How to Create a Subdomain if the Root Domain Is Connected to Development on OzSpeed

If your root domain (e.g., yourdomain.com) is already connected to OzSpeed’s development environment, you may want to create a subdomain (e.g., blog.yourdomain.com or shop.yourdomain.com) to host additional content, testing environments, or new projects. With OzSpeed’s hPanel, setting up a subdomain is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

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Step 1: Log in to hPanel #

1. Go to ozspeed.com.au and log in to your hPanel Dashboard.
2. Select the website where the root domain is already connected.

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Step 2: Access the Subdomains Section #

1. In hPanel, go to Domains > Subdomains.
2. Click “Create Subdomain” to start the setup process.

Tip: #

• Choose a subdomain name that clearly indicates its purpose (e.g., blog, shop, dev).

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Step 3: Enter the Subdomain Details #

1. In the Subdomain Name field, enter the name you want for your subdomain (e.g., blog).
2. Choose the root domain from the dropdown menu (e.g., yourdomain.com).
3. Click “Create” to add the subdomain.

What Happens Next: #

• A new folder will be created automatically in your public_html directory with the subdomain name (e.g., public_html/blog).
• The subdomain will be accessible at blog.yourdomain.com.

Tip: #

• If the subdomain folder isn’t created, you can manually create it using the File Manager.

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Step 4: Set Up DNS Records for the Subdomain #

To ensure the subdomain is accessible on the internet, you need to update the DNS records.

How to Add a DNS Record: #

1. Go to Domains > DNS Settings in hPanel.
2. Click Add New Record and choose A Record or CNAME Record.

Option 1: A Record #

• Type: A
• Name: Enter the subdomain name (e.g., blog).
• Value: Enter the IP address of your OzSpeed server (found in DNS Settings).
• TTL: Set to Auto or 3600 (default).

Option 2: CNAME Record #

• Type: CNAME
• Name: Enter the subdomain name (e.g., blog).
• Value: Enter the root domain (e.g., yourdomain.com).
• TTL: Set to Auto or 3600.

3. Click Save to apply the changes.

Tip: #

• Allow up to 24-48 hours for DNS propagation.

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Step 5: Install a CMS or Upload Content #

You can now install a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress or upload custom files to your subdomain.

Using the Website Builder: #

1. Go to Website Builder in hPanel.
2. Select the subdomain you just created.
3. Click “Edit Site” and start customizing your subdomain.

Installing WordPress: #

1. Go to Auto Installer in hPanel.
2. Select WordPress and choose the subdomain as the installation location (e.g., blog.yourdomain.com).
3. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Tip: #

• Use a different theme or layout for the subdomain to distinguish it from the main website.

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Step 6: Enable SSL for the Subdomain #

To secure your subdomain with HTTPS, enable an SSL certificate.

How to Enable SSL: #

1. Go to Security > SSL/TLS in hPanel.
2. Select the subdomain (e.g., blog.yourdomain.com).
3. Click Enable SSL and wait for the certificate to be issued.

Tip: #

• Ensure Force HTTPS is enabled for the subdomain to redirect all traffic to the secure version.

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Step 7: Test the Subdomain #

Before making the subdomain live, thoroughly test it to ensure it’s working correctly.

Testing Checklist: #

1. Check Accessibility: Visit blog.yourdomain.com in your browser.
2. Test Links and Content: Verify that all links, images, and files load correctly.
3. Check Mobile Responsiveness: Use a mobile device or the responsive design mode in your browser to test the subdomain’s appearance.

Tip: #

• Use an incognito window or clear your browser cache to avoid loading cached versions of the site.

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Step 8: Set Up Analytics and Tracking #

Track the performance of your subdomain separately from your main domain.

How to Add Google Analytics: #

1. Go to Settings > Tracking Codes in hPanel.
2. Paste your Google Analytics tracking code for the subdomain.
3. Click Save to apply the changes.

Tip: #

• Use a separate Google Analytics property for the subdomain for more detailed tracking.

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Troubleshooting Tips #

1. Subdomain Not Loading:
   • Check your DNS settings and allow time for propagation.
   • Ensure the subdomain folder exists in the public_html directory.
2. SSL Certificate Error:
   • Reissue the SSL certificate for the subdomain in hPanel.
   • Verify that Force HTTPS is enabled.
3. Mixed Content Warning:
   • Update all internal links and assets (e.g., images, scripts) to use HTTPS instead of HTTP.
4. Slow Loading Times:
   • Enable caching in hPanel for faster performance.
   • Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) like Cloudflare to speed up content delivery.

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Additional Tips: #

• Use a Staging Subdomain: Create a subdomain like staging.yourdomain.com for testing new features or updates before deploying them to the live site.
• Enable Hotlink Protection: Prevent other websites from using your images or files by enabling Hotlink Protection in hPanel.
• Monitor Performance: Use Google Analytics and other tools to monitor the traffic and performance of your subdomain.