Understanding the differences between subdomains, parked domains, and add-on domains is essential when managing multiple domains in your hosting account. Each type serves a different purpose and has unique features. Here’s a detailed explanation of each and how they can be used effectively.
1. Subdomain #
What Is a Subdomain? #
A subdomain is a prefix added to your main domain that creates a separate section of your website. It functions like a separate website but shares the primary domain.
Example: #
- Main Domain: yourdomain.com
- Subdomain: blog.yourdomain.com or store.yourdomain.com
Use Cases: #
- Blog: Use a subdomain like blog.yourdomain.com for a blog section of your website.
- Store: Create an online store at shop.yourdomain.com.
- Staging Site: Set up a staging environment for testing changes at staging.yourdomain.com.
Key Features: #
- Uses the same hosting account as the main domain.
- Has its own directory (e.g., public_html/blog).
- Can have its own separate content and WordPress installation.
Tip: #
- Subdomains are great for organizing different sections of your website, such as blogs, forums, or support portals.
2. Parked Domain (Alias Domain) #
What Is a Parked Domain? #
A parked domain (or alias domain) is a domain name that points to your main domain. It does not have its own website content; instead, it displays the same content as the primary domain.
Example: #
- Main Domain: yourdomain.com
- Parked Domain: yournewdomain.com (displays the content of yourdomain.com)
Use Cases: #
- Brand Protection: Register multiple variations of your domain name (e.g., yourdomain.net, yourdomain.org) and park them on your main domain.
- Marketing Campaigns: Use a different domain name for marketing purposes that redirects to your main site.
Key Features: #
- Displays the same content as the primary domain.
- Does not require additional hosting or separate website files.
- Helps prevent competitors from using similar domain names.
Tip: #
- Use parked domains to improve brand visibility and ensure that all traffic is directed to your main website.
3. Add-On Domain #
What Is an Add-On Domain? #
An add-on domain is a completely separate domain hosted on the same account but has its own unique website content and directory. It functions like a separate website with its own files, database, and email accounts.
Example: #
- Main Domain: yourdomain.com
- Add-On Domain: mynewsite.com (has its own website content, separate from yourdomain.com)
Use Cases: #
- Multiple Websites: Host multiple independent websites on a single hosting account (e.g., mynewsite.com, secondsite.com).
- Cost Savings: Manage several domains under one hosting plan instead of purchasing separate hosting accounts.
Key Features: #
- Has its own document root (e.g., /public_html/mynewsite).
- Can have its own separate WordPress installation and email accounts.
- Requires additional DNS configuration for the add-on domain.
Tip: #
- Use add-on domains when you want to create distinct, separate websites using a single hosting account.
Quick Comparison Table: #
| Feature | Subdomain | Parked Domain | Add-On Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usage | Separate section of the main site | Alias for the main domain | Independent website |
| Document Root | Subdirectory (e.g., /public_html/blog) | Shares main domain’s root | Own directory (e.g., /public_html/mynewsite) |
| Content | Unique content | Same as main domain | Unique content |
| SEO Impact | Treated as part of the main domain | Shares SEO with main domain | Treated as a separate site |
| Email Accounts | Shares main domain’s email | Uses main domain’s email | Can have its own email accounts |
How to Set Up Each Type in hPanel #
1. Set Up a Subdomain: #
- Log in to hPanel and go to Domains > Subdomains.
- Enter the subdomain name (e.g., blog) and choose the parent domain.
- Click Create.
2. Set Up a Parked Domain: #
- Go to Domains > Parked Domains in hPanel.
- Enter the domain name you want to park (e.g., yournewdomain.com).
- Click Add Domain.
3. Set Up an Add-On Domain: #
- Go to Domains > Add-On Domains in hPanel.
- Enter the new domain name (e.g., mynewsite.com).
- Choose a unique document root (e.g., /public_html/mynewsite).
- Click Create Domain.
Additional Tips: #
- Monitor Your DNS Settings: Ensure your DNS records are properly configured for each type of domain to avoid downtime or errors.
- Use SSL for All Domains: Enable SSL certificates for subdomains, parked domains, and add-on domains to secure your sites and improve SEO.
- SEO Considerations: Use add-on domains for separate websites with unique content and subdomains for related sections of the main site.
