What is a subdomain?
A subdomain is a prefix added to the main domain name that splits a website into separate parts, such as blog.example.com or shop.example.com. Each subdomain can run on its own server or system. Search engines may treat a subdomain as a separate site, which has consequences for SEO.
Why is a subdomain important?
- Technical freedom: a store, help center or blog can run on a different platform.
- Clear separation: useful for parts with a different purpose or audience, such as a customer portal.
- A point of attention: authority and links sometimes have to be built up again.
Examples of a subdomain
blog.example.comshop.example.comhelp.example.com
How do you choose between a subdomain and a subfolder?
Choose a subdomain when a section is technically separate from your main site, such as a store on a different platform or a customer portal. For a blog or service pages that belong to your brand, a subfolder is usually simpler, because everything then sits under one domain. See technical SEO.