Hello, dear readers! Do you still remember the time when you had your first... Website have created? It was like a voyage of discovery, wasn't it? Today we are taking this journey to a whole new level. We are talking about WordPress Multisite, a powerful tool that allows you to create a whole Network of websites under one roof. Imagine this: One dashboard, multiple websites, and endless possibilities!

What is a WordPress multisite anyway?

A WordPress multisite is basically a collection of websites that you can manage from a single WordPress installation. That means you install WordPress once and then can create multiple websites Create with your own content, themes and plugins. Sounds tempting, right?

Advantages of a multisite

1. Efficiency: Imagine being able to update all your websites with a single click. This is not magic, this is WordPress Multisite.
2. Resource saving: Since all Websites Using the same WordPress installation saves storage space and server resources.
3. Centralized control: You have full control over all websites and can centrally manage user roles, themes and plugins.

Disadvantages of a multisite

1. complexity: More websites also mean more responsibility. You must ensure that all websites are secure and up to date.
2. Resourcesrequirement: Although you save resources, a large multisite can still be resource intensive, especially if the sites have a lot of traffic.

Why is this relevant to you?

Well if you have multiple projects or to plan, expanding into different niches, a multisite is like a Swiss army knife. It gives you the flexibility and tools you need for your digital empire.

What belongs in your sailor's box?

Before we get into the technical details, let's make sure you have everything you need on board for this trip.

Basic technical equipment

WordPress installation

The heart of every WordPress multisite is of course a functioning WordPress installation. If you don't have one yet, then it's high time! Installation is very easy and can be completed in just a few minutes.

webserver

Your webserver should meet certain requirements in order to be able to operate a multisite smoothly. Here are the key points:

• Apache or Nginx: These two web servers are best for WordPress suitable. Apache is the more popular choice, but Nginx is known for its speed.
• PHP 7.4 or higher: Older PHP versions are not only slower, but also less secure.
• MySQL 5.6 or MariaDB 10.1 or later: These database systems store all your valuable data, so take the best!

Domain Name System (DNS)

If you want to use subdomains for your multisite, you need to make sure your DNS is configured correctly. This isn't as complicated as it sounds.

Subdomains or directories? You decide!

Now comes the exciting part: How would you like to structure your multisite? You have two options:

Subdomains

A subdomain looks like this: blog1.beispiel.de, blog2.beispiel.de. Every Website in your multisite would appear as its own subdomain of your main domain.

Advantages:

• Independency: Each subdomain is like its own website, what SEO- can have advantages.
• Easy administration: Subdomains are easy to create and manage.

Disadvantages:

• DNS-Configuration required: You need to set your DNS to support wildcard subdomains.

Directories

With this option, your websites would look like this: beispiel.de/blog1, beispiel.de/blog2.

Advantages:

• No DNS configuration required: Easier to set up than subdomains.
• SEO: Some experts believe that directories SEO-Viewability is better as they are viewed as part of the main website.

Disadvantages:

• Limited independence: All websites share the same Domain, what to SEO-Disadvantages can result if one of the websites is rated negatively.

Setting the course: The first steps to setting up

Now that you know what you need and which ones Route you want to take, it's time to set sail. Setting up a WordPress multisite is a bit like steering a ship: it requires precision, attention and of course a bit of adventure.

Changes in wp-config.php

Before you in WordPress To enable the Multisite feature on the Dashboard, you need to make a small change in the wp-config.php file. This is the file that contains all of your basic configuration information WordPress website contains.

Öffnen Sie die wp-config.phpfile with a text editor and add the following line at the very end but before the /* Das war’s, Schluss mit dem Bearbeiten! Viel Spaß beim Bloggen. */:

define('WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true);

That says WordPress basically: "Hey, I want to use the multisite function, so get ready!«

Safety Aspects

Before making any changes to the wp-config.php If you do this, you should definitely create a backup of your website. If something goes wrong, you can always revert to the last working state. Here you will find instructions for backups.

