Managing multiple domains in WordPress can be efficiently handled using domain mapping. This process involves pointing multiple domains to a single WordPress installation, enabling you to manage several domains from one dashboard. This is especially useful for businesses or individuals running multiple sites, as it streamlines updates and maintenance.
To implement domain mapping in WordPress, you can use plugins like Domain Mapping System to map domains to different parts of your site. This allows you to create microsites, each with their own unique domain, while being managed centrally in a single WordPress Dashboard.
However, there are some important factors to be aware of with this setup. In this post, we’ll explore the top 10 common downsides to this arrangement and what you can do to help you navigate these challenges more effectively.
- Complex Setup Process
Whether you’re using a plugin like Domain Mapping System or creating a WordPress multisite network, setting up domain mapping can be daunting for a beginner. There are a series of steps involved that require a little knowledge of DNS and web server configuration.
Solution:
- If you’re using Domain Mapping System or another domain mapping plugin, be sure to read about DNS and server configuration.
- Watch online tutorials about the process of setting up DNS, alias domains, and more.
- If you’re using multisite along with a domain mapping plugin, there are some extra steps involved to be aware of.
- If you’ve recently purchased the Domain Mapping System or are using the free version, we’re happy to help you set it up.
- Plugin Compatibility Issues
There’s great flexibility and extensibility that WordPress plugins afford. However, plugins are also built by many different developers, which may result in some conflicts or bugs. While some plugins may work in a multisite network, others do not. Multisite compatibility must be built into a plugin.
On the flip side, while some plugins may have conflicts with domain mapping, there are usually workarounds or solutions to be found.
Solution:
- When you find a conflict, you can usually reach out to the support team’s developer to report it.
- You might have to build custom functionality directly within your website if a particular plugin isn’t compatible with domain mapping or multisite.
- Theme Limitations
In some cases, you may want your microsite to have a different theme or design that your primary site domains. With multisite, that’s pretty easy – you have a separate theme activated per domain, but if you’re using a paid theme with a limited number of site activations, this can be a problem because it requires activating your theme’s license on multiple domains.
However, with the Domain Mapping System plugin, there is not yet a Theme per Domain feature. So, what can you do?
Solution
- Use a page builder like Elementor or Beaver Builder to customize the design of your mapped pages for each domain.
- Stay up to date with Domain Mapping System’s feature releases by checking the changelog or submitting a feature request. The Theme per Domain mechanism will be available soon.
- Performance Concerns
A network of microsites that uses the same WordPress installation is bound to strain server resources due to increased traffic and handling of multiple domains. This is an important potential pitfall to consider before using domain mapping or setting up a WordPress multisite.
Solution:
- Be sure that you’re familiar with how to manage DNS and server configuration in order to minimize any issues.
- Plan for adequate server capacity and performance optimization well in advance.
- Plan how you want your network to scale, in terms of increasing content or adding more microsites.
- Security Risks
A security breach on a site with multiple domains or a multisite network can be a little more complicated than when dealing with a single website. First, multiple websites sharing a single WordPress installation means that the attack surface for malware is larger. Once malware makes its way into the primary site, the whole network is going to be affected. For this reason, you can see why a site with multiple domains or a multisite network is appealing to potential hackers.
Second, cleaning up after a malware attack is going to be vital. Ensure the following:
Solution:
- Implement robust security measures across the entire network, including strong firewalls and malware scanning.
- Regularly update all themes, plugins, and WordPress core to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Use security plugins designed for multisite networks, such as Wordfence or Sucuri.
- Implement strict user access controls and enforce strong password policies.
- Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify potential weaknesses.
6. Backup and Migration Complexity
It’s true that building multiple sites on a single installation is a cost-saving approach, but when you have to move from one host to another, the process is not only complex but can be pricey too.
You will need to contract a professional service to carefully carry out the backing up and migration of all websites, ensuring smooth continuity. This is definitely not for average users, even advanced WordPress users will find the process difficult. It is something to ponder when creating a multisite network.
Solution:
- Choose a reliable hosting provider with experience in handling WordPress multisite setups.
- Implement a robust backup strategy that includes regular, automated backups of your entire network.
- Use specialized backup and migration tools designed for multisite networks, such as UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy.
- Document your network structure, including all mapped domains and configurations, to facilitate smooth migrations.
- If possible, plan for scalability from the beginning to minimize the need for future migrations.
7. Domain Mapping Challenges
When you’re dealing with domains, subdomains, aliases, and DNS, there’s bound to be misconfigurations at some point. It’s best to arm yourself with all the knowledge you can.
Solution:
- Be sure that you’re familiar with how to manage DNS and server configuration in order to minimize any issues.
- Watch online tutorials about the process of setting up DNS, alias domains, and more.
You can learn the basics of domain mapping in this video:
8. User Role Management
Managing user roles and permissions across multiple domains or in a WordPress multisite network can indeed become confusing and requires careful planning. This is an important aspect to consider when setting up domain mapping for multiple websites.
Solution:
- Implement a robust user management system that allows for granular control over user roles and permissions across all sites in the network.
- Use plugins specifically designed for multisite user management, such as User Role Editor or Members.
- Regularly audit user roles and permissions to ensure proper access control and security.
- Create clear documentation for your team about the different user roles and their responsibilities across the network.
- Keep up to date with the Domain Mapping System changelog or make a feature request to stay up to date about when a Users per Domain mechanism becomes available.
9. Network Maintenance
With multiple sites sharing a single WordPress installation, regular updates and maintenance become more critical to ensure smooth operation. This is a significant consideration when managing multiple domains in WordPress.
Solution:
- Implement a systematic approach to updates and maintenance, scheduling regular check-ups for all sites in the network.
- Use management tools like ManageWP or MainWP to streamline updates across your multisite network.
- Create a staging environment to test updates before applying them to live sites.
- Automate backups for all sites in the network to minimize data loss risks.
- Develop a comprehensive maintenance checklist that covers all aspects of your multisite network, including database optimization, security scans, and performance checks.
10. SEO Considerations
Each mapped domain needs individual SEO strategies, and improper setup can lead to SEO issues. This is a crucial aspect to keep in mind when managing multiple domains in WordPress, as it can significantly impact your sites’ visibility and ranking.
Solution:
- Ensure each mapped domain has its own unique content to avoid duplicate content issues.
- Use SEO plugins that support multisite networks, such as Yoast SEO or All in One SEO Pack.
- Implement proper canonical tags to avoid confusion for search engines when similar content appears on multiple domains.
- Create separate XML sitemaps for each mapped domain to help search engines index your content correctly.
- Monitor the SEO performance of each site individually using tools like Google Search Console and make adjustments as needed.
- Be mindful of internal linking strategies across your network to maximize SEO benefits without causing confusion for search engines.
Wrapping Up
By understanding these common pitfalls and implementing the suggested solutions, you can effectively manage multiple domains in WordPress. With careful planning and the right tools, you’ll maximize efficiency while minimizing potential issues.
