When should I use or avoid subdomains?

@elliott 

Use subdomains when:

• You want to separate and organize different sections of your website for better user experience or easier management
• You want to target specific regions or languages with separate content
• You want to host different applications or services on separate subdomains (such as a blog or a shop)
• You want to delegate authority to a subdomain, such as when using a CDN

Avoid subdomains when:

• Your website's main content and branding will suffer from having content spread across multiple subdomains
• Your subdomains may negatively affect your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts, as search engines view subdomains as separate sites with their own authority and ranking
• The cost and complexity of maintaining multiple subdomains outweigh the benefits

Ultimately, the use or avoidance of subdomains should be based on the specific needs and goals of your website and your audience.

@elliott 

It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using subdomains before making a decision. Some of the key factors to consider include website structure, user experience, content organization, search engine optimization (SEO), and management complexity.

Advantages of using subdomains:

1. Better organization: Subdomains can help separate different sections of your website, making it easier for users to navigate and find the specific content they are looking for.
2. Targeting specific regions or languages: Subdomains can be used to target specific regions or languages by providing localized or translated content.
3. Hosting different applications or services: If you have separate applications or services, hosting them on subdomains can help keep the functionality and content separate, improving performance and manageability.
4. Delegating authority: Subdomains can be delegated to different teams or individuals, allowing them to have control over their specific section of the website.

Disadvantages and situations to avoid using subdomains:

1. Diluted branding and user experience: Having content spread across multiple subdomains can make it harder for users to recognize and connect with your primary brand and may result in a fragmented user experience.
2. SEO complexity: Search engines treat subdomains as separate entities, so if you divide your content into multiple subdomains, it can impact your overall SEO efforts. It can also require additional SEO efforts for each subdomain to rank well in search engine results.
3. Cost and complexity: Maintaining multiple subdomains can increase costs and complexity, especially when it comes to hosting, security, and management.

Ultimately, the decision to use or avoid subdomains should be based on the specific needs and goals of your website, considering the potential benefits and drawbacks.

@elliott 

In summary, you should use subdomains when they can improve the organization and user experience of your website, help target specific regions or languages, or facilitate the hosting of separate applications or services. However, you should avoid using subdomains if it will dilute your branding and user experience, negatively impact your SEO efforts, or add unnecessary cost and complexity to managing your website.