Managing Multiple Subdomains

This article explains how to create and manage multiple subdomains on your Web60 hosting account.

A subdomain is a section of your main domain that appears before your domain name. For example, if your main website is "yourshop.ie", you could create subdomains like "blog.yourshop.ie" or "shop.yourshop.ie".

Understanding Subdomains vs Subdirectories

Before setting up subdomains, understand the difference:

• Subdomain: blog.yourshop.ie (separate website section)
• Subdirectory: yourshop.ie/blog (page within your main site)

Subdomains work as independent websites with their own content and can even run different WordPress installations.

Creating Your First Subdomain

1. Log into your Web60 portal using your account credentials
2. Navigate to Domain Management from the main dashboard
3. Select your domain from the list of domains in your account
4. Click "Add Subdomain" button
5. Enter your subdomain name (only letters, numbers, and hyphens allowed)
6. Choose the folder location where subdomain files will be stored
7. Click "Create Subdomain" to confirm

The subdomain becomes active immediately, though it may take up to 24 hours to work for all visitors due to DNS propagation.

Installing WordPress on a Subdomain

Each subdomain can run its own WordPress website:

1. Return to your Web60 portal after creating the subdomain
2. Go to WordPress Management section
3. Click "Install WordPress" option
4. Select your subdomain from the dropdown list
5. Choose your site details (site name, admin username, password)
6. Click "Install" and wait for completion

You'll receive an email with login details for your new subdomain's WordPress admin area.

Managing Multiple Subdomain Websites

When you have several subdomains, organization becomes important:

Keep track of login details: Each subdomain WordPress site has separate admin credentials. Save these securely.

Monitor backup schedules: Each subdomain website backs up independently. Check that automatic backups are enabled for all subdomains through your Web60 portal.

Update themes and plugins regularly: Unlike your main site, subdomain WordPress installations need separate updates. Set calendar reminders to check each subdomain monthly.

Use consistent branding: If subdomains represent parts of the same business, maintain similar colors, fonts, and logos across all sites.

Common Subdomain Issues

If your subdomain isn't working:

• Check spelling in your browser address bar
• Wait for DNS propagation (up to 24 hours for new subdomains)
• Verify subdomain creation in your Web60 portal Domain Management section
• Clear browser cache and try accessing from a different device

For subdomains showing error pages, the issue usually relates to file permissions or WordPress configuration. You can restore your website from a backup if the subdomain worked previously.

Best Practices for Multiple Subdomains

Limit subdomain quantity: Search engines may view excessive subdomains negatively. Most businesses need no more than 3-5 subdomains.

Use descriptive names: Choose subdomain names that clearly indicate their purpose ("shop", "blog", "support").

Set up proper redirects: If you later decide to move subdomain content to your main site, set up domain redirects to avoid broken links.

Monitor performance: Multiple active subdomains use more server resources. If sites become slow, consider consolidating content.

If you're still stuck with subdomain setup or management, contact Web60 support through your portal. Include your domain name and specific error messages you're seeing.

FAQ

Q: How many subdomains can I create on Web60?

A: You can create unlimited subdomains on your Web60 account. However, each subdomain uses server resources, so we recommend only creating subdomains you actively use.

Q: Can I install different WordPress themes on each subdomain?

A: Yes, each subdomain runs independently. You can install different themes, plugins, and content on each subdomain website.

Q: Do subdomains affect my main website's SEO?

A: Search engines treat subdomains as separate websites. Well-maintained subdomains can help SEO, but abandoned or low-quality subdomains might have negative effects.

Q: Can I delete a subdomain later if I don't need it?

A: Yes, you can delete subdomains through your Web60 portal Domain Management section. Back up any important content before deletion as this action cannot be undone.

Q: Why isn't my new subdomain working immediately?

A: New subdomains need time for DNS propagation across the internet. This usually takes 2-4 hours but can take up to 24 hours in some cases.

Q: Can I move my subdomain to become the main website?

A: Yes, but this requires manual content migration. Contact Web60 support if you need help moving subdomain content to your main domain.

Q: Do subdomain websites get backed up automatically?

A: Yes, each subdomain website receives automatic backups separately from your main website. You can manage backup settings for each subdomain in your Web60 portal.