A subdomain is part of the website that exists separately from the root domain of the website. It is positioned before the main domain name in a URL.
Example of Subdomain
In app.example.com, the subdomain refers to the app and the root domain refers to example.com.
Subdomains organize a site when the different sections serve different purposes. They are commonly used for.
- International sites: uk.example.com, fr.example.com.
- E-commerce stores: store.example.com.
- SaaS platforms: app.example.com.
- Staging environments: staging.example.com.
Subdomains vs. Subdirectories
A subdirectory is also known as a subfolder. This is another way to structure a site but, a subdirectory exists inside the main domain.
Subdomain: blog.example.com.
Subdirectory: example.com/blog/.
Google treats both the same in terms of SEO though linking and structure affect rankings.Â
Are Subdomains Important for SEO?
Google has confirmed that subdomains and subdirectories are treated the same in search ranking. Some SEOs think subdirectories perform better because they get stronger internal links and more authority.
Pros of Using Subdomains
- Each subdomain can use a different platform or CMS.
- It’s perfect for separating the different types of content. Example, app, and blog.
- When multiple languages are used, international SEO can be useful.
- Testing & Staging: Effortlessly separate testing environments.
- Cons of Using Subdomains.
- Setting It Up Is Easy: It May Take Some Time To Configure DNS, SSL, And Analytics.
- Google may take time to understand a site’s structure. (10 words)
- Internal Linking Problems: Good internal linking between subdomains and root domains is important for SEO.
Best Practices for Subdomains
- Ensure Proper Internal Linking of Subdomains with the Main Site.
- Each subdomain must have a separate robots.txt file.
- Add subdomains to Google Search Console for accurate trackingÂ
FAQs
Are subdomains better than subdirectories for SEO?
No, Google treats them equally. The decision depends on site structure and goals.
Can a subdomain be considered a separate website?
If a subdomain is not linked appropriately to the main site, Google may see it as a site on its own.
Do subdomains need separate SEO efforts?
Yes, independent SEO strategies like link building and content optimization may be needed for subdomains.
Used correctly, subdomains can enhance structure, speed, usability, and strong SEO performance.
