiple websites on a single hosting account means you need a hosting provider that can handle the unique demands of a WordPress Multisite network. Here’s what you should look for:

• Expertise in WordPress: Ensure the hosting company understands WordPress Multisite and offers Multisite-friendly hosting plans.
• Dedicated Multisite Support: Opt for hosting providers who provide support for users setting up WordPress Multisite networks.
• Scalable Hosting Plans: As your network grows, choose the best hosting plans that scale with it, offering more bandwidth, storage, and performance control.

WordPress Multisite Themes: Picking the Right One for Your Network

Choosing the right theme for your WordPress Multisite setup is key to ensuring flexibility and consistency across the network. While there are no specific “Multisite” themes, a multipurpose theme is a great choice.

A multipurpose WordPress theme provides flexibility for users across your network. You can check out our list of fast WordPress multipurpose themes to find the perfect match.

WordPress Multisite Plugins: Essential Tools for Your Network

When managing a WordPress Multisite network, plugin compatibility is crucial. Not all plugins are designed to work across a WordPress Multisite network, so always check for Multisite compatibility before installation. 

Must Read: Top 7 WordPress Multisite Plugins for Efficient Network Management

WordPress Site Management Service: Manage Everything With Ease

For agencies managing multiple WordPress websites, handling the complexity of a WordPress Multisite network can quickly become overwhelming. With numerous sites to maintain, ensuring consistent performance, security, and updates across the network is no small task. This is where a WordPress site management service comes into play, offering a streamlined solution to keep everything running smoothly.

As an agency, you likely manage various client websites or subdomains under a WordPress Multisite setup. A site management service can help offload the daily administrative burden by providing consistent:

• Regular Updates: Keep all sites within your WordPress Multisite network up-to-date with the latest WordPress core, plugin, and theme updates to avoid vulnerabilities and ensure optimal performance.
• Backups and Recovery: Automated backups ensure that no matter what happens, your client sites are protected. If something goes wrong, a quick recovery process can restore your network to its previous state with minimal downtime.
• Security Monitoring: Protect your WordPress Multisite network from potential threats with proactive security scans, firewalls, and malware detection, ensuring all your sites remain secure and functional.
• Performance Optimization: Improve the speed and performance of your client websites across the network by managing caching, optimizing databases, and handling server configurations.

Wrapping Up 

WordPress Multisite is a powerful tool for agencies looking to manage multiple sites under a single umbrella. It simplifies site management but requires careful attention to hosting, themes, and plugins to ensure optimal performance and security. With the right resources and best practices, your WordPress Multisite network can thrive.

For agencies looking to streamline the maintenance of multiple sites, consider partnering with InstaWP. Their managed WordPress Multisite support services provide everything you need—from performance optimization to unlimited edits—ensuring your WordPress Multisite network remains Bufftastic!

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