In the vast landscape of the internet, websites come in all shapes and sizes, serving different purposes and catering to various audiences. But have you ever wondered how websites organise their content or create separate sections to handle specific functions? This is where subdomains come into play. In this article, we’ll explore what subdomains are, how they work, and their real-world applications. Whether you’re an entrepreneur starting an online business or a web designer looking to expand your knowledge, understanding subdomains can be extremely helpful for managing your online presence effectively.
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What Are Subdomains: Domain Extension?
A subdomain is an extension of your website address that comes before the main domain name. More specifically, they are extensions of a top-level domain (TLD) or second-level domain (SLD). It allows you to create separate websites or sections of your main site and gives each of them a unique web address. To put it simply, subdomains are part of the URL that comes before the domain and are commonly used to separate different sections of your website.
For example, let’s say you have a domain called “example.com“. By creating a subdomain like “blog.example.com“, you can have a separate section, in this case, a blog, from the rest of your main site. The most common subdomain is “www” which is used by over 40% of all websites, including Google, Facebook, and YouTube. Other common subdomains include “store”, “forum”, and “support”. This can help you structure content and can also make it easier for users to find specific sections when they visit a website.
How Is a Subdomain Used? Learn How They Work
Subdomains are like branches of a tree that sprout from the main trunk, which is your primary domain. They serve different purposes and can be used in various ways, depending on your needs. Here are some common scenarios where subdomains are employed:
- Blog on a Subdomain: Many websites choose to host their blogs on a subdomain to keep it distinct from their main website. By using a common subdomain like “blog.example.com“, you create a dedicated space for sharing articles, news, and related content. This separation allows you to focus on blogging without affecting the rest of your website.
- E-commerce Store: If you run an online store, using a subdomain for your e-commerce platform can be beneficial. For instance, “shop.example.com” or “store.example.com” could be dedicated to handling transactions, product listings, and shopping cart functionality. This segregation helps streamline the shopping experience for your customers.
- Multilingual Websites: For businesses operating in multiple regions or catering to an international audience, subdomains can be utilised to serve content in different languages. By creating subdomains like “es.example.com” for Spanish or “de.example.com” for German, you can provide localised versions of your website and tailor the user experience to specific regions.
- Staging Version of a Website: When making changes or updates to a live website, it’s crucial to test them thoroughly before implementing them. This is where subdomains come in handy. By creating a testing or staging version of your site on a subdomain, such as “dev.example.com” or “test.example.com“, you can experiment with new plugins, updates, and design changes without affecting the main website.
Subdomain vs. Domain: Understanding the Difference
At this point, you might be wondering how subdomains differ from domains. While they are related, there are key distinctions between the two. A domain name is the main address of your website, like “example.com“, whereas a subdomain is an extension of that domain.
To better illustrate this, let’s use an analogy. Imagine your website as a house and the domain name as the street address of that house. The subdomain, on the other hand, can be compared to different sections within that house. Each section has its own purpose, like a bedroom or a kitchen, and can be accessed through separate entrances.
So, while the domain represents the entire property, the subdomain refers to specific sections within that property. This separation allows you to organise and navigate to different sections or functions of your website with ease. You can learn more about domain names in our comprehensive guide.
Subdomain vs. Subdirectory: Understanding the Difference
Another concept worth exploring is the difference between a subdomain and a subdirectory (also known as a subfolder). While both subdomains and subdirectories serve to organise content, they do so in distinct ways.
A subdirectory is a folder or directory within the root domain that holds additional content. It is denoted by a forward slash / after the domain name. For example, “example.com/blog” would be a subdirectory called “blog“.
Subdomains are often preferred when you want to create a clear separation between different sections or when you require a more complex set of functionalities for each section
On the other hand, a subdomain functions as a separate entity with its own web address. Instead of being part of the root domain, it appears before the domain name. For instance, “blog.example.com” is a subdomain dedicated to the blog section of a website. Using a subdomain can make it easier to remember specific website sections and can make it easier for users to find them.
The choice between using a subdomain or a subdirectory depends on your specific needs and the nature of your website. Subdomains are often preferred when you want to create a clear separation between different sections or when you require a more complex set of functionalities for each section.
Subdomains vs. Subdirectories for SEO: A Comparative Analysis
When it comes to search engine optimisation (SEO), the impact of subdomains and subdirectories (also known as subfolders) on your website’s search rankings is not a simple equation. While search platforms have evolved to understand and crawl both subdirectories and subdomains, there are some differences to consider.
While Google has always considered subdomains as distinct sites separate from the primary domain, it ranks them more or less on par with subdirectories
Google, the leading search giant, treats subdirectories and subdomains fairly similarly in terms of ranking. While Google has always considered subdomains as distinct sites separate from the primary domain, it ranks them more or less on par with subdirectories.
In a Webmaster Video (see below), Google’s John Mueller explained that although they have to crawl subdomains separately, it is mostly a formality for the first few days. Google web search is fine with using either subdomains or subdirectories.
