So you’re looking into starting a blog? or maybe you’ve already started your blog, our guide will take you through all the positives and negatives if you should choose a subdomain to host your blog or keep it in a subdirectory.
The long and short answer to this question is...IT DEPENDS
Using a blog on a Subdomain vs Subdirectory is better when…
Subdomain Blog
Using a subdomain for your blog only if your blog section is a very large database allows you to keep your blog content separate from the rest of your website. This can make it easier for your readers to find and navigate your blog.
Subdirectory Blog
A subdirectory can also be a good option if you have a small website and a simple structure, or if you want to save money and simplify the management of your blog.
What is a Subdirectory?
A subdirectory, also known as a subfolder, is a way of organising content on a website by using folders under a root domain. The terms subdirectory and subfolder are interchangeable.
What is a Subdomain?
A subdomain is a type of website hierarchy under a root domain that functions like its own website, distinct from the root domain. While closely linked to the root domain, a subdomain typically has its own unique content management system, template, analytics tools, and so on.
How do subdomains and subdirectories affect SEO?
The relationship between subdomains and SEO is a subject of debate among experts. While some believe that subdomains can confuse Google’s crawlers, others argue that the crawlers can recognise subdomains as part of the main domain.
Google states that subdomains and subdirectories are crawled, indexed, and ranked the same way. However, subdomains may not inherit the authority from backlinks to the main domain, and they may also compete with the main domain for keywords. Subdomains can be beneficial if they serve a different purpose, such as for large corporations or niche sites, but they may not be necessary for smaller sites without extensive navigation.
The decision of using subdomains or subdirectories depends on the individual website’s needs and goals.
Let’s listen to what Google had to say about Subdomains vs Subdirectory’s…
Benefits of a Blog Subdomain for SEO
Subdomains are great can provide great organisation and structure to your site if you have a lot of different topics of content to share, this also helps Google understand what your domains are primarily about. It also helps user experience by bringing structure to user navigation helping the user find information quicker and more precise which benefits for your SEO rankings.
Benefits of a Blog Subdirectory for SEO
Subdirectories are great for websites that want to be focused on one particular topic and much easier to optimise a single website with subdirectories than more a domain with subdomains. Subdomains also allow easier transition for users making it quick to pop from about us to a service page, a seamless, enjoyable process. Subdirectories are also easier to track when comparing sites and looking at site usage such as a reporting tool like Google Analytics.
