If you’re new to creating websites with WordPress, you might find the idea of connecting your main website to multiple domains a bit overwhelming.
This process, known as domain mapping, is actually easier than you imagine. Using WordPress native tools or a domain mapping plugin, you can create multiple Microsites using a single WordPress instance.
There are many reasons why you’d do this rather than creating websites on separate domains, each with its own WordPress installation.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about domain mapping in WordPress, in simple terms. By the end of this guide, you should feel confident in how to add multiple domains to a single WordPress instance.
What Is Domain Mapping?
Domain mapping is a way to link a domain to a web host, or more technically, to a directory within a hosting account. This root directory is where your website files are stored.
Usually, a single domain is linked to a single root directory or web host location. But what if you want to link your domain to multiple directories? For example, you might have different sections of your website that serve different purposes and audiences, but you still want to use the same domain for all of them. In this case, you’d use domain mapping to make that happen.
One prominent use case for domain mapping is creating landing pages for separate services, all tied to a single agency. You can set this up using an alias domain, a subdomain, or a subdirectory. For WordPress sites, this setup is easy to configure using tools like the Domain Mapping System.
How Domain Mapping Works in WordPress
WordPress provides native tools for configuring domain mapping. First, WordPress offers a Multisite feature that lets you run several independent microsites from a single WordPress instance. These microsites share one database and are managed under one super admin account.
The biggest advantage of this setup is shared resources. If you set up each microsite on a separate WordPress installation, you’d need more resources like servers, plugins, and other necessary requirements to keep the sites running smoothly.
There are downsides to this arrangement as well. Most notably, a shared database means that if something goes wrong with the WordPress installation, all microsites sharing the same installation and database will be affected.
Second, WordPress also offers a built-in domain mapping feature through a Multisite network. With this feature, you can create microsites on the Multisite network as subdirectories or subdomains. Without domain mapping, each subdomain or subdirectory (microsite) in this setup would need a unique domain name.
With native domain mapping in WordPress, you can achieve a domain structure like this:
subdomain1.yourdomain.com = yourdomain.com
subdomain2.yourdomain.com = yourdomain.com
This structure can also be used for subdirectory microsites. So, a subdirectory microsite created on a Multisite network can be mapped to your top-level domain like this:
yourdomain.com/subdirectory = yourdomain.com
With the Domain Mapping System plugin, you can enhance your Multisite network further by enabling additional subdomains to be mapped to one domain on the network.
Benefits of Domain Mapping
A list of benefits of domain mapping.
WordPress Domain Mapping Options
Built-In WordPress Domain Mapping Feature
As discussed in the previous section, WordPress has a native Multisite feature for domain mapping, available since WordPress 4.5. Here’s how to set up a Multisite network:
- Prepare your WordPress installation for Multisite.
- Enable the Multisite option in the wp-config.php file.
- Set up the network under the Tools menu in your WordPress dashboard.
- Validate your network under Tools > Network Setup in your WordPress dashboard.
- Configure network admin settings.
- Manage your Multisite Network Admin settings.
- Test your Multisite network.
Pros of the Native Multisite Feature
- Customized user experience based on locality or region.
- Easy scaling, especially useful for marketing and e-commerce.
- Centralized site management through a Super Admin dashboard.
- Shared resources like themes can reduce costs, though some plugins may not support Multisite networks.
Cons of the Native Multisite Feature
- Requires careful setup and maintenance, often needing professional help, adding to costs.
- May increase resource requirements for your web host, potentially raising hosting fees.
- Migrations can be complex. It’s already challenging to migrate a single website, and adding the complexity of a Multisite network makes things even trickier.
- Some WordPress plugins are not compatible with Multisite.
Using Plugins For Domain Mapping
The native Multisite feature in WordPress allows domain mapping using subdirectories and subdomains by default. This solution works fine but isn’t ideal if you want each subsite to have a unique domain name.
For unique domain names for each subsite, a dedicated tool such as the Domain Mapping System plugin gives optimal results. This plugin offers more flexibility and ease in setting up and managing your Multisite network.
