Which is easier — break out individual site or combine sites

  • Resolved inge12

    (@inge12)


    12 years, 1 month ago

    Which is easier:

    To bring an individual self-hosted WP blog (own domain) into a Multi-site installation
    OR

    To break out an individual self-hosted blog (own domain) out of a multi-site installation??

    Ideally, I would like all my sites together in a multi-site installation, but I’m running into hosting issues because of heavy traffic on the main site — in the order of 16,000+ visitors a day, according to CPanel AWstats.

    I’m getting away with a shared hosting plan so far, but the next step up is a dedicated server with big $$$$$$’s.

    So, for setting up a new blog on its own domain, I’m wondering whether to risk starting it in the same installation as the main site or to put it on a separate installation in a separate hosting plan, with the possibility of combining the blogs when I have to actually pay for dedicated hosting.

    Not sure I’m making myself clear, but the limits on shared hosting is the issue. I’m in danger of being limited in processor usage.

    Basically, I’m trying to stave off having to pay for a dedicated server any sooner than necessary, and I’m wondering whether I have any options.

    To summarize:
    If I install a new blog and it generated more traffic, do I have a chance to break it out into a separate installation?

    If I create a new blog in a separate installation, can I combine the two blogs later?

    What issues would I run into?
    (Please forgive me if the question sounds stupid.)

    [Current main blog is http://ssnet.org/]

Viewing 5 replies - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
  • Patrick Nommensen

    (@pnommensen)

    12 years, 1 month ago

    If I install a new blog and it generated more traffic, do I have a chance to break it out into a separate installation?

    Yes, that can be done. If you don’t have users registered (mainly static) you could just use the WP export/import functions and it would be very easy. You could also just transfer all the files and make a few changes in your database.

    If I create a new blog in a separate installation, can I combine the two blogs later?

    Yes you could add a blog to a multisite installation and then map the new one to a directory or other domain. I have a guide for that here.

    Thread Starter inge12

    (@inge12)

    12 years, 1 month ago

    Thanks much, Patrick 🙂

    Your instructions on adding a domain are good for me, because I’m on Hostgator.

    Just a question: You seem to presuppose a sub-domain. Will the instructions work for a sub-directory as well? Or is it better to use sub-domains?

    Patrick Nommensen

    (@pnommensen)

    12 years, 1 month ago

    Sure inge12!

    Either method would work. When you transition WordPress to MU it will ask you which you would like to do. For my purposes I have done subdomain every single time.

    If you decide to go with subdomains you will need to set up a wildcard subdomain. With hostgator All you need to do is in your cpanel add a subdomain named * And have it point to your public_html. This sets up wildcard dns.

    You can also see this post here for some additional advice. If you plan on mapping the domains anyway I wouldn’t believe it matters.

    If you do wouldn’t want to map the domains then there is a strategic choice. If the blogs topics are related then use subdirectories. If they are not then use subdomains.

    “subdomains give separate results in google. subfolders are seen as belonging to the main domain and give more authority to that.” source.

    Thread Starter inge12

    (@inge12)

    12 years, 1 month ago

    Thank you very much, Parick! That was extremely helpful.

    Patrick Nommensen

    (@pnommensen)

    12 years, 1 month ago

    Sure, I’m glad I could help you!

Viewing 5 replies - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
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