How to Sell WordPress Multisites

For agencies, multisite WordPress isn’t merely a fleeting trend; it’s a strategic powerhouse. Solid market presence, recurring revenue, more cash flow, expanded cross-selling opportunities; you name it, and you have it. Set up a WordPress multisite and hit many birds with one stone.

But let’s be real, the path to WordPress multisite mastery isn’t always a leisurely stroll. Complex network setup, tedious user management across sites, never-ending plugin and theme compatibility issues, and ensuring robust security for the entire network present serious hurdles, leaving a dent in that sought-after peace of mind.

So, how do you, as a savvy WordPress agency, conquer these multisite mountains? Well, the answer is InstaWP WaaS. Yes, you heard it right. InstaWP users can now set up multisite WordPress with the least possible hassles.

What is a Multisite WordPress WaaS?

You’ve likely heard the terms thrown around – WordPress multisite, multisite WaaS, even just plain WaaS. With so many similar-sounding phrases, it’s easy to feel like you’re in an alphabet soup of acronyms. Well, fear not, it’s time to bring clarity to the chaos.

At its core, a Multisite WaaS (Website as a Service) is a powerful WordPress development feature that empowers your agency (yes, you!) or businesses to create and efficiently manage a network of multiple websites all from a single WordPress dashboard.

Think of it this way: instead of painstakingly building individual, separate WordPress installations for each client, this setup lets you establish a central hub. From this hub, you can launch and oversee numerous distinct websites, each operating independently but sharing the same underlying WordPress structure and core features.

This is a game-changer for managing multiple clients, especially those with similar needs like franchises, businesses with various locations, or even offering tiered website packages. Imagine updating a core plugin once and having it seamlessly apply across your entire network – talk about efficiency!

The beauty for your agency lies in the recurring income model of WordPress WaaS. Clients essentially subscribe to have their website hosted and managed within your multisite network. You benefit from a steady stream of revenue while enjoying the streamlined management capabilities of a single control center. It’s a win-win scenario that boosts your profitability and simplifies your workflow.

Is WordPress’s Default Multisite Feature Good Enough for Waas?

We all know that WordPress does offer a standard multisite setup right out of the box. At zero cost, agencies can start multisite developments. And, it might seem like the perfect solution initially due to its straightforward implementation.

But, if you’re aiming for multiste WaaS that really vows you and your client, this standard WordPress multiste site setup is noting less than building skyscrapers using LEGOs. It’s fun but not sustainable.

• You will share networks and resources for all the multisites. One nasty bug and your peace of mind is lost.
• All the multisites will share the same hosting. Hence, website slowdown will be a daily thing.
• Updating theme/cores/plugins will be like summiting a mountain and will make your clients feel that they are getting a cookie-cutter website.
• Trying to back up or restore individual client sites in a massive multisite network? It can turn into a real time-suck and a potential point of failure.
• The standard multisite admin is okay, but it’s not the slick, intuitive command center you’re probably envisioning for effortless client management, automated tasks, and easy scaling of your WaaS offerings.

Bottom line: Default multisite is a great starting point for some basic needs, but for agencies serious about delivering a top-notch, scalable WaaS experience, it often falls short on the crucial aspects of security, performance, customization, and efficient management. You’ll likely find yourself needing more robust solutions to truly unlock the potential of WaaS!

They need a smart, seamless, and effortlessly scalable WaaS solution that enables them to instantly spin up customizable, pre-configured websites, effortlessly manage client sites from a single, intuitive dashboard, automate routine tasks like updates and security checks, and rapidly scale their WaaS offerings without breaking a sweat.

Does such a WaaS solution exist? Yes, it does.

Introducing InstaWP WaaS

InstaWP WaaS enables agencies can easily package, sell, and manage fully-hosted WordPress websites—turning ideas into recurring revenue instantly. Agencies can build multisite WordPress WaaS using AI or pre-made templates without writing a single code.

The icing on the cake is the effortless WordPress multisite management. Agencies don’t have to get tangled in individual site login or management.

Set up WaaS and manage every aspect of it from a single dashboard.

Need to change hosting plans for your WaaS? Go ahead and do it with a single click.

Want to add custom CSS to WaaS? Now worries

What’s more interesting is the fact that agencies can also white label the WordPress multisite WaaS and personalize it to resonate with the agency’s brand identity.

Simply put, InstaWP WaaS takes the hassle out of WaaS development, empowering agencies to handle growth smoothly and focus on what they do best—delivering exceptional websites.

And, the process for WordPress multisite WaaS setup is a walk in the park.

Guide to Selling Multisite WordPress Websites Using InstaWP WaaS

Let’s get to the real meat—sell multisite WordPress websites using InstaWP WaaS. So, keep your InstaWP credentials handy, and if you haven’t signed up with InstaWP, do it right away.

Step 1 – Create a Staging site as a Multisite 

Once you’ve logged into your InstaWP dashboard, go to Sites > click New Site.

Important: Make sure to choose the configuration for this site as Multisite.

Do You Know: You can create templates from scratch, using AI, through pre-made templates, and using the store. Each method is seamless and doesn’t bog you down with coding.

Hit the Next Step button to proceed.

That’s it for this step. Your multisite staging site is created. Use the link to visit it or the Magic Login button to log into its admin dashboard in one click.