Activate multisite in the WordPress dashboard

After you have changed the wp-config.php, you can log back into it WordPress Login dashboard. You will see a new option below Werkzeuge > Netzwerkinstallation see. Click on it and follow instructions. WordPress will walk you through the process and even the code to generatewhich you need to include in your wp-config.php and .htaccess files.

Important settings

• Network title: This is the name of your multisite network. Choose a name that Network understandably described.
• Network-Admin email: Enter the email address where you want to receive notifications for the network.

Helmsman, get the network settings over!

Congratulations, you did it! Your WordPress multisite is activated and ready for new adventures. But before you smash the champagne bottle on the bow, we should make a few adjustments.

Global settings

After activating the multisite, you will find a new menu item in the dashboard called “Network Management“. Here you can set global settings for all websites in your Network make. This is the steering wheel of your ship, so to speak.

Network settings

Under Netzwerkverwaltung > Einstellungen you can make global settings for the entire network. Here you can, for example, specify which language should be used for new websites or whether users can upload their own themes.

Email settings

You can also choose which email address is used for admin notifications. This is particularly useful if you have multiple people on board handling different aspects of the network.

Themes and plugins for everyone!

Another important point in network management is the ability to activate or deactivate themes and plugins across the network.

Network-wide themes

Under Netzwerkverwaltung > Themes lets you control which themes are available to all websites in your network. This is handy if you have a uniform Design for all your websites.

Network-wide plugins

Similar to the themes, you can go to Netzwerkverwaltung > Plugins Activate or deactivate plugins network-wide. This is especially useful for plugins that you want to use on any website, like SEO-Plugins or security plugins.

Avoiding cliffs: common stumbling blocks

Life on the high seas isn't always a walk in the park, and the same goes for managing a WordPress multisite. There are some cliffs that you should avoid to get into port safely.

SEO-Plugins

The Search Engine optimization (SEO) is an important aspect of any website, and with a multisite this can be particularly challenging. Not all SEO-Plugins are multisite-compatible, and that can cause problems.

Recommended SEO-Plugins

• Yoast SEO: This plugin is one of the most famous SEOplugins and offers a multisite-compatible version. More here.
• All in One SEO Pack: This plugin is another good option and offers special features for multisites. More here.

SEO-Strategies for multisites

• Individual meta information: Make sure each Website has individual meta titles and descriptions in your network.
• Canonical tags: These tags help search engines understand which content is original and which is duplicate. Very useful when sharing content between websites.

Performance in view

Depending on its size and traffic, a multisite can be a real resource hog. But don't worry, there are ways to improve performance optimize.

Caching

Caching is one of the most effective methods for improving performance. Plugins like W3 Total Cache or WP Super Cache are good options.

Content Delivery Network (CDN)

A pair of CDN can reduce the loading times of your websites significantly improve it by loading content from servers around the world. Cloudflare is a popular option and easy to set up.

Database Optimization

Over time, your WordPress database can become bloated. Plugins like WP-Optimize can help clean up the database and improve performance.

Land in sight: the conclusion

We have had a long and exciting journey, ladies and gentlemen. From the basics of a WordPress multisite to the tricky details of performance optimization, we've covered everything. Now it's time to hold the steering wheel firmly in your hand and set course for new adventures.

Summary

• Why a multisite?: For anyone looking to manage multiple websites efficiently, a WordPress multisite is an invaluable tool.
• Preparation: Solid basic technical equipment and a clear decision between subdomains and directories are key.
• Furniture: A few changes in the wp-config.php and you can now activate your multisite in the dashboard.
• Management: Network management allows you to set global settings and manage themes and plugins across the network.
• Stumbling Stones: Pay attention to the compatibility of SEO-Plugins and optimize them Performance of your websites.

Further resources

• WordPress Codex: Create A Network
• WPBeginner: Ultimate Guide to WordPress Multisite
• Kinsta: WordPress Multisite – The 110% Starter Guide

Your next trip

Now that you have all the tools and knowledge, nothing stands in the way of your next big trip. Whether you want to build a digital empire or just manage a few blogs, the world - or rather, this Internet – is at your feet.