Effortlessly Add Subdomains in Plesk: A Comprehensive Guide

Did you know that nearly 50% of web traffic comes from subdomains? Having a clear website structure can significantly improve user experience and search engine rankings. Subdomains can help separate content, making navigation easier for visitors. Plesk is a powerful hosting control panel that makes managing these subdomains straightforward.

Understanding Subdomains: Terminology and Functionality

Defining Subdomains: Subdomains are parts of a main domain, serving as extensions. Think of your website as a house. The main domain is the house itself, while subdomains represent different rooms—each with its own purpose. For example, blog.yourwebsite.com is a subdomain of yourwebsite.com.

Types of Subdomains

Different subdomain uses include:

• www: Typically the main website.
• blog: Used for a blog section.
• mail: Often used for webmail services.

Subdomains vs. Subdirectories

Subdomains and subdirectories both organize content, but they work differently. Subdomains (like blog.example.com) are separate entities, while subdirectories (like example.com/blog) exist within the main site. Use subdomains for distinct sections that may require separate management.

Accessing Plesk and Navigating to Subdomain Management

Logging into Plesk

1. Open your web browser.
2. Enter your Plesk URL or access via your cPanel link.
3. Log in with your credentials.

Locating the Subdomain Management Section

1. On the left sidebar, click on Domains.
2. Find the domain where you want to add a subdomain.
3. Click on Subdomains.

Understanding Plesk's Interface

Familiarize yourself with the Plesk layout:

• The left sidebar contains main options.
• The center pane displays specific settings and actions.

Adding a New Subdomain in Plesk: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a New Subdomain

1. In the Subdomains section, click on Add Subdomain.
2. Enter the desired name (e.g., blog for blog.yourwebsite.com).
3. Select the Document Root folder where the subdomain files will be stored.

Choosing the Right Document Root

Selecting the document root is crucial. For example, if you choose /var/www/vhosts/yourwebsite.com/blog, ensure that your files are stored in that folder. Consider creating separate folders for each subdomain to maintain organization.

Confirming Subdomain Creation

After submitting your details, Plesk will create the subdomain. You can verify it by checking the Subdomains list to ensure it's displayed there.

Configuring Your New Subdomain: Essential Settings

DNS Records

Setting up DNS records is vital. Add an A record for your subdomain to point it to your server’s IP address. This step links your subdomain to its content.

Website Settings

Adjust website-specific settings, such as:

• Setting the correct PHP version.
• Enabling SSL for secure connections.

Security Considerations

When creating subdomains, prioritize security. Use strong passwords and keep software updated. Regularly review access logs and monitor for unusual activity.

Troubleshooting Common Subdomain Issues

Subdomain Not Working

If your subdomain isn’t functioning, check for DNS propagation issues. It may take up to 48 hours for DNS changes to take effect.

Incorrect Document Root

If your website shows a default page, you may have set the wrong document root. Revisit the subdomain settings to adjust this.

SSL Certificate Issues

For SSL problems, ensure your certificate covers the subdomain. Reissue or install a certificate specific to your new subdomain.

Conclusion: Mastering Subdomains for Enhanced Website Management

Adding subdomains in Plesk is easy and beneficial. From keeping your website organized to improving SEO, they add immense value. Experiment with subdomains to enhance your website's structure and boost its online visibility. Ready to optimize your website? Start creating your subdomains today!