Multi-site for begginers

and how would I then transition the changes from the multisite to the live version of the site?

Based on your description, it doesn’t sound like you need Multisite in the first place, but could be wrong. Just export the content from the old site and import it into your new WordPress site, like you stated, and you’re probably good (aside from configuring and tweaking the site to your needs).

Hope this helps.

I’d endorse JHouse’s comments. This is not a job for multisite. Just install another copy of WordPress in a sub-folder to work on and use Tools -> Import/Export to move content back & forth.

Precisely.

great tips, but how do I go about creating the subfolder? will that allow me to install a fresh copy of wordpress without the custom css and back end coding the dev installed previously?

sorry about the confusion here, I have been reading so many articles I think I am starting to confuse myself.

how do I go about creating the subfolder?

You will need to ask your server admins about this.

will that allow me to install a fresh copy of wordpress without the custom css and back end coding the dev installed previously?

Yes.

appreciate the help, just to clarify, is the sub folder the same as installing it on a sub-directory? This is my first time doing this and my company doesn’t want to outsource this task, so I am in charge of setting this up (aka I am now the server admin…) yeah not the best decision, but I am in charge of doing it.

is the sub folder the same as installing it on a sub-directory?

Yes. Some less-technical users are far more comfortable with the term “folder” rather than “directory”, so it tends to get used a lot around here. ??

ok great. I like to try to learn the proper jargon when I am researching so I can learn the proper way. On to learning new things!

really sorry for the plethora of questions here, you have been very helpful.

1 – Once I have decided I have a final version on my subdomain, how do I go about replacing the original site with this new version? this is important because the previous developer tweaked a lot of code that I am trying to circumvent with a new installation. This is important because I dont want there to be any real down-time switching between old version and new version.

2 – Plugins for SEO – will I need to reactivate these? I am assuming it will just have a day with 0 visitors as it re-calibrates?

3 – Users – Can we use the same login credentials on the new site? when I transition the new site over to the old domain, will it retain those new users or do we then have to remake the users again?

sorry for all the questions, but these are some of the answers I havent been able to find on other guides.

Thanks!

Once I have decided I have a final version on my subdomain

Not “subdomain” if you want to keep this as easy & flexible as possible. Subdirectory. The distinction is really important in some scenarios. For example, if you decided that you’d just like the new install to take over the root domain, you can do that in about 5 minutes using a subdirectory install. A subdomain install would take a lot longer and be far more complicated.

As for the “how”, see Giving WordPress Its Own Directory. Takes no time at all. I’ve done it quite a few times on sites that have had an older version of WordPress running in the root directory and the downtime was about 3 minutes – if that.

will I need to reactivate these

Not sure what you mean by this. The new install will be completely separate from the original one, so it will need it’s own set of plugins etc. When the new install takes over the root domain, they will just carry on working as usual.

Can we use the same login credentials on the new site?

No. As I’ve said, the two installs are physically quite separate, so you would need to add your old site’s users to the new site. But as you’re doing all of this whilst the old site is still working, you have plenty of time to sort it all out.

virtual high five. you rock and I am seriously very pleased with your answers. Thank you so much, I will definitely keep reading but this clarifies a lot for me.

Glad I could help ??