This document introduces WordPress Multisite, which allows a single WordPress installation to host multiple sites. It can share plugins, themes, and updates across sites for easier maintenance. The document discusses who might use Multisite, examples of sites using it, and considerations for whether it is needed. It provides a brief overview of setting up Multisite, including enabling it, creating the network, and domain mapping. References for more information are also included.

1. Introduction to
WordPress Multisite
Craig Taylor
Toronto WordPress Group
meetup.wptoronto.com

2. Intro to WordPress Multisite
● What is WordPress Multisite?
● Who, Where, Why?
● WordPress Multisite Examples
● Why Not?
● How to set up WordPress Multisite
● Domain Mapping
● References

3. What is WordPress Multisite?

4. From the WordPress Codex:
“A multisite network is a collection of sites that all
share the same WordPress installation....”

5. What does that mean?
● Sites in a multisite network can share plugins
and themes.
● Individual sites in network are virtual sites:
– don't have their own directories on server
– do have separate directories for media
– do have separate tables in database

6. What does that mean for you?
If your WordPress installation is at:
http://yoursitename.ca
with a few keystrokes, you can add additional
WordPress sites at:
http://site1.yoursitename.ca
or
http://yoursitename.ca/site1
(but not both....more on that later)

7. And?
● Because there is only one installation of
WordPress, you can update the WordPress
installation for many sites, all at once.
● You can install and update plugins and
themes for many sites, all at once.
●
You get to call yourself Super Admin!
● Problems may hit many sites, all at once.

8. What about WordPress MU?
● WordPress “Multi-User”
– aka WordPressµ or WPMU
– prior to WordPress 3.0
– forked from WordPress code, maintained in
parallel, but still separate project
– some plugins & themes worked.......
– ….. and some didn't

9. And after WordPress 3.0?
● WPMU code merged with WordPress core
● Multisite is part of all new WordPress
installations...it just isn't turned on.
● Setting up WordPress Multisite is easier than
ever, which is a good thing.....
● ….and a bad thing. (But mostly good!)

10. Who, Where, Why?

11. Who can use WP Multisite?
● Anyone, but..
– get past the WP basics before jumping in
– decide what you are going to use it for and
whether you really need it
– must have server access (FTP, cPanel File
Manager, etc.) to modify files
– don't practice on a live site!

12. Where can you install Multisite?
● Self-hosted (.org) WordPress installations
– confirm server requirements
– must have access to modify files
– some hosts frown on it or don't allow it
● Local installations
– sub-folders (http://yoursitename.ca/site1)

13. Why install WP Multisite?
● Run multiple sites of your own with easier
maintenance, upgrades, etc.
● Quick website development/testing.
● Manage client sites, control access.
● Private network (school/teacher blogs).
● Hyperlocal sites (regional news, etc.)
● Offer a public blog/site hosting service.

14. WordPress Multisite Examples

15. WP Multisite Showcase
● Spotted by Locals (spottedbylocals.com)
● The Daily Cougar (thedailycougar.com)
● Glen Urquhart School (gus.org)
● Best Buy (local store sites)
● Reuters Blogs (blogs.reuters.com/us/)
● Happy Tables (happytables.com)
● WordPress.com

34. Why Not?

35. Situations when you might
not want Multisite
● To categorize posts
– use categories!
● For special post types (eg. videos)
– use custom post types
● When you need separate user databases
● If users need to include JS, iframes, etc.
● If users need to install themes, plugins
● Hosting small client sites

36. How to Set Up
WordPress Multisite
(sort of)

37. Wait! Before you start!
● Are you sure you need/want multisite?
● Easiest to enable on a fresh installation.
● Not easy to undo (but it can be done...)
● If you MUST enable on an existing site
BACK EVERYTHING UP!!
● Don't follow my instructions, go to:
http://halfelf.org/ebooks/wordpress-multisite-101/
http://halfelf.org/ebooks/wordpress-multisite-110/

38. Wait, not yet!
● Decide on format (hard to change later)
– Subdomains (site1.yoursitename.ca)
● need wildcard subdomains on server
(ie. *.yoursitename.ca)
● web host must allow, and you must create
– Subfolders (yoursitename.ca/site1)
● wildcard subdomains not required
● only way for local install (no wildcards)
● issues with converting older sites

39. Allow Multisite
● Modify wp-config.php to add
define('WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true);

40. Network Setup
● Under Tools, there is now a new item:

41. Creating the Network

42. Enabling the Network

44. Network Admin
Log out and back in, and:

45. Network Admin

46. New Registrations

47. Domain Mapping
Using WordPress MU Domain Mapping plugin
http://site1.yoursitename.ca
can become
http://site1.ca (any domain you control)
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wordpress-mu-domain-mapping/

48. References
● WordPress Multisite 101 by Mika Epstein & Andrea Rennick
http://halfelf.org/ebooks/wordpress-multisite-101/
● Wordpress Multisite 110 by Mika Epstein
http://halfelf.org/ebooks/wordpress-multisite-110/
● WP E-Books (Ron & Andrea Rennick) http://wpebooks.com/
● codex.wordpress.org/Create_A_Network
● codex.wordpress.org/Network_Admin
● codex.wordpress.org/Multisite_Network_Administration
Craig Taylor.... craig@vrtoronto.ca
Toronto WordPress Group.... meetup.wptoronto.com