Sub domains are a topic that often comes up when discussing website architecture. They allow you to create separate sites under the same primary domain, offering a range of benefits but also some drawbacks. This tutorial will guide you through when and why you should consider using sub domains for your website.
Prerequisites
Please make sure you have the following resources:
- A domain name
- A web hosting package that allows subdomains
What Are Sub Domains?
A sub domain is essentially a domain that is a part of a larger domain. For example, if your main domain is example.com, a sub domain could be shop.example.com. Sub domains allow you to create separate websites that still fall under the umbrella of your primary domain.
Why Use Sub Domains?
- Separate Functionalities
You can use sub domains to separate different functionalities of your website. For instance, if you have a blog and an online store, you can haveblog.example.comandstore.example.com. - Brand Consistency
Sub domains help in maintaining brand consistency. Since the primary domain remains the same, it aids in brand recognition. - Cost-Effectiveness
Most hosting providers offer the ability to create sub domains as part of their hosting packages, so you don’t have to purchase a new domain.
When to Use Sub Domains?
- For Different Business Units
If your business has different units like Real Estate, shopping, or a business directory, sub domains can help you keep these units separate but under the same brand umbrella. - For Testing and Development
Sub domains are great for creating testing environments. You can easily set up a sub domain to test new features before rolling them out on your main site. - For Content Segmentation
If you have content that is significantly different from what is on your main site, a sub domain can be a good option. For example, a separate sub domain can be created for a members-only section.
Advantages and Disadvantages
While sub domains offer several benefits, they also come with some drawbacks.
Advantages
- Easy to set up
- Cost-effective
- Helps in brand consistency
Disadvantages
- SEO efforts for the main site won’t automatically benefit your sub domains.
- Risk of the sub domain getting banned if the main domain is banned.
When Should You Use Sub Domains – Conclusion
Sub domains offer a flexible and cost-effective way to expand your website’s functionalities while maintaining brand consistency. However, they do come with some risks and limitations. Therefore, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to use them.
