Blue Border

Introduction to
WordPress Multisite

Craig TaylorToronto WordPress Groupmeetup.wptoronto.com

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

What is WordPress Multisite?

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

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

What does that mean for you?

If your WordPress installation is at:http://yoursitename.cawith a few keystrokes, you can add additional WordPress sites at:http://site1.yoursitename.caorhttp://yoursitename.ca/site1(but not both....more on that later)

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.

What about WordPress MU?

WordPress Multi-Useraka WordPressm 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

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!)

Who, Where, Why?

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!

Where can you install Multisite?

Self-hosted (.org) WordPress installationsconfirm server requirements

must have access to modify files

some hosts frown on it or don't allow it

Local installationssub-folders (http://yoursitename.ca/site1)

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.

WordPress Multisite Examples

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

Why Not?

Situations when you might
not want Multisite

To categorize postsuse 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

How to Set UpWordPress Multisite(sort of)

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/

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

Allow Multisite

Modify wp-config.php to add

define('WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true);

Network Setup

Under Tools, there is now a new item:

Creating the Network

Enabling the Network

Network Admin

Log out and back in, and:

Network Admin

New Registrations

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/

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.caToronto WordPress Group.... meetup.wptoronto.com