Using a subdomain, for example shop.example.com

A subdomain is anything in front of your domain: shop.example.com, blog.example.com, app.example.com, staging.example.com. Each one can point at something completely different.

Adding a subdomain

1. Go to Domains and choose Add domain.
2. Enter the full subdomain, for example shop.example.com.
3. Choose which site or app it should serve.
4. Save.
5. In DNS, add the record shown in your panel for that subdomain. If we manage your DNS, we will do this for you automatically.

Your TLS certificate covers the subdomain automatically, so it serves over HTTPS from the start.

When a subdomain is a good idea

• Running an app alongside a website. Your marketing site on example.com and your Node.js application on app.example.com.
• A shop separate from your main site.
• A documentation or support site.
• A staging copy you want to share with a client for review.

When it is not

If you are simply adding a section to your existing website, use a path (example.com/shop) rather than a subdomain. It is simpler and it keeps all your search authority in one place.

Does a subdomain use up a site from my plan?

A subdomain served by an existing site does not. A subdomain that is its own separate site or app does count as a site, because it is one.

Wildcard subdomains

If your application needs to answer on any subdomain, for example one per customer, tell us at [email protected] and we will set it up.

Common mistakes

• Adding the record with the full domain in the name field. Most registrars want just shop, not shop.example.com. If you enter the full name you will end up with shop.example.com.example.com, which will not work.
• Forgetting www is a subdomain too. It is. It needs its own record.