Sub-domain names are Web addresses created by adding a third-level domain to your existing domain name. For example, vandeearth.com might have the subdomains shop.janesbagels.com or blog.janesbagels.com. Depending on your goals, you can use sub-domains to organize your existing website into categories or to create a website that is entirely different from your main site.
Using subdomain names has become a common practice for business owners. Before you decide to create a website subdomain, you should understand the ways it can help your business:
Your Content
Do you have an excess of content related to a specific topic crowding your website? If so, you may want to create a website subdomain that gives that content its own website to call home. Also, make sure that you pay attention to the quality of your content at the same time. Only create a website subdomain if you have the quantity and quality of information necessary to satisfy visitors and search engines.
Your Rankings
Many people create a website subdomain to impact their search engine optimization results. Search engines recognize subdomains as unique Web addresses unrelated to their parent domain name. This allows subdomains to appear alongside your website on a search engine results page, which may accomplish two goals: enhancing your legitimacy and pushing your competition farther down the list.
Your Niche
Subdomains typically have a very focused theme, which makes them the perfect place to use highly targeted keywords aimed at a specific niche – you may even use these keywords in the subdomain name itself.
Your Backlinks
By linking to your main website from your subdomain, you can increase the number of backlinks that go to your original domain name. Backlinks, also known as incoming links, are highly valued by search engines and should play a major role in your SEO strategy.
Your Budget
Subdomains can help you get “more bang for your buck” when you register a domain name. Instead of paying domain name registration fees for a new website, create a website subdomain with unique design and content. (Many Web hosting companies provide a set number of subdomains at no extra cost – be sure to inquire whether subdomains are included with your domain name registration.)
Your Brand
Subdomains are Web addresses built around your business’ main website. This increases a customers’ sense of familiarity and trust, which helps you support your brand. If you’re considering breaking your website down into pieces, subdomains let customers know those pieces are part of the same pie.
Remember that subdomains are unique web address that are viewed as separate from their parent domains and, consequently, don’t receive “trickle down” website promotion benefits. In order for subdomains to be successful, they must have their own online marketing strategy.