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Every Digital Artist’s Website Needs a Subdomain
Everything Digital Artists need to know about having a Subdomain and how to use them on their website.
Developing a website is as difficult as it is important. For a digital artist launching an online business, one essential tool that can streamline your site and enhance user experience is the subdomain. Think of it as creating specialized rooms within your virtual art gallery, each dedicated to a unique aspect of your work. In this article, I’ll delve into what subdomains are, how they differ from domains, their creation process, and their benefits. By the end, you’ll understand why every digital artist’s website can benefit from incorporating subdomains, helping you present your art in the best possible light.
What is a Subdomain?
If you’ve never heard of a subdomain then I am speaking a foreign language, but that’s okay I will translate for you. Think of a subdomain as a mini website that exists under your main website. It’s like having a little art gallery inside a massive museum. It’s a way to organize your content and keep things neat and tidy.
subdomain example
Domains vs. subdomains
Now, let’s talk about the difference between a domain and a subdomain. Your domain is your main address on the web – think of it as your gallery address. It’s where people find you online. A subdomain, on the other hand, is like a room in your gallery. It’s part of the gallery but serves a specific purpose. So, while “mymasterpiece.com” is your domain, “shop.mymasterpiece.com” could be a subdomain where you sell your prints. Clear, right?
How to Create a Subdomain
Creating a subdomain is simpler than you might think. Most web hosting services offer easy tools for this. You’ll typically log into your hosting account, find the section for managing domains, and then add a new subdomain. You just enter the name you want (like “gallery” or “blog”), and voila! You’ve got a subdomain. It’s a few clicks and you’re good to go.
Are Subdomains Free?
Good news – in most cases, subdomains are free! When you buy a domain name, you usually have the ability to create subdomains without any extra cost. It’s a cost-effective way to expand your online presence without needing to purchase multiple domain names. Just keep in mind that while the subdomain itself is free, any additional hosting or resources it uses might not be.
Create a subdomain for your website using Hostinger.
What is a Subdomain Used For?
Subdomains can be incredibly versatile. As a digital artist, you might use a subdomain to showcase different portfolios, host an online store, run a blog, or even create a members-only area for your top fans. Each subdomain can serve a different function, helping you keep your main site clean and focused while still offering a variety of content and services.
subdirectories vs. subdomains
You might wonder how subdomains compare to subdirectories. A subdirectory is like a folder within your main domain – for example, “mymasterpiece.com/portfolio.” Subdomains, like “portfolio.mymasterpiece.com,” are treated more like separate entities by search engines. This can be beneficial if you want to emphasize the distinct nature of your content. However, for simpler, related content, a subdirectory might do the trick. It’s all about what works best for your organization and SEO strategy.
I think subdomains are best when you begin selling products or services to your visitors. For example here on adigitalartistinprogress.com, I offer educational content for beginner digital artists. But If I wanted to start selling my Illustration services to an agency, my tutorials and educational content wouldn’t be relevant to them. A subdomain with a portfolio of my work and my pricing would be more relevant. By having a subdomain, I won’t have to worry about the Agency finding content that would keep them from using my services or even worst not finding the services I offer at all.
Every Artist’s Website Needs a Subdomain
Why should you consider using subdomains as a digital artist? They help you organize your work better. Imagine having one subdomain for just your portfolio. Then, another for your blog. And finally, one subdomain for your online store. Then whenever someone asks you for specific services, you simply give them the subdomain related to what they want. This is great for your blog because it increases reader retention rates. They will constantly find information they need instead of things they aren’t interested in. This setup not only makes your site more user-friendly but also helps in managing and updating content without affecting the rest of your site.
benefits of a Subdomain
- Better Organization and Navigation
- Improves User Experience
- Increases Design Customization and Content Management System (CMS) Flexibility
- Boosts SEO by Targeting Specific Audiences and Keywords
Disadvantages of subdomains
There are a few downsides to consider. Managing multiple subdomains can become time-consuming. Each subdomain may require separate SEO efforts, which can be a bit daunting. Additionally, some users might find navigating between subdomains less intuitive. Weighing these factors will help you decide if subdomains are the right choice for your online art business.
Subdomains are a powerful tool in your digital toolkit. They offer flexibility, organization, and potential SEO benefits that can help your online art business thrive. Whether you’re showcasing different art styles or offering varied services, subdomains can make your website more efficient and professional.
