BuddyPress Multisite Themes and Plugins

BuddyPress Multisite Themes and Plugins

BuddyPress Multisite Themes and Plugins

Beam Me Up, Scotty, I Want a WordPress Multisite

What’s a WordPress multisite? I was wondering that myself when a friend recently dropped that term into a sentence the other day. “Huh?” I said to him, and then followed up with, “A what?” He patiently explained to me the wonders of having a multisite, and I was mesmerized. Basically, it is possible to operate numerous websites by installing WordPress only once. Simply enough, this is called WordPress multisite. Clever name, that, and the result is even more clever. Since the release of WordPress 3.x, it is now possible to have a multiuse website.

The biggest advantage of a multisite, of course, is the convenience of being able to command more than one website with just one installation. This means that you don’t have to do multiple installations if you want more than one WordPress website. Each one of the sites on your multisite can have unique content, different users, even their own plugins and themes (a word of caution about plugins and themes below).

Once you have your multisite set up, your WordPress dashboard will be slightly different. You will see, for example, “Super Admin,” which allows you to configure your new network of websites. From within a multisite dashboard, you can quickly and easily add a site. Activating themes and plugins site by site is just as simple. So is managing editors and contributors. Note for WP 3.1 users: “If you have upgraded to WordPress 3.1,” says WordPress, “the Super Admin menu has been replaced with the Network Admin section. Look on your admin HEADER on the far right: it will say ‘Howdy, YOURNAME – Network Admin – Log Out.’ The link is ‘Network Admin.’”

This post is meant as an overview of a WordPress multisite, without getting into the technical stuff. I’m excited about it, and want to make you aware of it for yourself. Like you, I look forward to exploring the possibilities.

There are a number of good how-to videos out there, and I’ve included two of the better ones (in my opinion) here. Keep in mind that there are two sides to every technological advance. Automobiles made travel faster and more efficient, but with them came the need for engine maintenance. While a multisite provides better ways to run a bunch of websites, it does require some care and, yes, maintenance. As with the automobile, however, it’s worth the effort.

Another nice thing about a WordPress multisite is that it’s like a one-stop for installing plugins. Install a plugin once, and all the websites in your realm share it. This means that installing a plugin once makes it available for all the sites, but you have flexibility. As with a single “normal” WordPress website, installing a plugin does not automatically activate it. You can selectively activate a plugin for one, two or however many of the sites you have within your multisite.

A word of caution about plugins and multisites, however: Not all plugins (or themes, for that matter) work well (or even at all, maybe) on a multisite. Most plugin authors and theme makers can tell you whether or not their products are multisite friendly.

The benefits of having a WordPress multisite are many, and creation of one is easier than rocket science. Remember, however, that rocket science – for even simple rockets – requires knowledge, patience and careful execution. I urge you to watch the videos below, as they will give you solid information that would require several thousand more words in this post!

Think of Captain Kirk on the bridge of the starship Enterprise. There he is, sitting on one chair, able to swivel around and issue commands to multiple officers, each of whom controls different functions of the ship. Captain Kirk doesn’t need to jump up and run around the bridge, from officer to officer, to issue orders. From that one chair, he controls the whole thing. With a WordPress multisite, you’re like Captain Kirk. Beam me up, Scotty, I want a multisite.

Affiliate Disclosure: I personally use the downloadable products that I promote on this site. I am grateful to be of service and bring you as much content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases I will receive a referral commission. Your support in purchasing through these links enables me to keep my design and website maintenance prices ridiculously low and provide free content that empowers more people in building and developing their own small business and internet marketing websites.

Thank you!

Charles Jines
Be Sure To Check Out My Free How-To WordPress Basics Video Course

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