When it comes to running multiple websites, nothing beats the WordPress multisite network and most of us tend to install WordPress Multisite. It allows you to create multiple websites using the same backend without the hassle of constantly updating multiple websites. However, you can also manage multiple WordPress sites at once using the MainWP plugin.

The most important WordPress multisite hosting requirement is a cloud provider that can manage everything for you. That’s where Google Cloud (GC) comes in with its WordPress hosting services.

Google Cloud for WordPress Multisite Hosting

One of the main reasons for moving WordPress to Google Cloud is its strong features, which ensures that a multisite WordPress network can work under load and commitment. In the past year alone, the number of websites hosted on Google Cloud has increased tenfold.

However, installing WordPress Multisite on Google Cloud is a difficult process. Unless you have the technical expertise required to operate the Google Cloud Console, it’s best to use a managed cloud hosting platform.

Why choose Cloudways for multi-site hosting?

Cloudways provides a one-click solution for WordPress Multisite hosting on Google Cloud. The process is very simple and is usually completed within a few minutes. Here are the top three benefits that Cloudways offers to all users:

Free migration

Get Cloudways managed WordPress site migration completely free. You can also migrate any number of WordPress sites later using the Cloudways Migrator plugin

High security

Cloudways manages all server level security so you don’t have to worry about attacks and exploits on your servers. In addition, it will notify you directly through CloudwaysBot and prevent access to the website if there is a special event.

Remember, while protecting your server is important, it is also important to protect your WordPress Multisite.

Improved page speed

Cloudways offers custom packages including NGINX, Apache, Varnish, Redis, PHP-FPM and other advanced technologies to improve the backup of WordPress powered websites. In addition, Cloudways offers Breeze, an efficient WordPress caching plugin that improves the performance of Multisite WordPress.

Install WordPress Multisite on Google Cloud

I discussed the pros and cons of WordPress Multisites, now it’s time to examine the installation process. With a few simple steps, you can install your WordPress Multisite on Google Cloud.

Step 1: Register for the Cloudways platform

Create an account with Cloudways by clicking the sign up button [you don’t need a credit card to get the trial]. You can also register through Linkedin, Google and GitHub.

Step 2: Activate your Cloudways account

You must verify your email address and complete the registration process to get started.

Step 3: Get started with Cloudways

After creating your Cloudways account, you will see welcome instructions and a “Let’s Get Started” button, after that you will see a screen with a “Get Started” button. Click it to start the server startup process.

Step 4: Enter the required details

Now, fill in the necessary details to start the server.

On the application and server details page,

• Select Multisite Version x.x.x under Applications and Server Details
• Enter the application name
• Enter the server name
• Enter the item type

Step 5: Select Google Cloud

Choose web hosting for Google Cloud Platform from a pool of available cloud providers.

Step 6: Configure your server

Now set the server size, bandwidth, storage and database according to your needs.

Step 7: Select the server location

I used minimum bandwidth and storage size for this installation tutorial, I am based in Iowa, USA. You can set the place according to your needs. Remember, choosing a site that is close to your target audience means improving website speed.

Step 8: Check your server price

The total price for the distribution parameters you selected will be displayed in the lower right corner of the screen. Remember, our prices are based on the type of payment you go with, so you only pay for the services you use.

Step 9: Start the server

Now, click on the Launch button at the bottom left of the screen. Your server will be ready soon.

Waiting for the server to be ready…

Step 10: Get your WordPress Multisite App

Once the server is ready, click on the application link in the upper left corner. You will be redirected to the Apps page where you can select the installed WordPress multisite apps.

Under the Application Control section, click the Access Details tab. Here you can see the details of the WordPress Multisite Admin Panel. Use these credentials to access the WordPress staging multisite dashboard.

Open the WordPress admin panel using the URL. You will be prompted for a username and password. Copy credentials from the Administration menu.

Here’s how to install WordPress Multisite on Google Cloud Server. Now point to your domain and add an SSL certificate to the WordPress multisite network.

After installing your WordPress site on Google Cloud Platform, you will manage it from the dashboard.

Summing Up

WordPress Multisite is a great tool for managing multiple WordPress sites from a single dashboard, and can be installed on any platform. However, where Google Cloud can help you is in the optimization process. As the network grows, more traffic in your area will indirectly affect the entire server and slow down users. Google Cloud Server is the best platform to meet this situation. It solves this problem by ensuring adequate security and robust performance without worrying about bandwidth.