Around here, you’ll hear constant mention of our beloved affiliate, WPMU DEV, and we’d like to take a moment to explain what exactly is WPMU DEV, for those completely lost and living under a rock (it happens)!
To begin with, did you even know that your existing, self-hosted WordPress site can be turned into a full-blown multi-site network? That’s right, you simply need to enable the network feature of WordPress and you’ll then be able to create other sites, just like your main WordPress site.
And of course, you’ll find out all about that special feature right at the online manual over at WPMU DEV.
Moreover, WPMU DEV has been specializing in Multisite development since its infancy and not only provides an abundance of resources and a massive forum full of insightful Multisite tidbits, but they’ve got plugins and themes that are Multisite compatible and provide a bewildering array of awesome features specifically for use in Multisite scenarios.
Take for example the illustrious MarketPress, the fully featured e-Commerce plugin that stands perfectly well on its own on a regular, single WordPress site. But in a Multisite setup, it gives you the ability to provide a full-blown e-Commerce network, sort of like Etsy. You can let users create their very own shops on your network!
Now, MarketPress allows you to take a percentage of network sales automatically, using the integrated PayPal Chained Payments gateway. But what if you wanted to charge users for having a site, or shop, on your network, first off?
Enter Pro Sites, the Multisite plugin that lets you charge users for premium features. With all of its included modules, you can charge users for access to premium plugins or themes, limit the number of posts or post types (such as MarketPress products) a site can create, or even charge for having a site in the first place.
There’s also other massive plugins, like Membership Premium, which lets you build a fully-functional membership site. While it can easily be used for a very simple, free membership site, it’s incredibly sophisticated design even lets you create elaborate membership systems, fully integrated with PayPal and other payment providers.
Then there’s Ultimate Facebook, which provides the most complete Facebook integration you’ll find, from Like/Send button functionality to full integration with Facebook registration and login, commenting system and all the Facebook widgets you’ll ever need.
Much more can be said about all the outstanding wares at WPMU DEV, but one of the things that truly sets them apart from similar development companies is their unbelievable service model, wherein you buy a Full subscription (for example, a single month subscription), and you get ALL their plugins and themes!
Better yet, you not only get all their wares, you get to use them in as many projects as you like, for as long as you like after you download them! That’s right, they stick with the WordPress GPL 2.0 open source license requirements, allowing you to use their plugins and themes the same way you use WordPress, even letting you mod them to suit your needs!
Plus, you get full support for the duration of the subscription you purchase (longer duration subscriptions provide dramatic discounts). That gets you access to the most awesomest forums on the planet, where you can get pointers on how to modify these plugins and themes, glean insight on WordPress development from professionals in the field, or just get basic WordPress assistance if you’re still learning about WordPress.
It’s very difficult to explain all the benefits of membership at WPMU DEV here in a single article, as they’ve got an incredible history of WordPress development, and thus have an equally incredible arsenal of plugins, themes and resources.
It would be best to check it out for yourself, which you can do right from here!
