When to use WordPress multisite, what hosting to choose, admin and server requirements to enable a multisite network, improving WordPress multisite performance, when not to use WordPress multisite.

Around 1.17 million websites use multisite networks on WordPress in 2024, and more than half a million have used them in the past. A multisite network is a group of WordPress websites that is installed at the same time. This network can be configured so only admins can make sites, which are called “subsites” or individual sites.

A multisite network makes it easier to manage a group of sites from a single dashboard. This is useful if you need to run a network of websites, such as a collection of blogs, educational portals, or franchise sites. It’s also helpful if you want to host multiple websites on different domains or subdomains.

The best kind of hosting for a WordPress multisite network

Managed WordPress hosting is tailored for WordPress sites, offering optimized performance, enhanced security, and specialized support. WP Engine is known for its reliable infrastructure. It offers excellent support and performance enhancements for WordPress multisite networks.

Cloud hosting offers scalability and reliability, with resources distributed across multiple servers. This is ideal for multisite networks that may experience variable traffic and need to scale resources dynamically.

Experts recommend Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. AWS offers powerful and scalable cloud solutions, including Amazon Lightsail, for simpler management.

Microsoft Azure features flexible cloud hosting solutions with strong support for enterprise-level applications and services.

Google Cloud Platform provides robust cloud infrastructure with powerful tools and scalability options for WordPress multisite networks.

Admin and server requirements

To create a multisite network, you would usually need access to the server’s file system so you can create a directory and edit files. You can use FTP to access this system.

You don’t need experience with WordPress, HTML, CSS, or PHP. However, some background knowledge might help you optimize, troubleshoot, or customize your multisite network after installing it.

Your server must follow more complex web.config, htaccess, or nginx.conf rules required by WordPress multisite.

Enabling multisite

To enable WordPress multisite, edit the file called “wp-config.php” in the root directory and enable the command “WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE.” The next step is refreshing the dashboard. A new item will appear under Tools, “Network Setup.” This page contains instructions on creating the multisite network.

You must choose whether to use subdomains or subdirectories as addresses for the network’s websites. The former are recommended because they don’t require additional DNS configuration. You click on “Install,” tweak wp-config.php, and add the information from the first step of the page “Enabling the Network.”

Edit the .htaccess file in the WordPress install root directory and add the rules described in the second step. Refresh the dashboard and log in again. You’ll be taken back to “Network Setup,” but as the admin, and there will be a new set of menu options for your multisite network.

FAQ

What additional steps must I take to set up a multisite in WordPress?

Make sure you have enabled the multisite feature in the wp-config. Then, log in and go to “Tools” –> “Network Installation.” Add the code snippets provided to the appropriate files. The setup wizard will take over from here.

How can I improve my WordPress multisite performance?

A reliable web host, optimized images, and caching plugins can improve WordPress multisite performance. The best caching plugins are WP Super Cache, Autoptimize, W3 Total Cache, WP Rocket, WP Fastest Cache, LiteSpeed Cache, WP-Optimize, etc.

When shouldn’t I use WordPress multisite?

Multisite isn’t a good option if your network consists of WordPress sites vastly differing in themes, plugins, and customization.