WordPress Multisite vs Single Site: What’s the Better Option for Your Agency?

Are you a WordPress agency considering a leap into the world of Multisite WordPress? Or perhaps you’re perfectly comfortable with the simplicity of a single site setup but are curious about whether the grass might be greener in the land of WordPress Multisite. 

Well, grab your coffee and put on your thinking cap (or your coding hat, if that’s your thing), because we’re about to dive into the depths of WordPress Multisite vs Single Site, and help you figure out which option is best for your agency’s next big project.

What is WordPress Multisite?

Let’s start with the basics. WordPress Multisite is a powerful feature that allows you to create and manage multiple WordPress websites from a single WordPress installation. Think of it as the Swiss army knife of WordPress setups, where you can have multiple websites without the need to install a fresh WordPress copy for each one.

The best part? Managing everything from a centralized dashboard. You can create and manage users, themes, plugins, and more, all in one spot. It’s the ultimate shortcut for agencies managing several client sites or building a network of sites (think blogs, eCommerce platforms, or membership sites).

We have a detailed guide on WordPress multisite for you. 

What is a WordPress Single Site?

Now, a single site setup is the traditional WordPress installation where you create and manage only one site from one WordPress instance. Whether it’s a blog, an online store, or a portfolio, a single site setup is simple, straightforward, and perfect for smaller websites or businesses that don’t need the complexity of managing multiple websites.

The Ultimate Showdown: WordPress Multisite vs Single Site

So, how does a Multisite stack up against a Single Site? Let’s break it down into key categories:

1. WordPress Multisite vs Single Site: Ease of Setup

Multisite: Setting up WordPress Multisite requires a bit more effort. You need to enable the Multisite feature, configure your server for the extra workload, and manage domain mapping (if you’re using different domains for each site in the network). 

However, there’s an easy solution—using a reliable platform that instantly converts a live site into a WordPress Multisite effortlessly, without requiring any technical expertise. Setting up and managing a Multisite WordPress network is streamlined, making it an excellent choice for agencies looking to expand their WordPress capabilities. 

Single Site: Simple. You can spin up a single WordPress site in no time. Perfect for agencies that need a site quickly and don’t want to mess with too much configuration.

2. WordPress Multisite vs Single Site: Managing Multiple Websites

Multisite: If you manage more than one client site or have a network of related websites, Multisite is a game-changer. You manage everything from one dashboard, making updates, plugin installations, and user management much easier.

And, if you’re managing a WordPress Multisite network for multiple clients, a reliable WordPress site management service makes everything incredibly easy and hassle-free. 

With a powerful dashboard, you can effortlessly monitor security, performance, and uptime across all your sites. Bulk updates, 1-click login, and real-time vulnerability scanning ensure your sites stay secure and up-to-date. 

Plus, with features like multiple staging sites and customizable alerts, managing your network has never been more efficient.

Single Site: If you’re only handling a single client or project, a single site works just fine. But, managing dozens of websites? That can get out of hand pretty quickly.

3. WordPress Multisite vs Single Site: Performance Considerations

Multisite: When you add more sites to your network, performance can take a hit—especially if you’re not optimizing your setup. The more sites you have, the more server resources you’ll need. 

However, you’re still saving server space since all the sites share the same installation. It’s a balance between performance and convenience. 

To keep your WordPress multisite network running smoothly, consider these optimization strategies:

1. Upgrade Hosting Resources: Ensure your server can handle the extra load. Opt for high-performance hosting that offers scalable resources, such as managed WordPress hosting with dedicated CPU and RAM.
2. Use Caching: Implement caching at both the site and server level to reduce the load on your server. Caching plugins and server-side caching solutions can speed up page load times and minimize server resource usage.
3. Optimize Database Performance: Regularly clean up and optimize your WordPress database to prevent bloat and slowdowns. 
4. Offload Media Files: Consider using a CDN (Content Delivery Network) to serve static content like images and videos, reducing the load on your server and improving load times.
5. Deactivate Unused Themes & Plugins: Disable or remove any unused themes and plugins across your network to reduce overhead and improve site speed.

Single Site: Performance is straightforward here. You’re only running one site, so it’s easier to manage resource allocation. But once you grow and add multiple sites, you’ll have to set up separate instances.

4. WordPress Multisite vs Single Site: User Management

Multisite: One of the biggest benefits of Multisite is how it handles users. You can assign users to one or multiple sites in the network. This is a great feature for agencies that need to manage users across multiple sites, especially when dealing with permissions and roles.

Single Site: You can only assign users to a single site, and managing users across many sites can become cumbersome if you have a growing number of clients. But, it’s easier to control permissions for a single website.

5. WordPress Multisite vs Single Site: Theme and Plugin Management

Multisite: Multisite comes with the ability to manage themes and plugins across all sites in the network. You can activate themes and plugins globally or selectively per site. But, here’s the catch: not all plugins and themes play well with Multisite, so you’ll have to test and ensure they work properly.

