WordPress Multisite lets you run multiple websites from a single WordPress installation. All sites share the same core files, themes and plugins, while each site can have its own content, users and settings. It is used by universities, media companies, franchises and agencies managing many related sites.
How Multisite Works
| — | — |
|---|---|
| Themes and plugins (installed) | Shared, activated per site or network-wide |
| Content, media and settings | Separate per site |
| Users | Shared user table, roles assigned per site |
Subdomain vs Subdirectory Networks
| — | — | — |
|---|---|---|
| Subdomains | blog.example.com, shop.example.com | Needs wildcard DNS for new sites |
| Subdirectories | example.com/blog, example.com/shop | Simpler DNS setup |
Custom domains can also be mapped to individual sites.
When Multisite Makes Sense
- A university with department websites
- A franchise with location sites sharing a design
- A media company with several related publications
- An agency hosting similar client sites it fully manages
- Language versions sharing infrastructure
When to Avoid Multisite
- Sites with very different plugins or hosting needs
- Sites owned by different clients who may move away
- Projects where one site’s problems should not affect others
- Beginners who prefer simpler management
Pros and Cons
| — | — |
|---|---|
| Update core, themes and plugins once | One problem can affect all sites |
| Central user management | Some plugins are not multisite-compatible |
Setting Up Multisite (Overview)
- Back up your site
- Enable multisite by adding a setting to wp-config.php
- Deactivate plugins and run the network setup under Tools → Network Setup
- Add the generated code to wp-config.php and .htaccess
- Log in again and manage sites from My Sites → Network Admin
Check that your host supports multisite before starting.
Managing a Network
Super Admins install themes and plugins network-wide, control which are available to each site, create new sites and manage users. Individual site administrators manage content and settings for their own sites only.
SEO Considerations
Each site needs its own sitemap, Search Console property and SEO settings. Use hreflang for language versions and avoid duplicate content across sites.
Common Mistakes
- Using multisite for unrelated sites
- Installing incompatible plugins
- Lacking a backup strategy for individual sites
- Giving too many people Super Admin access
Frequently Asked Questions
Is multisite good for beginners?
Usually not. Separate installs are simpler for most beginners.
Can each site have its own domain?
Yes, through domain mapping.
Do all sites share plugins?
Plugins are installed once but can be activated network-wide or per site.
Is multisite faster?
Not inherently. Performance depends on hosting and configuration.
Can I convert multisite back to single sites?
Yes, but it requires careful migration.
Conclusion
WordPress Multisite is a powerful tool for managing many related sites from one dashboard. Use it when sites share design, plugins and management, and choose separate installations when independence and simplicity matter more.
