Should I Use A Multisite Install?

  • Hi Everyone,

    I’m a web designer and front-end developer. I’ve produced quite a few custom WordPress themes for clients, but have encountered a new situation to tackle.

    My client has a company that is made up of three subsidiary companies. Essentially, they want to have websites for the 3 subsidiary companies. Each of the subsidiary shares the same logo, but with different text (company name). They own domains for all 4 companies.

    This is my idea so far: create a landing page for the parent company that links out to the 3 different subsidiaries. I will either let the 3 subsidiaries have their respective domains, or give them sub-domains of the parent company. Once on a subsidiary company page, I’m going to make it easy for the user to navigate to the other 2 subsidiaries through a navigational dropdown or buttons. The 3 sites will probably share most of same template files and css, but have a few parts of the theme that are unique (custom gallery, custom services page, etc…). My guess is that I will be using the same theme for all 3. If you have any suggestions for this setup, let me know.

    My real question is: should this be in a multisite install? The data will probably be edited by the same webmaster for all three subsidiaries. Multisite is new to me, so please let me know what you think would be my best option.

    Thank You,
    Sean

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  • Hi Sean,

    I’m never certain when to use Multisite myself in honesty but I normally end up asking do I NEED multisite? you have to ask yourself the same question. Would be easier or better to just use Categories and perhaps Custom Post Types.
    If you use CPT you could change the logo text at the top of the templates files for those pages. It might mean it’s slightly easier to maintain.

    Using Multisite means you have one whole admin area for each sub site which can be a hassle if you don’t really need it. You can still attach your other domain names to a non networked site as parked domains which may be all you need.

    Whenever possible make things easy on yourself, life will find it’s own complications to throw your way :D.

    @neilthespacechimp I think you missed the point of the question. The debate is Multisite vs. multiple WP instances (if I understand correctly)

    Multisite sounds perfect for your needs. I have around 10 different installs of multisite running 50ish sites and I’m using it to accomplish the same things it sounds like you’re after. Highly recommend. Here’s are some advantages and disadvantes that I think apply to your situation.

    Advantages:
    -You only need one user account (and pass) for that person to make changes to any of the sites
    -Per-site user permissions
    -Performance
    -Save on unnecessary DBs
    -Easy to maintain branding/theming across all sites
    …there are a million more. Ask more detailed questions and I can answer for you.

    Disadvantages:
    -Sites are HARD to get out of a multisite install. If you have a “child” site at sub.domain.com, it’s damn near impossible to export just that site from the DB and run it on its own WP install.

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
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