Pros of Domain Mapping Plugins
- Flexibility, easy setup, and management of the technical aspects of a Multisite network.
- Advanced mapping options for posts, pages, and categories.
Cons of Domain Mapping Plugins
- Added cost for premium versions of plugins, although this can reduce website management costs over time.
- Potential learning curve depending on the plugin chosen.
When To Use Domain Mapping In WordPress
Domain mapping provides solutions for numerous scenarios, offering versatile applications within WordPress. Here are its most prominent use cases:
- Using Domain Mapping to Categorize Content
By Audience (Age or other Demographics)
Domain mapping allows businesses to easily target specific demographics with tailored content. This is particularly useful for creating content that meets the needs of different age groups or demographic segments. With domain mapping, you can easily create a personalized experience for each audience segment within your WordPress setup.
By Locality/Region/Language
Domain mapping is also effective for targeting specific regions or localities. E-commerce businesses operating in multiple countries can use this feature to create localized microsites. This approach is often more cost-effective than creating separate websites for each country.
By Purpose (Marketing, Sales, Informational, Free, or Premium Content)
For businesses with a diverse audience, domain mapping can help segment content based on its purpose. You can create microsites for different types of content, such as sales copy, landing pages, informational pages, and more. This is a common application of domain mapping in WordPress, allowing for better organization and targeted content delivery.
- Using Domain Mapping To Setup A Community Network
A community network consists of microsites created by users under a single principal domain. This setup allows members to easily create their own microsites while administrative tasks are managed by a Super Admin account.
Users can be assigned different access levels, controlling the content they can view and manage. These configurations are handled by the super admin user.
WordPress Multisite combined with domain mapping provides a highly cost-effective solution for establishing and managing such a network of microsites.
- Using Domain Mapping for Development Purposes
For WordPress developers, running a development Multisite network is highly practical. It allows you to manage a network of development sites for testing purposes. This approach enables you to test your WordPress products across various scenarios without the need to spin up a new local WordPress instance for each test.
Best Practices and Considerations for Domain Mapping
Running a Multisite network with domain mapping is a significant undertaking that requires meticulous attention. Here are some best practices for successfully setting up and managing a Multisite network:
Preparation
Before establishing a Multisite network using domain mapping, thorough preparation is essential. Ensure all technical aspects, such as DNS settings, preparing the WordPress installation for Multisite, and configuring user settings and privileges, are correctly set up. Skipping this step can lead to poor performance and costly troubleshooting later.
Selecting the Right Domain Name
The principal domain name for your network is crucial as it serves as the focal point for your entire network. Spend time choosing the right domain name because changing it after your microsites are mapped is complex.
Keeping URLs consistent for SEO
Plan the URL structure of your network carefully. Whether you choose a subdomain structure or subdirectories, ensure your choice aligns with your needs and SEO strategy. Consistent and well-planned URLs are vital for maintaining good SEO practices.
Regularly Monitoring and Managing Resources
Regularly monitor the health of your mapped domains and manage resources on the Multisite network efficiently. Shared resources require diligent administration, so establish clear guidelines for the use of themes, plugins, and other resources, and manage them appropriately.
Maintain Uniform Standards
Each microsite on the network has its own website admin. As the overall network admin, ensure brand cohesiveness by enforcing standards across the network. For instance, set branding guidelines for typography, color schemes, and styles that all microsites must adhere to, even if the content varies.
Ensuring Proper Redirection
URL redirection in a Multisite network can be challenging. It’s crucial to get this right from the start. It’s advisable to have a professional handle this aspect to ensure your network scales without redirection issues.
Managing Users
A Multisite network involves multiple users with different access levels. The super admin account oversees all users and manages their access privileges. Setting the right privileges ensures harmony and security across the network.
Conclusion
Domain mapping in WordPress offers plenty of benefits. You can achieve domain mapping using native tools provided by the WordPress system. However, using dedicated tools (such as the Domain Mapping System) offers a lot more functionality and flexibility.
