BLOGGINGWORDPRESS SETUPHow To Install and Set Up a WordPress Multisite

How To Install and Set Up a WordPress Multisite
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By now, if you have been using WordPress, we are sure you are familiar with the flexibility and functionalities this content management system (CMS) offers. However, managing multiple WP sites can become a challenge. The smarter choice here is to create a WordPress multisite network in most cases. If you have a few sites that are similar to each other, then this option is a good solution for you. Multisite allows you to manage many websites from one WordPress installation. 

Are you looking to start a blog for free and earn money. You must read – How to start a blog from scratch both paid and free?

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to install and set up a WordPress Multisite. – Let’s get started!

Six Steps to Install and Set Up a WordPress Multisite Network

Once you have decided about installing a WordPress Multisite, it’s time to get to work. Let’s look at how you can install and set up a WordPress Multisite Network with our easy steps. 

1. Activate the WordPress Multisite Feature

It’s very simple! You need to add a line of code to your site’s wp-config.php file as WP installations come with the multisite feature disabled by default. 

There are two ways to do this. You can connect via FTP or go through cPanel. Once you find and open the wp-config.php file from your site’s root directory, look for “/* That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */“. After that, place the following code directly above it: 

define( ‘WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE’, true );

Once you are done, either save the file or upload it if you are using FTP. 

The WordPress Multisite feature is not activated!

2. Install your WordPress Multisite Network

Once you have activated the WordPress Multisite feature, you have to install your network in WordPress. 

Open your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Tools > Network Setup:

On the Network setup page, you are free to choose between sub-directories and sub-domains according to your structure. 

Remember, you are unable to change this setting in the future. So, make sure you carefully decide. 

After that, navigate to the Network Details section:

Fill in the title you want to add in the Network Title field. Also, enter the admin email address. After that, tap on the Install button

3. Add Code Snippets to Your WordPress Files

After clicking the install button, you will automatically be redirected to a page that contains two snippets of code. One you’ll have to copy and paste in your .htaccess file, and the other is for your wp-config.php file.

For your .htaccess file, copy and paste the code to replace the current rules. For the wp-config.php file, just paste the code below the code you placed in the first step to activate the Multisite feature. 

Once you are done, save both files to finish the setup. 

4. Configure Your Network Settings

Open your dashboard once again and login if you aren’t logged in. This time may see a few changes in your dashboard. You’ll see new menus, which include Network Admin and My Sites. 

To add new sites and users, you can click Dashboard. If you want to view all your sites in this network, click Sites. To configure user administration roles, you can click Users

To begin, it’s better to configure your network settings. Click on Settings from the Network Admin Dashboard, and then Network Settings.

You see that the email address and network title are already filled on the screen now. Below that, you’ll see the Registration Settings section.

As you can see, registrations are disabled. However, you are free to open registrations for users who wish to sign up. If you configure the settings, you’ll also be able to limit registrations, receive email notifications, and allow site admins to add users.  

After that, navigate to the New Site Settings section.

Here, you can customize and choose the options for the new sites that you create and add to your WP Multisite Network. For example, you can change the default settings of comment, page, and post. Also, you can personalize the welcome emails. 

There are additional settings as well that you can experiment with. You are free to come back and make changes anytime. Once you have finished, tap the Save Changes button at the bottom of the screen.

5. Add A New Website to Your Network

Congrats! Now you have your own WordPress Multisite network. However, there are a few tweaks that need to be made yet. The first and most important thing is to add a new website to make it an actual multisite. 

In order to add a new website, navigate to My Sites > Network Admin > Sites, then click on Add New:

Here, add the website’s URL you wish to use. Also, fill in the Site Title, change the language if needed, and add the Admin Email. Remember that this Email needs to be different from the one you used for the entire network. 

After finishing, click the Add Site button. This website will be added to the Sites once the page finishes loading. You have the ability to add as many sites as you wish and whenever you want. 

6. Install Themes and Plugins on Your Multisite Network

By default, only network admins are allowed to install themes and plugins on the WP Multisite network. However, they’ll be available for individual sites on the network once installed.

Plugins are something that you’ll choose according to your requirements. Once you have made up your mind, you can install it by navigating to My Sites > Network Admin > Plugins:

To add a new plugin, click Add New. If you want to activate a certain plugin after installing it, click the link below it Network Activate.

The process is quite similar when it comes to installing a new theme. Navigate to My Sites > Network Admin > Themes:

You’ll be able to see all themes currently installed on the network. To install a new one, click Add New. If you want the theme to be available for other sites on the WordPress Multisite, then click on the Network Enable link under the theme.

Phew! Now you have your own WordPress Multisite network that is fully functioning.

Wrap Up

If you have many websites, you may not be able to efficiently manage them all at once. However, if you have created a WordPress Multisite network, things will change, making it easier for you to oversee. With the steps mentioned above, you should be on your way to managing more websites than ever before. If you have any questions regarding the process, please ask us in the comments section below. That’s all, folks!

Saroj Meher
Saroj Meherhttps://www.sarojmeher.com
Howdy! Friends, I am Saroj Meher. I am an Artist. I do Painting on mediums like Acrylic, Watercolour, Oil etc. I have over 7 years of experience in WordPress. I am currently running 30+ website. I am specialized in WordPress and WooCommerce, WordPress Theme Customization and Theme Development. I can fix any kind of WordPress error/issue like PHP, CSS, Js issues and other Theme and Plugin related issues. Client's Satisfaction is my first priority.

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SAROJMEHER Photograph
I am a Lecturer (English & Sociology), a professional Artist, and a blogger. I do painting, sketches since my childhood. I am in the teaching for 10 years. In this teaching line, I have experience in teaching English at High School and College levels. I have also experienced teaching computer theory during the school teaching period. This is my personal web corner over the internet.

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