Step 2 – Customize your WordPress Multisite Staging 

Your staging site, created in the previous step, is going to serve as the building block for WaaS. So, all the customizations (according to your client’s requirements) must be made to this site. 

To edit your WordPress multisite, you can use the magic login, code editor, SFTP, and various development tools while building with InstaWP. It’s going to be smooth and fast!

Step 3 – Save it as a Template and Enable Monetization

Once all the editing is done, it’s time to save the staging sites as ‘Templates’ so that you can sell them as WaaS. For this, go to Sites and click on the Save Template option.

Alternatively, you can go to the Templates page and choose your multisite staging site to build the template.

Add a name and description while creating your WordPress multisite template.

Make sure to mark your template as a Shared Template, as your WaaS will be client-facing.

Remember to enable monetization for this Template from the Monetization option. It’s essential to do so when you create a template for building WaaS.

For this, go to Templates and click on the three-dot button to expand the menu. Select ‘ Monetize‘ options.

Toggle the bar to enable monetization. You can choose to keep your template free or paid.

If you choose the second option, you have to sign up as a seller and set up the payment.

Step 4 – Use the template in WaaS

Let’s build your Website as a Service site now!

Click WaaS from the left-hand menu and hit the Add WaaS button to get started.

Proceed by adding a name to your WaaS and selecting your multisite staging template.

Next, configure your WaaS settings, branding configuration, hosting plans, and so on. 

Note: While you can build a single-site WaaS with any supported hosting provider, InstaWP Live is the only supported hosting provider for multisite WaaS. So, while editing Hosting Settings, choose “InstaWP Live” as your Server Alias, select your preferred Pack, and pick a Data Center.

Need help while building your WordPress WaaS? This video can help.

All set? Let’s move to the next step.

Read the Complete Guide to Creating a WaaS here →

Step 5 – Automatic Conversion of Sold Sites to Multisite 

At this step, you need not do anything. Because your WaaS has a multisite staging template in its core, it will automatically act like a multisite WaaS.

Once you start selling your WaaS, it will be evident. The sold sites will automatically be converted to multisite websites, and your client will be able to map multiple domains to the WaaS.

Just generate a shareable link to your WaaS and share it with your client.

Step 6 – Your WaaS customer Mapping domain and Launching it

Now, upon purchasing your WordPress WaaS multisite website, your customers will be able to map multiple domains to it.

Benefits of Selling a Multisite WaaS With InstaWP

Wondering what the payoff for all these efforts is? Well, you will have a bag full of:

1. Big Fishes in Niche Markets

With Multisite WordPress WaaS, you can bundle hosting, security, backups, and custom features into one big shiny package. And, because you’re offering a comprehensive service, you can charge premium rates. Clients are willing to pay more when everything is handled for them.

The above means – Franchises, associations, and multi-location businesses are your prospects when it comes to Multisite. They need lots of websites fast, but they also want uniformity. 

You can even license your network to businesses that want to offer sites to their own customers. It’s like selling shovels during the gold rush—everyone needs one!

2. Recurring Revenue

With a WaaS model, you’re not just selling a one-time website. You’re creating a subscription-based income. This implies that your client remains in your orbit with ongoing services. That means money coming in like clockwork every month, not just when you finish a project. 

3. Big Profits

As you build and sell WordPress Multisite WaaS with InstaWP, you unfold a new dimension of site management. From a single dashboard, you handle all the chores like a pro— update plugins/theme/core, manage user roles, run vulnerability scans, and do a lot more.

The whole process takes much less time and fewer headaches. With easy management comes big profits as your agency can minimize operating costs and maximize profitability, transforming website management into a scalable, profitable, stress-free business model.

4. Fast Money

Clients love it when things get done fast, and they’ll pay a premium for it. “Fast, good, and done,” as the saying goes!

Once your Multisite WaaS setup is live with InstaWP, you can spin up new sites very fast. This lets you take on more clients without burning out your team. And the best part is, you can charge extra for that speed.

5. Long-term Partnerships = Long-term $$$

Enterprise clients love consistency, and Multisite WaaS is all about that. You’re not just their web agency—you’re their go-to partner for the long haul.

Offering WordPress Multisite WaaS shows big clients you can handle the complexity, so they’ll keep coming back for updates, maintenance, and new features. It’s a lot of money if you count.

Recap: Why Multisite WaaS Is a No-Brainer for Big Clients?

• Consistency for Franchises: Ideal for businesses needing uniform websites across multiple locations.
• Recurring Revenue: The WaaS model generates consistent, subscription-based income.
• Easy Management: Manage all sites from one dashboard, saving time and reducing complexity.
• Quick Deployment: Spin up new sites fast, enabling you to handle more clients without extra strain.
• Long-term Partnerships: Build lasting relationships with enterprise clients, offering continuous updates and maintenance.

Final Word

By offering WordPress Multisite WaaS, you’re setting your agency up for sustainable growth, bigger clients, and a steady stream of income that keeps flowing long after the project is launched. This can establish your agency as a long-term, valuable partner with consistent, recurring revenue and premium pricing.

For your clients, it means a lot less headache and a well-managed, high-performing (single or multisite) website, which brings higher revenue and more visibility to them.

It’s the best of both worlds—scalable for you, and a no-brainer for them!

Start building your Multisite WaaS today with InstaWP →

Questions you might have about WaaS and Multisite WaaS