The concept of Website as a Service (WaaS) has revolutionized website development and management, making it easier for businesses, agencies, and freelancers to offer pre-configured websites to clients.
A Multisite WaaS takes this concept further by enabling the sale of ready-to-use multisite networks, streamlining deployment, and ongoing management.
This guide walks through the process of setting up, customizing, and selling a WordPress Multisite WaaS efficiently.
What is Multisite WaaS?
Multisite WaaS (Website as a Service) is a business model that allows agencies and entrepreneurs to sell ready-made, fully managed WordPress multisite networks. Instead of offering individual websites, a Multisite WaaS lets clients access a network where they can manage multiple sites under one central dashboard. This setup is ideal for franchise businesses, educational institutions, and agencies serving multiple clients.
A key part of setting up a Multisite WaaS is using a WordPress staging site to build, test, and refine the network before launching it live. This ensures seamless functionality and a smooth user experience.
Step 1: Set Up a WordPress Multisite Staging Site
To start selling a Multisite WaaS, the first step is to create a WordPress staging site configured as a multisite network. This acts as a sandbox environment where all customizations and testing take place before going live.
- Log in to your website management dashboard and navigate to the staging section.
- Click “Add New” and select the Multisite configuration.
- Proceed by installing essential plugins that enhance security, performance, and user experience.
- Once the staging site is ready, use the provided link to access it, or log in directly via a one-click login feature.
This staging site serves as the foundation for the Multisite WaaS, allowing you to build a fully optimized and feature-rich network.
Step 2: Customize Your Multisite Staging Site
Customization is crucial to making the multisite network suitable for your target audience. At this stage, configure the following elements:
- Themes and Plugins: Pre-install and configure themes and plugins based on your client’s needs. Ensure compatibility across all sub-sites.
- User Roles and Permissions: Define user roles to control access within the network.
- Branding Elements: Customize the dashboard, login pages, and admin area to align with your brand.
- Performance Enhancements: Optimize speed and caching settings for a smooth experience.
With the right customizations, your multisite staging site is ready to be transformed into a template for your WaaS.
Step 3: Save Your Multisite as a Template & Enable Monetization
To streamline the deployment of your Multisite WaaS, save the configured staging site as a template. This template will serve as the base for every new instance of the multisite network.
- Navigate to the templates section and select the multisite staging site.
- Assign a name and description to the template.
- Enable Shared Template mode to make it accessible for client-facing WaaS deployments.
- Activate the Monetization feature to set pricing options, whether offering free trials or paid plans.
This step ensures that your WaaS model is both scalable and profitable, allowing seamless deployment of new multisite networks with pre-configured settings.
Step 4: Create and Configure Your WaaS
Once the template is ready, it’s time to launch the WaaS service.
- Go to the WaaS management section and click Add New.
- Enter a name for your WaaS offering.
- Select the multisite template created earlier.
- Configure key settings such as hosting, branding, and subscription plans.
- Choose a reliable hosting provider optimized for multisite networks to ensure seamless performance and uptime.
With these settings in place, your Multisite WaaS is officially ready for launch.
Step 5: Automate the Conversion of Sold Sites
One of the biggest advantages of a Multisite WaaS is that sold sites automatically integrate into the multisite network. There’s no need for manual setup after each sale—clients receive a fully operational site that’s already connected to the main network.
To begin selling:
- Generate a shareable link to your WaaS offering.
- Distribute the link via your website, social media, and marketing channels.
- Once a client purchases the service, their site is instantly provisioned within the multisite network.
This automated conversion process ensures efficiency, reducing workload and accelerating delivery.
Step 6: Enable Domain Mapping for Clients
After purchasing a site within your Multisite WaaS, clients will likely want to map custom domains. The process is straightforward:
- Clients log into their WaaS dashboard.
- They enter the domain they wish to map.
- DNS settings are configured accordingly.
- The domain mapping is confirmed, and the site is live under the client’s domain.
This step enhances professionalism by allowing each client to brand their own site within the multisite network.
Benefits of Selling a Multisite WaaS
Selling a Multisite WaaS brings multiple advantages for agencies, freelancers, and entrepreneurs:
- Scalability: Manage multiple client websites under one centralized dashboard.
- Revenue Generation: Monetize the WaaS model through subscriptions, one-time purchases, or tiered pricing.
- Efficient Maintenance: Reduce the workload by updating all sites in the network simultaneously.
- Client Empowerment: Offer clients a plug-and-play website solution with minimal setup.
- Increased Brand Control: Maintain quality and consistency across all client sites.
Final Thoughts
A Multisite WaaS is a game-changing approach to website management, allowing businesses to scale while delivering seamless website solutions to clients. By leveraging a WordPress staging site for initial setup and customization, the process becomes smooth and efficient.
With proper configuration, automation, and monetization, launching a Multisite WaaS can be a lucrative business model that offers long-term benefits. Whether you’re an agency looking to scale or an entrepreneur entering the WaaS space, following this guide will help you build, sell, and manage a profitable Multisite WaaS.