Subdomain vs Subfolder: Which is Better for SEO?

When starting a blog, one of the most common debates is whether to use a subdomain (blog.domain.com) or a subfolder (domain.com/blog). Both options have pros and cons, and the choice can significantly impact your SEO performance. In this post, we’ll break down the differences between subdomains and subfolders, explore their SEO implications, and help you decide which is best for your website.

What Is a Subdomain?

A subdomain is an extension of your main domain, treated as a separate entity by search engines.

• Main domain: domain.com

• Subdomain: blog.domain.com

Key Features of Subdomains

• Acts as a separate website under the same root domain.

• Requires separate SEO efforts and potentially different content strategies.

• Commonly used for blogs, forums, or e-commerce stores.

What Is a Subfolder?

A subfolder is a directory within your main domain, sharing the same structure and authority. For example:

• Main domain: domain.com

• Subfolder: domain.com/blog

Key Features of Subfolders

• Treated as part of the main domain by search engines.

• Inherits the authority of the main domain.

• Easier to manage under a single SEO strategy.

Blog.domain.com vs Domain.com/blog The SEO Showdown

1. Domain Authority

• Subdomain: Search engines treat subdomains as separate entities, meaning your blog won’t directly benefit from the authority of the main domain.

• Subfolder: Subfolders inherit the authority of the root domain, boosting your blog’s chances of ranking higher.

Winner: Subfolder

2. Ease of SEO Management

• Subdomain: Requires separate keyword strategies, link-building efforts, and technical SEO.

• Subfolder: Integrates seamlessly into the main site’s SEO strategy, making management easier.

Winner: Subfolder

3. Ranking Potential

• Subdomain: Google’s John Mueller has stated that subdomains and subfolders are treated equally by search engines, but real-world evidence often shows subfolders perform better in SERPs.

• Subfolder: With shared authority and unified SEO efforts, subfolders often rank faster and more effectively.

Winner: Subfolder

4. Analytics and Tracking

• Subdomain: Requires separate tracking in Google Analytics unless properly configured.

• Subfolder: Tracks seamlessly with the main domain in analytics tools.

Winner: Subfolder

5. Use Cases Where Subdomains Make Sense

While subfolders are generally better for SEO, there are specific scenarios where subdomains might be preferable.

1. Different Audiences: If the blog targets a completely different audience from the main site.

2. Separate Branding: When the blog needs its own branding and identity.

3. Technical Reasons: If the blog requires a different CMS or hosting environment.

Advanced SEO Insights

1. Internal Linking Matters

If you choose a subdomain, interlinking between the main domain and the blog is essential to share authority and improve rankings. For subfolders, internal linking helps boost both the blog and the root domain.

2. Backlink Strategy

Subdomains require separate backlink-building efforts. With subfolders, backlinks to the blog benefit the entire domain, making it a more efficient strategy.

3. Indexing and Crawling

Google may crawl subdomains less frequently than subfolders, especially if they lack strong links from the main site. Ensure proper linking and sitemap submission to address this issue.

Conclusion

Choose Subfolders (domain.com/blog) 

• You want to maximize SEO benefits with shared authority.

• You’re looking for seamless integration with your main domain’s SEO strategy.

• You prefer easier tracking and management.

Choose Subdomains (blog.domain.com)

• Your blog needs to target a different audience or requires a separate branding strategy.

• You need a different CMS or technical setup for the blog.

For most businesses and websites, subfolders are the better choice for SEO, offering a simpler and more effective way to boost rankings and traffic.

Original Post on https://www.seotic.co