Here’s how to fix it:

1. Choose Multisite-Compatible Themes & Plugins: Always opt for themes and plugins that are explicitly built or optimized for the WordPress Multisite network. Check the plugin or theme documentation or reviews to confirm compatibility before activation.
2. Test Before Activating: On a staging site, test new themes and plugins before going live. This ensures they won’t cause issues like performance degradation or site crashes.
3. Use Network-Aware Plugins: Some plugins are designed specifically for Multisite networks and will work across all sites without conflicts. Research and choose plugins that are Multisite-friendly, such as security plugins, SEO tools, and backup solutions.
4. Activate Plugins Selectively: Activate themes and plugins on a per-site basis if you’re unsure about their compatibility. This allows you to keep control over potential conflicts and minimize disruptions to the entire network.
5. Monitor and Update Regularly: Once activated, closely monitor your sites for any performance issues or errors. Regularly check for updates to your themes and plugins to ensure they remain compatible with the latest WordPress version and each other. A better move is to enable automatic updates for WordPress core, plugins, and themes. 

Single Site: Installing and managing themes and plugins on a single site is simple. It’s a streamlined process that’s perfect for agencies that are not dealing with the overhead of a network.

6. WordPress Multisite vs Single Site: Security

Multisite: Multisite can be tricky from a security standpoint. If one site in the network gets compromised, it can potentially affect all the sites in the network. Regular backups and proper security measures (firewall, plugins, etc.) are crucial here.

Single Site: Since each site is isolated, a security breach on one won’t affect others. This adds an extra layer of peace of mind for agencies who prefer a more secure, less risky approach.

7. WordPress Multisite vs Single Site: Cost Efficiency

Multisite: Hosting multiple sites in one WordPress Multisite setup can save costs compared to managing each site independently. You’re only paying for one WordPress installation, even if you manage hundreds of sites. It’s an excellent solution for agencies managing multiple client sites or large-scale networks.

Single Site: Running multiple single sites means more server space and resources are required for each site. While it’s less complicated, it can become costly for agencies managing many client sites, as each one requires its own hosting environment.

When Should Your Agency Use WordPress Multisite?

Now that we’ve explored the ins and outs of Multisite and Single Sites, let’s look at some situations where Multisite might be the ideal choice for your agency:

• Managing a Network of Sites: If your agency is building a network of related sites (like client blogs, regional sites, or franchise networks), Multisite is a must.
• Centralized Control: If you want to manage multiple sites from a single dashboard (think ease of plugin updates, theme management, and user permissions), Multisite makes your life easier.
• Scaling Quickly: If you’re planning to expand your network of sites, Multisite is the easiest way to scale without constantly creating new WordPress installations.
• Multiple Clients with Similar Needs: If you’re managing several clients with similar website setups (e.g., online stores, blogs), Multisite lets you streamline processes and avoid repetitive tasks.

When Should You Stick with WordPress Single Site?

• One-off Websites: If you’re creating a single website for a client, a standard WordPress installation is sufficient. No need to complicate things with Multisite.
• Low Traffic or Small Businesses: For smaller clients or low-traffic websites, a Single Site is more than enough. It’s simple, secure, and doesn’t require too much maintenance.
• Less Complexity: If you’re managing just one site, there’s no need to go down the Multisite route unless you need it.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

WordPress Multisite is an amazing tool, but it’s not for everyone. If your agency manages multiple sites and you want a more efficient way to handle everything, WordPress Multisite setup is your friend. It’s like the ultimate power tool for agencies that have their hands full with several clients.

However, if you’re just starting out or working with a small number of client sites, don’t feel the pressure to jump into the WordPress Multisite network. Stick with the traditional single-site setup until you’re ready to scale.

The right choice depends on the scale of your operations, the type of sites you’re working with, and how much control you want over each one. Both WordPress Multisite and Single Sites are great in their own ways—it just depends on your agency’s needs!

FAQs

Q1: Can I switch from WordPress Single Site to Multisite?
A1: Yes, you can! Migrating from a single site to Multisite is possible, but it’s a bit of a process. Be sure to back up your site before making any changes, and check that all your themes and plugins are compatible with Multisite.

Q2: Do I need a special hosting plan for WordPress Multisite?
A2: While you don’t necessarily need a special plan, you will need hosting that can handle the increased traffic and resource demands of multiple sites. Look for a hosting plan that supports WordPress Multisite.

Q3: Can I use different themes and plugins for each site in a Multisite network?
A3: Yes, you can activate themes and plugins for specific sites, or globally across the network. Just keep in mind that not all themes and plugins are fully compatible with Multisite.

Q4: Is Multisite faster than Single Site?
A4: Not necessarily. While Multisite saves you from needing multiple WordPress installations, the more sites you add to your network, the more server resources you need. Performance depends on your hosting and how well you optimize your network.

Q5: How do I manage security in a WordPress Multisite network?
A5: Security is essential in a Multisite setup. Regularly update your themes, plugins, and WordPress core. Use strong passwords, set up proper user permissions, and consider security plugins like Wordfence for added protection.