![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.hostgator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/What-Are-Subdomains.png\")
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You\u2019ve probably come across various subdomains throughout your time spent searching online. But, maybe you\u2019ve always wondered why companies use them, and if you can see any benefits from using them in your own website? <\/span><\/p>\n A subdomain is a third-level domain<\/span><\/a> that\u2019s part of the original top-level domain. Think of something like 'register.hostgator.com<\/a>'\u009d, compared to the original top-level, which is 'hostgator.com<\/a>'\u009d.<\/span><\/p>\n Below we dive into what subdomains are, why they would be used, and how they can affect your current SEO strategy. <\/span><\/p>\n To make it simple, a subdomain is a part of the main website. But, it\u2019s considered a separate entity by the search engines. Subdomains can be used for organizational purposes, or even for an SEO boost. <\/span><\/p>\n Sometimes you don\u2019t want certain pages of your site indexed with the rest of them. We can\u2019t predict your unique circumstance, but some of the most common explanations are below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some companies like to keep their blog separate for certain reasons. This can either be because the blog has a different design than the rest of the site, or they want to create a distinction between that content and the rest of their site.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re building out a blog that\u2019s a large content powerhouse, then you might want the flexibility that a subdomain will give you. <\/span><\/p>\n Some companies even decide to use a subdomain for other practical purposes, such as a dedicated help desk or forum. HostGator’s support page<\/a> follows this approach. Often, this type of website needs to utilize a different kind of platform or software, so it makes sense to utilize a subdomain. Often, this type of website needs to utilize a different kind of platform or software, known as a knowledge base software<\/a>, so it makes sense to utilize a subdomain.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Sometimes your website caters to different regions of the US, or even spans out into global sectors. Instead of having a single website with a very confusing website architecture, you can create sub-domains for each specific region.<\/span><\/p>\n The first example that comes to mind is <\/span>Craigslist<\/span>. Each region has it\u2019s own dedicated sub-domain. Without having their site broken down this way it would be nearly impossible to use. <\/span><\/p>\n Your line of products and services may be so diverse that you might want to separate them out into different niches. This can help you to focus your efforts and provide your visitors with a more relevant browsing experience.<\/span><\/p>\n Your subdomains will be treated as entirely separate websites in the eyes of Google<\/a>, as Matt Cutts explains:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhy Would You Use a Subdomain?<\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Hosting a Blog<\/span><\/h3>\n
2. To Cater to Different Regions<\/span><\/h3>\n
3. Showcase Different Product Lines<\/span><\/h3>\n
Subdomains and SEO<\/span><\/h2>\n