Do you spend too much time going back and forth between the different sites that you manage? Wouldn’t it be great if you could do site updates, or make code tweaks, all at once and all in one place?
Well, with multisite WordPress hosting, you can.
WordPress is a content management powerhouse, but you already know this. Still, plenty of developers and agencies are adding more work to their plate by looking at each site as a single island.
WordPress multisite has been around for a while and allows you to manage an entire network of websites from a single place. If you need to make multiple edits to several sites at once, then multisite can be incredibly useful and a real time saver.
Below we highlight what WordPress multisite hosting actually is, why you might want it, and how it changes your existing WordPress dashboard.
What is Multisite?
WordPress multisite is a feature that’s built-in to WordPress with their 3.0 update. Essentially, it allows you to create a network of websites that all run on a single install of WordPress. Instead of having a different install for every single site you’re managing.
However, WordPress multisite doesn’t work with every web host. At Pagely, we can make the necessary modifications so your sites are supported. So, if you’re running a network of sites that all utilize the same plugins configurations and theme settings, then this can be a real time saver.
In technical terms, you’ll just be running and managing a single site, then pushing out all of those updates to every site on your network.
If you still don’t understand what WordPress multisite is and how it works, the team at WPMU DEV has written an extensive guide to help.
This Is Why You Should Use WordPress Multisite
Still, not convinced that you can benefit from using WordPress multisite? Then, take a look at some of the cool features below.
1. Only Have to Manage a Single Install
If you currently host a few different sites with WordPress, then you’ll have multiple logins and sites to manage. With multisite WordPress hosting, all you need to do is install WordPress once.
Then you can make changes to your entire network of sites from a single dashboard.
2. Can Share Themes and Plugins
Multisite will enable you to share various plugins and themes with every other site in your network. This way you can make simple plugin or theme changes and push those changes out to every single site under multisite hosting. We cover this in more depth below.
3. Updates Are a Breeze
Are keeping your themes and plugins up to date a headache for you?
Whether you’re doing it from the command line or logging into the WordPress backend, updates take time.
Now, imagine being able to update every site in your network with a single click. Well, with multisite WordPress hosting you can do just that.
When WordPress Multisite Doesn’t Make Sense
Now, WordPress multisite hosting doesn’t make sense for every kind of site. For example, if you only manage one website, then just do a single WordPress install. If you’re managing multiple websites that have completely different designs, goals, and purposes, then you may just want to manage these separately.
However, if WordPress multisite sounds like something you need, and your current host doesn’t support it, then we recommend switching to a WP host like Pagely.
What You Can Do With WordPress Multisite
Since you’re already familiar with working with WordPress, then working with WordPress multisite won’t be that much different. Below, we highlight the key differences you’ll likely come across.
1. Plugin and Theme Maintenance
One of the biggest differences between regular WordPress install and multisite install is how you’re going to go about managing your plugins and themes. The plugins or themes that are installed by a network admin will now be available to use across any site currently in your network.
You’ll be able to network active certain themes and plugins, so it’s available across any site in the network. You can also enable and install plugins and themes on an individual basis as well.
2. The New Network Admin Dashboard
Once you setup multisite WordPress hosting you’ll have a new network admin dashboard that allows you to manage all of your sites on a network basis.
Only super administrators will have access to this part of the dashboard, which we dive into below.
3. The New Super Admin Role
On a single WordPress install, users who are given admin access will have ultimate control over the site. But now, with multisite hosting, the super administrator role will have the metaphoric keys to the kingdom.
You can still assign regular administrator roles to various sites on your network, but the super administrator will be able to manage every site in the network.
If you’re an agency managing multiple sites for yourself and for your clients, then multisite hosting might be something worth looking into.
If you have any questions about Pagely hosting and how it can help you take control of your network of sites, then get in touch today.
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for sharing useful information. My question is that we have 3 different separate domains & need to keep together in 1 space using mutlisite feature so does pagely support this? All 3 domains having different looks means theme, plugins and site setting. Please advice accordingly we plan for setting up at Pagely likewise.
Thanks