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When you first create a website, you have to register a domain in NZ – this is like your website’s main address on the internet. However, many website owners eventually want to run multiple websites.
Rather than purchasing separate hosting packages for each new website, you can use something called an add-on domain to host additional websites under your existing hosting account.
Add-on Domain Meaning?
An add-on domain is essentially a separate website that you can create and manage through your existing hosting control panel (cPanel). Think of it like having multiple houses (websites) but managing them all through one central office (control panel).
Each add-on domain hosting functions as a completely independent website with its own content, email addresses, and features, just like your primary domain.
How Add-on Domain Works Behind the Scenes?
When you set up an add-on domain cPanel, three important things happen automatically:
- A new folder is created in your hosting account’s public_html directory to store all the files for your new website.
- A subdomain is created based on your primary domain name.
- Your new domain name gets connected to this subdomain.
Let’s break this down with a simple Add-on domain example. Imagine your primary domain is “mystore.com”, and you want to add “myblog.com” as an add-on domain. The system will:
- Create a new folder (perhaps called “myblog”) in your hosting account.
- Create a subdomain like “myblog.mystore.com”.
- Connect “myblog.com” to this setup.
Visitor Experience with Add-on Domains
One of the best things about add-on domains is that your website visitors will never know that you are hosting multiple websites under one account. When someone visits “myblog.com”, they will see only that domain name in their browser – there is no visible connection to your primary domain “mystore.com”.
Benefits of Using Add-on Domain
An add-on domains offer several advantages for website owners:
- Cost-effective website management since you are using one hosting account for multiple websites.
- Centralised control through a single cPanel dashboard.
- Ability to create separate email accounts for each domain.
- Freedom to run completely different websites with unique content and purposes.
- Simple setup process through your hosting control panel.
Setting Up an Add-on Domain
Before you can set up an add-on domain cPanel, you need to:
- Purchase and register your new domain name.
- Point the domain’s DNS (Domain Name System) settings to your hosting provider’s nameservers.
- Access your hosting control panel to create the add-on domain.
Technical Considerations
When working with add-on domains, keep these important points in mind:
- Each add-on domain creates its own directory in your hosting account.
- You will need to manage disk space and resources across all your domains.
- Most hosting providers offer unlimited add-on domains, except with basic hosting plans.
- FTP access for add-on domains uses your primary domain’s credentials.
Common Uses for Add-on Domains
Website owners often use add-on domains to:
- Launch different business ventures under separate brand names.
- Create dedicated websites for specific products or services.
- Maintain separate personal and professional online presences.
- Test new website ideas without affecting their main website.
Conclusion
Understanding add-on domains is crucial for anyone looking to expand their online presence efficiently. They provide a solution for managing multiple websites while keeping hosting costs under control and simplifying website administration through a single control panel interface.