I have an interesting but sadly non-functioning idea of combining the sub-directory Multisite WordPress installation with the Add-On Domain feature of hosts like HostMonster and BlueHost.
The point is to have one hosting account, a multisite WordPress installation at the root, and two domain names: one for the root site and another for the second multisite.
I'm wondering if anyone has an idea on what might make this work...? Maybe an .htaccess fix or a plugin of some sort...? Anything?
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On the surface it looks like it could work because they can share the same sub-directory name:
WordPress uses a root site and sub-directory style link for second multisite:
- Root site: examplesite.com
- Second site: examplesite.com/secondsite/
Add-On Domain at the host uses an identical named subdirectory for adding-on a site with a separate domain name attached:
- Domain Name: secondsite.com
- Add-On Subdirectory: examplesite.com/secondsite/
Problem is the host's actual directory needs and WordPress conflict.
I can create an add-on domain name that works (secondsite.com) but it must access an actual directory on the host (which negates WordPress' access to the second multisite under the same name).
If I remove the actual directory, WordPress second multisite shows up (examplesite.com/secondsite/) but it cannot be accessed by using the second domain name (secondsite.com) since it needs that actual directory to be there.