Localizing WordPress – PART 2 – What is WordPress Multisite?
This is Part 2 of a 3 part series. If you have not read Part 1 – WordPress Multisite for Localization: Overview we recommend starting there first. In today’s post, we detail the pros and cons of using WordPress Multisite and go over how it can be enabled for your website.
WordPress Multisite is a feature which allows users to create a “Network” of subsites within a single install of WordPress. This allows you to use subdomains of the same root domain, within the same Network.
The Super Admin has access to the primary site as well as all subsites, and the Network Admin area of the site where all sites are managed. Since all the subsites are within the same WordPress install, each site shares the same database with its own subset of tables.
Reasons you should use WordPress Multisite
There are several reasons a site manager may want to use Multisite. Some of the benefits include:
- Since all sites within the Multisite network share the same WordPress core files, theme, and plugins, updating only has to happen once each time, rather than logging into several individual sites.
- Managing several sites which use the same theme and plugins becomes easier.
- Easy managing of subdomains of your root domain in one central dashboard.
- Managing Multi-Lingual sites becomes easier.
Reasons to not use WordPress Multisite
There are also several reasons a site manager should choose to not use the Multisite configuration. Since managing a Multisite is by nature more complex, if you are unsure of whether you could or should use Multisite, usually it is best to avoid using Multisite until a clear need arises.
- If you manage multiple unrelated sites which do not use the same theme, plugins, or design scheme, Multisite may not be an ideal solution to manage all your sites.
- If you manage a single site.
- If you are unsure of whether multisite would be a good fit for your needs (when in doubt, stick with a single site).
- If each of your sites has a strong level of customization it is usually best to manage them separately.
- If each of your sites use the same theme but with different custom functions added, editing the theme would make changes for all sites using this theme.
The Super Admin has access to the primary site as well as all subsites, and the Network Admin area of the site where all sites are managed. Since all the subsites are within the same WordPress install, each site shares the same database with its own subset of tables. WordPress Multisite is not a plugin, but is a feature which can be enabled for sites. Our system will automatically convert your single site into a Multisite over the next few minutes. You can confirm it was successful by looking for the “My Sites” option when logging in to the WordPress Admin at the very top left-hand side.
How can I enable WordPress Multisite?
WordPress Multisite is not a plugin, but is a feature which can be enabled for sites. Our system will automatically convert your single site into a Multisite over the next few minutes. If you are a web developer and are comfortable editing code, you can also follow this guide on WPBeginner.com to get started.
Be sure to come back tomorrow to read Part 3 – WordPress Multilingual Plugins.
