If you’re setting up a website and need to organize multiple services, deciding between using subdomains or subdirectories can be tricky. Each approach has its advantages depending on your goals, technical setup, and content strategy.
Below is a breakdown of when each option makes the most sense.
Key Differences: Subdomains vs. Subdirectories
| Aspect | Subdomain | Subdirectory |
|---|---|---|
| SEO Impact | Treated as a separate site by Google (requires more SEO effort). | Treated as part of the main site, benefiting from existing SEO authority. |
| Setup Complexity | May require separate hosting configurations, SSL certificates, etc. | Easier to manage under the same server and SSL certificate. |
| Content Separation | Better for distinct services (e.g., a blog, API, or regional content). | Best for closely related content that aligns with your core website. |
| Branding | Useful for highlighting unique services or target markets. | Feels like part of the same site, reinforcing a unified brand. |
| Analytics | Requires separate tracking setups for performance insights. | Easier to manage under a single tracking setup. |
| Cookie Sharing | Cookies are not shared by default. | Cookies are shared within the same domain. |
When to Use a Subdomain
Subdomains are ideal when you want to create distinct services that function independently from your core website. This approach is commonly used when:
- You’re offering different platforms or services (e.g., blog, e-commerce, or customer portal).
- You need to manage different regional content (e.g.,
fr.example.comfor French users). - Your services are built using different tech stacks that require unique hosting configurations.
Example Subdomain Use Cases:
– api.example.com → For API endpoints
– blog.example.com → For your blog
– shop.example.com → For an online store
When to Use a Subdirectory
Subdirectories are best when your content is closely tied to your main site’s purpose. This approach is generally recommended when:
- You’re adding a blog, news section, or product categories to your website.
- You want to leverage your site’s existing SEO authority to help new content rank faster.
- Your content and services are managed within a single CMS or platform.
Example Subdirectory Use Cases:
– example.com/blog → For blog content
– example.com/shop → For product listings
– example.com/docs → For documentation or guides
SEO Considerations
Google treats subdomains as separate websites, meaning you’ll need to build SEO strength for each subdomain independently. This requires extra effort for backlink building and content authority.
On the other hand, subdirectories automatically benefit from your main domain’s SEO strength, which can help new content rank faster.
For this reason, subdirectories are often the better choice if your content is closely tied to your main site’s core purpose.
Best Practices for a Homelab or Multi-Service Setup
For a technical setup like a homelab, combining both strategies may be ideal:
- Use subdomains for distinct services that need isolation (e.g., monitoring tools, APIs).
- Use subdirectories for content that directly supports your main site (e.g., blog or documentation).
Example Setup:
- Subdomains:
api.example.com→ For APIsmonitor.example.com→ For monitoring tools like Grafanavpn.example.com→ For remote access services
- Subdirectories:
example.com/blog→ For blog contentexample.com/docs→ For guides and tutorials
Conclusion
Choosing between subdomains and subdirectories depends on your content’s relationship to your main site, your technical setup, and your SEO goals.
- Use subdomains for independent services or platforms.
- Use subdirectories for content that closely relates to your site’s primary purpose.
Both options can succeed when applied strategically. The key is aligning your choice with your website’s structure and audience experience.
