Hosting multiple WordPress sites on a single hosting account requires proper planning and setup. This guide walks you through the standard process used by most hosting providers.

Note: If your hosting setup differs from this guide, contact your hosting provider for specific instructions.

Overview

To host multiple WordPress sites on one server, you’ll need to:

1. Prepare your web root directory
2. Create separate directories for each site
3. Set up individual databases
4. Configure add-on domains
5. Install your WordPress sites

Step 1: Prepare the Web Root Directory

Locate your web root directory through your hosting cPanel or FTP client. Most hosts name this directory public_html.

Check for existing WordPress installations:

Ensure the directory is empty of WordPress core files:

• wp-admin folder
• wp-content folder
• wp-config.php file
• Other WordPress core files

Safe to Keep: Files like 404.html or .htaccess can remain.

Important: If WordPress core files exist, back them up before removing them to avoid data loss.

Step 2: Create Site Directories

Each WordPress site needs its own directory within the web root. These directories typically match your domain names.

Example directory structure:

/public_html/mysite1/ (WordPress files here)
/public_html/mysite2/ (WordPress files here)
/public_html/mysite3/ (WordPress files here)

Create a separate directory for each site you plan to host.

Step 3: Create Databases

Each WordPress site requires its own database.

Best Practice: Name each database to match its corresponding directory (usually the domain name). This makes management easier.

Example:

• Site directory: /public_html/mysite1/
• Database name: mysite1_db

Create one database per site through your hosting control panel.

Step 4: Configure Add-On Domains

Most major hosting providers offer an “Add-On Domain“ feature. This maps your domain name to a specific directory in your web root.

How to set up:

1. Log in to your hosting control panel
2. Find the “Add-On Domains” or “Domains” section
3. Add your domain and point it to the corresponding directory created in Step 2

Tip: Search your hosting provider’s documentation for “add-on domain” setup instructions. The process is typically straightforward.

Recommended Hosts: View our list of approved Duplicator hosting providers.

Step 5: Install Your WordPress Sites

Once your directories, databases, and domains are configured, you’re ready to install WordPress.

Using Duplicator:

If you’re migrating existing sites with Duplicator, follow our Classic Installation guide to deploy your backup to each new location.

Result: Each domain will display its own WordPress site, all hosted on the same server but completely separate from each other.

Quick Checklist

Before installing WordPress on each site, verify:

• Web root directory is clean
• Individual directories created for each site
• Separate database created for each site
• Add-on domains properly mapped
• Domain DNS settings updated (if needed)

Getting Help

Need assistance with your hosting setup?

• Installation Guide: Classic Installation
• Approved Hosts: Duplicator-friendly hosting providers
• Support: Contact your hosting provider for platform-specific guidance