Subdomains allow you to treat each section as a separate entity, which can be advantageous for SEO. For example, if your blog is on a subdomain like “blog.example.com“, search engines may recognise it as a separate website with its own set of keywords and content. This can increase its visibility in search results.Â
On the other hand, subdirectories can benefit from the authority and credibility of the core domain name. By keeping all your content within the main domain name, search tools may consider it as a cohesive entity and assign higher rankings accordingly. This can be especially beneficial if your name already has a strong online presence.
Ultimately, the decision between whether a subdomain or subdirectory is better for SEO depends on your specific goals and priorities. If you want to focus on building individual sections with unique content, a subdomain may be the way to go. If you prefer to consolidate your authority and benefit from the strength of your domain, using subdirectories could be a better choice.
Subdomain Examples: Real-World Use Cases
Now that we have explored the concept of subdomains, let’s take a look at some real-world examples to further illustrate their applications. Subdomains can be used in various industries and scenarios, and here are a few common use cases:
News websites
News websites often use subdomains to categorise their content based on topics or regions. For example, “sports.example.com” could be dedicated to sports news, while “entertainment.example.com” could focus on entertainment-related articles. This categorisation helps readers find the specific content they are interested in more easily.
Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms
Many SaaS companies utilise subdomains to provide customised experiences to their users. For instance, “app.example.com” might serve as the login portal for the platform, while “help.example.com” could be dedicated to support and documentation. These subdomains help separate different functions of the SaaS platform and improve user experience.
Educational institutions
Educational institutions often leverage subdomains to organise their online presence. For example, a university might have subdomains like “engineering.example.com“, “business.example.com“, or “admissions.example.com” to cater to specific departments or services. This structure allows students, faculty, and staff to access the information they need more efficiently.
E-commerce marketplaces
E-commerce marketplaces that host multiple sellers may employ subdomains to provide each seller with their own dedicated storefront. For instance, “store1.example.com” and “store2.example.com” could represent different sellers on the marketplace. These subdomains create a sense of individuality and allow sellers to showcase their products effectively.
How To Create a Subdomain: Step-By-Step Guide
When adding a subdomain, many domain registrars and hosting providers, such as MCloud9, offer user-friendly control panels that make the process seamless. Before you create a subdomain, you need to have a domain which the subdomain will be prepended to. If you don’t already have a domain you can purchase one from a domain registrar or use the tool below to see if your domain name is available.
Domain Name Search
Instantly search domain name availability
Once you have a domain and access to your hosting account, you can follow this step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Log in to your web hosting account: To create a subdomain, you’ll need access to your hosting provider’s control panel or dashboard. Log in to your account using the provided credentials.
- Navigate to the domain settings: Once you’re logged in, look for the domain settings or management section. This is where you can manage all aspects of your domain and its subdomains.
- Find the subdomain management tool: Within the domain settings, locate the subdomain management tool or option. This tool allows you to add, modify, or remove subdomains associated with your main domain.
- Add a new subdomain: Click on the “Add Subdomain” or similar button to create a new subdomain. You’ll be prompted to enter the desired subdomain name and select the root domain it belongs to.
- Set up DNS settings: After adding the subdomain, you may need to configure the DNS settings to ensure proper routing of web traffic. This step may vary depending on your web hosting provider. If you’re unsure, consult the documentation or support resources provided by your hosting company.
- Upload or configure content: Once the subdomain is set up, you can start uploading files or configuring the content specific to that subdomain. This may involve installing a content management system (CMS) or creating separate directories for the subdomain’s content.
To learn about domain terminology check out our complete domain glossary.
FAQ for What Are Domains
Can I have multiple subdomains?
Yes, with reliable hosting providers like MCloud9, you can create and manage multiple subdomains under one TLD to further organise and expand your websiteÂ
Do I need a new domain name for a subdomain?
No, a subdomain is part of your existing domain name, so you do not need a new name to create a subdomain.
Will updates on a subdomain affect my entire website?
No, updates on a subdomain will only affect the specific subdomain and not other sections of your website. This allows you to make changes to specific parts of your site without affecting the rest of your content.
Is it better to use a subdomain or a separate domain for e-commerce?
It depends on your specific needs. If you have a small ecommerce store, using a subdomain may be sufficient. However, if you plan on expanding your store or want to use a different name, creating a separate site may be a better option.
Can I use subdomains to host a different website?
Yes, you can use subdomains to host a different website. However, it’s important to note that subdomains are not separate domains, so they will still be part of your primary domain name.
In Conclusion
In the world of web development and online businesses, subdomains play a crucial role in organising content, creating distinct sections, and improving user experience. By understanding what subdomains are and how they work, you can effectively manage your website, cater to specific audiences, and enhance your online presence. Whether you’re embarking on a blogging journey, spearheading an e-commerce empire, or seeking to expand your website’s capabilities, subdomains present a versatile and streamlined solution. Take the plunge today and unlock the boundless potential of subdomains to propel your online endeavours to unprecedented heights. Register your domain with MCloud9 and embark on your digital journey with confidence.
