WordPress multisite is a powerful feature that allows you to create and manage multiple websites from a single WordPress installation. Among the various multisite configurations, a subdirectory-based WordPress multisite is one of the most popular choices. This type of setup allows you to create a network of websites that all share the same domain but with different subdirectories for each site (e.g., example.com/site1, example.com/site2).

This article dives into the world of WordPress subdirectory-based multisite development, explaining its benefits, types, and common use cases. We will also answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) to give you a complete understanding of how this configuration works.

What is WordPress Subdirectory-Based Multisite?

In WordPress multisite, a subdirectory-based multisite is a configuration where each website in the network exists in its own subdirectory on the main domain. This means that the websites in your network will be structured as yourdomain.com/site1, yourdomain.com/site2, and so on.

For example, if you were running a blog, you could have different subdirectories for each blog topic. With subdirectory-based multisite, the following websites could exist:

• yourdomain.com/blog1
• yourdomain.com/blog2
• yourdomain.com/shop
• yourdomain.com/community

Advantages of Subdirectory-Based Multisite

There are several advantages of using a subdirectory-based multisite setup, especially for certain types of businesses or individuals. Here are some key benefits:

1. Centralized Management
   Managing all sites from a single WordPress dashboard saves time and reduces complexity. You can update plugins, themes, and WordPress versions for all the sites simultaneously.
2. Shared Resources
   With a multisite setup, all websites share the same WordPress core files, themes, and plugins. This reduces server load and makes maintenance easier.
3. SEO Benefits
   Subdirectories benefit from the authority of the root domain, which can improve search engine rankings across all sites in the network. For instance, yourdomain.com might rank well in search results, and all subdirectories will benefit from this ranking.
4. Cost-Effective
   Since all sites in a multisite network share the same WordPress installation, you can save on hosting costs and resources compared to running separate WordPress installations.
5. Easier Site Creation
   Subdirectory-based multisite allows quick creation of new websites without the need to configure an entirely new domain or subdomain.

How Does Subdirectory-Based Multisite Work?

In a subdirectory-based multisite configuration, WordPress uses one central database to store content for all the websites, and the subdirectory paths are configured within the WordPress settings. The URLs are structured as follows:

• example.com/subdirectory1
• example.com/subdirectory2

This setup is great for users who prefer to manage several sites under one primary domain but with distinct content for each site.

Setting Up a Subdirectory-Based Multisite Network

Setting up WordPress multisite in a subdirectory structure is simple but requires careful attention to a few key steps. Here’s an overview:

1. Install WordPress
   First, make sure you have a WordPress installation up and running. Ensure your WordPress version is up-to-date.
2. Enable Multisite
   Open your wp-config.php file and add the following line above where it says “That’s all, stop editing!” to enable the multisite feature: define('WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE', true);
3. Configure Network Settings
   After enabling multisite, go to your WordPress dashboard. Under Tools, you’ll see the Network Setup option. Follow the instructions to create the network. Choose Subdirectories when prompted for the type of network.
4. Edit the .htaccess File
   WordPress will generate specific rewrite rules for the .htaccess file. Ensure you place these rules in the correct location to ensure that subdirectory URLs work correctly.
5. Add New Sites
   Once the network is active, you can create new sites by navigating to the My Sites > Network Admin > Sites section in the WordPress dashboard.

Types of WordPress Multisite Configurations

WordPress multisite offers two main types of setups: subdirectory-based and subdomain-based. Both have their own advantages and use cases:

1. Subdirectory-Based Multisite

This setup uses subdirectories under the main domain for each site in the network. It’s ideal for those who want to host multiple sites with a cohesive brand identity. As mentioned earlier, the websites would appear as:

• example.com/site1
• example.com/site2

2. Subdomain-Based Multisite

In a subdomain-based multisite, each site in the network is accessed via a subdomain, like site1.example.com or site2.example.com. This is suitable when you want to give each site its own identity while keeping the domain relationship intact.

• example.com
• site1.example.com
• site2.example.com

Choosing Between Subdirectory and Subdomain

The decision between subdirectory and subdomain largely depends on the specific needs of your website or business. Subdirectories are more SEO-friendly in most cases because they benefit directly from the main domain’s authority. However, subdomains can be more appropriate if you want to create distinct, standalone sites with their own identities.

Common Use Cases for Subdirectory-Based Multisite

1. Corporate Websites
   Companies with different departments, such as marketing, HR, and product management, can use subdirectories to create separate sites under one domain.
2. Educational Institutions
   Schools, colleges, and universities often use subdirectory-based multisite for their departments, courses, and student groups, allowing for easy management of multiple sub-sites.
3. Personal Blogs or Projects
   A personal blog network with various subdomains for different topics (e.g., travel, lifestyle, food) can leverage subdirectory-based multisite for seamless integration under a single domain.
4. E-commerce
   A single e-commerce platform could use subdirectory multisites to segment products, regions, or services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I switch from subdomain to subdirectory-based multisite?

Yes, it is possible to switch from a subdomain setup to a subdirectory-based multisite, but it requires advanced technical steps. You may need to reconfigure your WordPress settings and update the .htaccess and wp-config.php files.

2. What are the limitations of using a subdirectory-based multisite?

While subdirectory-based multisite is great for SEO and cost-effectiveness, it may not be suitable for sites with very different branding or those requiring highly customized configurations. Additionally, it can be harder to migrate individual sites from the network.

3. Can I use custom domains for subdirectory-based multisite sites?

You can map custom domains to individual sites in your multisite network, but this typically involves additional configuration and may require third-party plugins for domain mapping.

4. Is subdirectory-based multisite good for SEO?

Yes, subdirectory-based multisite can be highly beneficial for SEO since the sites share the domain’s authority, helping each site rank better in search engines.

5. How many sites can I create in a subdirectory-based multisite?

There is no strict limit to the number of sites you can create in a WordPress multisite network. However, the performance of your server might become an issue as the network grows larger.

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In conclusion, WordPress subdirectory-based multisite development is a powerful way to manage multiple sites under one domain. It’s a great option for businesses, educational institutions, and personal projects, offering centralized management, shared resources, and SEO benefits. Whether you choose subdirectory or subdomain-based multisite, the right configuration will depend on your specific needs.

If you’re looking to streamline your WordPress network, subdirectory-based multisite is an excellent option to consider.