How You Can Easily Manage Multiple WordPress Sites

If you’re a developer or run an agency, then you’re probably going to be managing multiple WordPress websites.

Managing multiple WordPress sites can end up being  extremely time consuming, and that’s not even including the never-ending theme and plugin update process.

Luckily, as a WordPress user, you’re going to have a lot of different options for managing these sites in the most effective manner possible.

Below we look at the two main methods of managing multiple WordPress sites, activating WordPress multisite, or using a third-party plugin, and how to determine the correct course of action to take.

How Do WordPress Multisite and WordPress Site Management Plugins Differ?

The biggest point of confusion between managing multiple WordPress sites is the proper direction to take.

WordPress has a built-in feature called WordPress Multisite that allows you to run multiple sites on a single WordPress installation. With this approach, you can run an entire network of sites from a single WordPress dashboard.

This approach works well when you’re running a ton of different sites that share a similar functionality. For example, you’re employing similar themes and plugins, and require the same server configuration for each site.

If you’re running a variety of WordPress sites that use totally different WordPress themes, plugins, and customization options, then you’ll probably want to take a different approach.

Luckily, there are a wide range of plugins and tools available that’ll make it easy to manage multiple widely different WordPress sites, both for you and your clients.

Chances are, this is the route you’ll want to take. As you’ll be able to manage multiple different WordPress installations, not just multiple sites from the same installation.

A WordPress multiple site management plugin will also provide you with features like an intuitive dashboard, easy login management, automated or speedy theme and plugin updates, easy site management features, and even advanced features like uptime monitoring.

The set of features you’ll get access to will vary depending on the tool you use, but most include the features highlighted above.

Using WordPress Multisite to Manage Multiple Sites

So, you’ve decided that you need to manage multiple WordPress sites from the same installation. Each will share theme, plugins, and customization commonalities, so you won’t require separate WordPress installations for each site.

To enable WordPress multisite follow the steps below:

1. Locate your site’s WordPress files and find the ‘wp-config.php’ file. You can login to the backend of your site via FTP.
2. Find the line of code that reads:

   /* That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */

3. Add the following code to that file right above that line:

   define( ‘WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE’, true );

4. Now, login to the backend of your WordPress dashboard, and navigate to Tools>Network Setup. Here you’ll choose whether you want your network of sites to be created as subdirectories or subdomains. Then, click the ‘Install’ button.
5. On the next screen, you’ll be given one more code modification task. You’ll copy and paste the given code to your ‘wp-config.php’ and your ‘.htaccess’ file.
6. Login to your WordPress dashboard again and you’ll see that WordPress Multisite is now installed.

To add new sites to your network just navigate to Sites>Add New.

Using a Third Party Plugin to Manage Multiple Sites

If you’re managing a network of client sites, then using a WordPress multisite plugin is probably the best course of action. This will allow you to give each site a unique setup and manage each site easily, even if they’re hosted with a different managed WordPress hosting company.

The best and most commonly used options are highlighted below:

• WP Remote: WP Remote allows you to update all your websites with a simple dashboard. The plugin offers visual regression testing to detect issues, automatic backups, are provides alerts for vulnerable plugin.
• MainWP: MainWP is an easy to use WordPress multisite management plugin. With this tool, you’ll be able to easily upgrade and manage plugins and themes and even clone websites. You’ll also be able to manage content and do regular security and uptime scans.
•  Jetpack Manage: The Jetpack plugin includes a feature called Manage, which lets you control every installed site from a single WordPress dashboard. With this plugin, you’ll get access to features like plugin updates and management, the ability to post to sites in your network, and site statistic monitoring.

The tools above will take the stress out of managing multiple WordPress sites, and greatly reduce your overall workload.

Which Direction Is Best for My Workflow?

Overall, choosing a WordPress multisite management tool will be much more effective than simply enabling the WordPress Multisite feature.

The WordPress multisite feature will be useful if you’re managing a network of blogs that are very similar in nature. For example, sites built on WordPress.org utilize the WordPress multisite setup.

But, if you’re developing or managing sites for clients, then using a WordPress multisite management tool or plugin will probably fit your needs best. As you’ll have more freedom and control, while giving your clients a completely separate build.

Hopefully, you have a better idea of the options available for when you need to manage multiple WordPress websites.

Have any questions about which approach will be best for your needs? Ask away in the comments below.

Kevin MacGillivray

Kevin MacGillivray is the Chief Marketing Officer at Pressable, where he’s focused on helping more creators build fast, secure, and successful WordPress sites. He’s driven to grow Pressable’s impact and make it the go-to choice for more businesses. Kevin enjoys making technology feel simple, useful, and inspiring through clear storytelling, creative experiments, and building new ways for the community to connect and thrive. Kevin lives in Victoria, British Columbia, where you’ll often find him swimming in the ocean, exploring local trails with his dog, Minerva, or embracing the West Coast’s vibrant lifestyle and easy rhythm.