Creating a multisite setup in WordPress allows you to manage multiple websites from a single WordPress installation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to set it up:
Step 1 : Check Prerequisites
1. Hosting Requirements : Ensure your hosting supports multisite (e.g., shared, VPS, or dedicated hosting).
2. WordPress Installation :
Install WordPress on your server and ensure it’s functioning properly.
3. Backup : Backup your existing WordPress site if it's already in use.
Step 2 : Enable Multisite in WordPress
1. Edit wp-config.php :
- Open your
wp-config.phpfile located in your WordPress root directory. - Add the following line above.
/* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */:define('WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true); - Save the file.
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Tools > Network Setup.
Step 3 : Configure Network Settings
1. Choose Network Type :
- Subdomains: Creates sites as
site1.example.com,site2.example.com - Ensure your hosting supports wildcard subdomains.
- Subdirectories : Creates sites as
example.com/site1,example.com/site2.
- Enter a network title and admin email.
- Click Install.
Step 4: Update Configuration Files
1. Modify wp-config.php :
- After setup, WordPress will provide code to add to
wp-config.php. Copy and paste it.
.htaccess :
- WordPress will also provide code to add to your
.htaccessfile. Replace any existing WordPress rules with the provided code.
Step 5 : Log Back In
- Log out of WordPress and log back in to access the multisite network administration.
Step 6 : Add and Manage Sites
1. Access Network Dashboard :
- Navigate to My Sites > Network Admin > Dashboard.
- Go to Sites > Add New.
- Enter the site title, address, and admin email to create a new site.
Step 7 : Manage Plugins and Themes
- Plugins : Install and activate plugins for the entire network or individual sites.
- Themes : Install themes and allow network-enabled themes to be used by individual sites.