How to Create Subdomains

Introduction

A subdomain is a separate section or extension of your main domain name. Subdomains allow you to organize different websites, applications, or services under one domain.

Example:

Subdomains are commonly used for:

• Blogs

• Online stores

• Client portals

• Support centers

• Staging websites

• Web applications

How Subdomains Work

A subdomain acts like an independent website but remains connected to the main domain.

Example:

blog.yourdomain.com

may have completely different files from:

yourdomain.com

Before Creating a Subdomain

Ensure:

• Your domain is connected to hosting

• You have cPanel access

• DNS is properly configured

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

Open your cPanel login URL:

https://yourdomain.com:2083

or access through:

https://my.govaio.com/login

Enter your cPanel username and password.

Step 2: Open Domains Section

Depending on your cPanel version, open:

Domains

or:

Subdomains

Step 3: Create New Subdomain

Click:

Create A New Domain

or:

Create Subdomain

Step 4: Enter Subdomain Name

Enter the desired subdomain prefix.

Example:

blog

Select your main domain:

yourdomain.com

Resulting subdomain:

blog.yourdomain.com

Step 5: Configure Document Root

The document root is the folder where subdomain files are stored.

Example:

public_html/blog

Each subdomain should ideally have its own separate folder.

Step 6: Create Subdomain

Click:

Submit

or:

Create

Your subdomain is now created.

Step 7: Upload Website Files

Open:

File Manager

Navigate to:

public_html/blog

Upload:

• Website files

• WordPress installation

• HTML/PHP applications

Installing WordPress on a Subdomain

You can install WordPress on your subdomain using Softaculous.

Steps:

1. Open:

Softaculous Apps Installer

2. Select:

WordPress

3. Choose subdomain from installation dropdown

4. Complete installation

Example WordPress subdomain:

https://blog.yourdomain.com

Creating Emails for Subdomains

Some hosting servers allow subdomain email addresses.

Example:

support@blog.yourdomain.com

Availability depends on server configuration.

Enabling SSL for Subdomain

After creating the subdomain:

1. Open:

SSL/TLS Status

2. Run:

AutoSSL

Secure URL example:

https://blog.yourdomain.com

Common Uses of Subdomains

DNS Records for Subdomains

cPanel usually creates DNS records automatically.

Example:

Common Subdomain Errors & Solutions

1. Subdomain Not Loading

Cause:

DNS propagation incomplete.

Solution:

• Wait for propagation

• Verify DNS records

2. 404 Error on Subdomain

Cause:

Missing website files.

Solution:

• Upload files into correct document root

3. SSL Not Working

Cause:

SSL certificate not issued yet.

Solution:

• Run AutoSSL

• Verify domain points to hosting

4. Subdomain Redirecting to Main Website

Cause:

Incorrect document root or CMS configuration.

Solution:

• Verify folder paths

• Check .htaccess rules

Recommended Folder Structure

Example:

public_html/
├── blog/
├── shop/
├── support/

Security Recommendations

• Use SSL certificates

• Protect admin panels with strong passwords

• Keep CMS installations updated

• Regularly backup websites

• Remove unused subdomains

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is a subdomain?

A subdomain is a separate section of your main domain.

Q2. Can subdomains host separate websites?

Yes. Each subdomain can run a completely separate website.

Q3. Do subdomains require additional hosting plans?

Usually no. They use the same hosting account resources.

Q4. Can I install WordPress on subdomains?

Yes. WordPress can be installed independently on each subdomain.

Q5. Does SSL work on subdomains?

Yes. Most hosting servers support free SSL for subdomains.

Need Help?

If you need assistance creating subdomains, contact support:

📧 support@govaio.com