Technology
How to Create Multiple WordPress Sites on the Same Host with Different Domains
Introduction to Creating Multiple WordPress Sites on the Same Host
Managing multiple websites can be a daunting task, especially when you want to maintain separate instances for each one. However, with the flexibility offered by WordPress, it's entirely possible to create multiple sites on the same host with different domains. This guide will walk you through two primary methods: using WordPress Multisite and installing separate WordPress instances for each domain. Both methods have their own advantages and use cases, making it crucial to choose the approach that best aligns with your needs.
Method 1: Using WordPress Multisite
WordPress Multisite is an efficient and flexible solution for hosting multiple sites on a single installation of WordPress. This method allows you to manage multiple sites from a single backend while sharing themes, plugins, and customizations across all sites. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set it up:
Step 1: Install WordPress
The first step is to ensure you have a fresh installation of WordPress on your server. This can typically be done via your hosting provider's control panel or by manually uploading the files.
Step 2: Enable Multisite
To enable Multisite, you need to modify a few files:
- This file is in the root directory of your WordPress installation. Add the following line above the line that says '/* That is all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */':define('WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true);
Step 3: Configure Multisite
After enabling Multisite, you need to configure it:
Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard. Go to Tools Network Setup. Choose Subdomains if you wish to use subdomains, or Subdirectories for separate domains. Fill in the Network Title and Admin Email, then click Install.Step 4: Update Configuration
Follow the instructions provided on the screen to add some lines to your and .htaccess files. For example:
define('WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true);
define('MULTISITE', true);
# Define subdomain installs or directory installs
#define('SUBDOMAIN_INSTALL', true);
define('DOMAIN_CURRENT_SITE', '');
define('PATH_CURRENT_SITE', '/');
define('SITE_ID_CURRENT_SITE', 1);
define('BLOG_ID_CURRENT_SITE', 1);
Step 5: Add Sites
After setting up, go to My Sites Network Admin Sites.
Click on Add New to create a new site. You can enter the site address which can be a different domain and other details.Step 6: Map Domains
To use different domains for your sites, you will need a plugin like WordPress MU Domain Mapping.
Install and activate the plugin. Go to Settings Domain Mapping and configure it to allow mapping of domains. Add the new domain under the site settings in the Network Admin.Method 2: Separate WordPress Installations
If you prefer to keep things simple or you don't need the features of Multisite, you can install separate WordPress instances for each domain:
Step 1: Create Subdomains or Subdirectories
Decide whether to use subdomains or subdirectories. Set them up in your hosting control panel, such as cPanel.
Step 2: Install WordPress
For each subdomain or subdirectory, upload the WordPress files and create a new database. Run the WordPress installation for each instance following the prompts to configure each site.
Step 3: Point Domains to Your Host
If you have different domains, update the DNS settings for each domain to point to your hosting server. In your hosting control panel, add the domains and ensure they are linked to the correct directory where WordPress is installed.
Conclusion
Using WordPress Multisite is generally more efficient when managing multiple sites, especially if you want to share themes and plugins across sites. However, if you prefer complete isolation of each site, installing separate instances might be the way to go. Choose the method that best fits your needs!