In most cases, the main domain is better for SEO than a subdomain, especially if the content is closely related.
Here’s a breakdown of why and how search engines like Google view them.
Main Domain (in Subdirectories) vs. Subdomain
- Main Domain (using a Subdirectory):
example.com/blog - Subdomain:
blog.example.com
Search engines, including Google, generally treat a subdomain as a separate entity from its main (or “root”) domain. This is the most critical difference.
🧠 The SEO Impact
Because a subdomain is seen as a separate website, it has significant SEO implications:
- Authority & Backlinks: The authority you’ve built for your main domain (
example.com) does not automatically pass to a subdomain (blog.example.com). The subdomain has to build its own authority and backlink profile from scratch. - Consolidation is Key: When you put your blog or content in a subdirectory (e.g.,
example.com/blog), all the valuable backlinks and authority that content earns are credited directly to your main domain. This strengthens your entire site. If that same content were on a subdomain, it would strengthen the subdomain, leaving your main site without that benefit. - “Diluted” Effort: If you split your content between
example.comandblog.example.com, you’re essentially splitting your SEO efforts. You now have to build the reputation of two separate sites instead of one strong one.
Analogy: Think of your main domain as your primary business headquarters.
- A subdirectory (
/blog) is like adding a new department inside your headquarters. It shares the same foundation, security, and reputation.- A subdomain (
blog.) is like opening a new, separate branch office in another city. It has your brand name on it, but it has to build its own local reputation, staff, and customer base from zero.
When Should You Use a Subdomain?
Subdomains are not bad; they are just a different tool for a different job. They are the right choice when the content or service is distinctly different from the main site.
Good reasons to use a subdomain include:
- A Support Portal: (e.g.,
support.yourcompany.com) - An E-commerce Store: When it’s on a different platform (e.g.,
shop.yoursite.com) - International Sites: To host different languages or regions (e.g.,
fr.example.com) - A Completely Different Product: For a tool or app that is separate from your main marketing site (e.g.,
app.yourproduct.com) - Internal or Staging Sites: For testing new designs before they go live (e.g.,
staging.example.com)
Bottom Line: If the content is meant to attract customers and build your brand’s authority (like a blog, resources, or guides), keep it on your main domain in a subdirectory. If it’s a separate functional part of your business, a subdomain is often the right choice.
🛠️ How to Create a Subdomain in Hostinger
- Log in to Hostinger hPanel
- Go to your Hostinger account and access the hPanel dashboard.
- Navigate to the Subdomains Section
- In the left sidebar, search for and click on “Subdomains” under the “Website” section.
- Create a New Subdomain
- Under Create a New Subdomain, enter the desired name (e.g.,
blog,shop,test) and select the domain you want to attach it to. - Example: If your domain is
example.com, enteringblogwill createblog.example.com.
- Under Create a New Subdomain, enter the desired name (e.g.,
- Choose the Directory
- Hostinger will automatically create a directory for the subdomain, but you can customize it if needed.
- Click “Create”
- Once you hit the “Create” button, your subdomain will be live and ready to use.
- Access and Manage
- You can now upload files to the subdomain’s directory or install a CMS like WordPress to build a separate site.
💡 Tips and Notes
- Subdomains are great for organizing content, creating landing pages, or testing environments.
- If your root domain is connected to Hostinger’s Website Builder, you’ll need to create the subdomain as a DNS record instead.
- You can delete or manage subdomains from the same section in hPanel.