What is Addon domain
An Addon domain is a term used in web hosting to refer to an additional domain that is hosted on the same hosting account as the primary domain. In simpler terms, it allows you to host multiple websites under one hosting account.
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Some Key Points about Addon domains:
- Separate Websites: Each Addon functions as a separate website with its own unique domain name, content, and files. Visitors accessing the Addon domain will see a distinct website, separate from the primary domain.
- Shared Resources: Addon domains share the resources (such as disk space, bandwidth, and databases) allocated to the hosting account. This allows you to host multiple websites without needing separate hosting accounts for each domain.
- Subdirectories: Addon are typically associated with subdirectories within the hosting account’s file structure. For example, if your primary domain is “example.com” and you add an Addon domain “anotherdomain.com,” the files for “anotherdomain.com” might be stored in a subdirectory like “public_html/anotherdomain.”
- Separate Configuration: While Addons share resources, they can have separate configurations such as email accounts, FTP accounts, databases, and security settings. This allows you to manage each Addon domain independently.
- Domain Registration: It’s important to note that adding an Addon domain to your hosting account does not automatically register the domain name. You need to purchase the domain name separately through a domain registrar.
- Domain Pointing: To set up an Addon domain, you typically point the domain’s DNS (Domain Name System) records to your hosting account. This tells the internet where to find the files for the Addon domain and directs visitors to the correct website.
What are the benefits of create Addon Domain?
Creating Addon domains can bring several benefits:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Instead of purchasing separate hosting plans for each domain, Addon domains let you host multiple websites under a single hosting account. This can save money, especially if you have several websites.
- Centralized Management: Managing multiple websites from one control panel simplifies tasks like domain configuration, email setup, file management, and database administration. It’s more convenient and saves time compared to managing each domain separately.
- Resource Optimization: Addon domains share the resources of your hosting account, such as disk space and bandwidth. This allows for efficient use of resources, particularly if your websites don’t require dedicated hosting environments.
- Scalability: As your online presence grows, you can easily add new websites as Addon domains. This scalability is flexible and doesn’t require setting up entirely new hosting accounts for each new domain.
- Organized File Structure: Each Addon domains has its own directory within the hosting account’s file structure. This organization makes it easy to manage website files, backups, and other content without mixing them up with files from other domains.
- SEO and Branding: Hosting related websites (e.g., blog, store, portfolio) as Addon domains under a primary domain can improve SEO by consolidating domain authority. It also maintains brand consistency across your online properties.
- Streamlined Updates and Maintenance: With Addon domains, you can update software, plugins, and themes for multiple websites simultaneously. This simplifies maintenance tasks and ensures consistency across all your sites.
How to create an Addon domain using cPanel
To create an Addon domain using cPanel, follow these steps:
- Log in to cPanel: Access your cPanel account using your web hosting provider’s login credentials.
- Navigate to the Addon Domains section: Once logged in, look for the “Domains” or “Domains” section in cPanel. Within this section, you should find an option labeled “Addon Domains.”
- Add the Addon domain: In the Addon Domains section, you’ll typically find a form where you can enter the details for your new Addon domain:
- New Domain Name: Enter the domain name you want to add as an Addon domain (e.g., example.com).
- Subdomain/FTP Username: cPanel will automatically generate a subdomain name and FTP username based on your domain name. You can change these if needed.
- Document Root: This is the directory where the files for the Addon domain will be stored. By default, cPanel sets this to
public_html/newdomain, but you can customize it if required. - Password: You can set a password for the FTP user associated with the Addon domain. This is optional.
- Complete the setup: After filling in the necessary information, click on the “Add Domain” or “Add Domain Name” button (the specific wording may vary depending on your cPanel theme). cPanel will then create the Addon domain and set up the necessary directories and configurations.
- Verify the setup: Once the Addon domain is added, you can verify its status in the Addon Domains section of cPanel. You should see your new domain listed along with details such as its document root and FTP username.