Subdomain or Subdirectory? What They Are & How They Affect SEO

July 21, 2021 by
Subdomains vs. Subdirectories: What’s Best for Your South Texas Business? Ever notice how some websites seem to work just fine while others are like a broken piñata, spilling opportunities everywhere? You’re not alone in feeling that your online presence might be stuck in neutral. Many small business owners struggle with getting leads through their website, […]

Subdomains vs. Subdirectories: What’s Best for Your South Texas Business?

Ever notice how some websites seem to work just fine while others are like a broken piñata, spilling opportunities everywhere? You’re not alone in feeling that your online presence might be stuck in neutral. Many small business owners struggle with getting leads through their website, and a big part of that may come down to how your site is structured.

Let’s break down a common dilemma: should you use a subdomain or a subdirectory for your business website? As a web designer right here in the Valley, I’ve seen this conversation take off more times than I can count. With your website being one of the first impressions potential clients have, let’s ensure it’s giving off the right vibes.

Understanding Subdomains and Subdirectories

Before we dive deep, let’s clear up what these terms mean in simple words:

  • Subdomain: Think of it as a separate section of your website. For instance, blog.yourbusiness.com could house your recent articles, while your main site lives at yourbusiness.com.

  • Subdirectory: This is more like a folder within your main website, like yourbusiness.com/blog. Everything here remains under the roof of your main website.

So, which one should you choose? ¡Vamos a ver!

Why Does This Matter?

First things first, the choice between a subdomain and a subdirectory affects not just how your website looks but also how search engines see it. You want Google to recognize your expertise, right? Here’s how they each stack up:

  • Subdirectories can be fantastic for SEO! Having your content in one central hub means any traffic or backlinks get distributed across your entire site. This can make it easier for search engines to give you that coveted top spot when locals search for services you offer.

  • Subdomains, while separate, can lead to a little confusion. Search engines might see them as entirely different sites. This might weaken the interconnectedness you need to succeed. Just like your bestismos at a barbecue — it’s all about being together and sharing the flavor!

The Local Struggles You Face

As a business owner in McAllen, you might run into some common headaches:

  • Outdated Websites: ¿Cuántas veces has visto un sitio que necesita amor? If your website looks like it’s from the early 2000s, you’re missing out on potential clients.

  • Lead Generation Issues: Are visitors dropping off without converting? You might have the best services, but if your site doesn’t reflect that, you could be losing leads left and right.

  • Content Management: Keeping your website fresh and updated can feel like a full-time job. The last thing you want is for your content to go stale!

These pain points hit hard, especialmente when you’re trying to juggle other business tasks.

Finding Your Solution: A Local Approach

Here’s where we can make a real difference. A professional website, custom-built for your needs, could solve these issues. Imagine a site that not only looks sharp but also drives conversion and aligns with your marketing goals. That’s where we come in.

At Ericks Web Design, we’re rooted in the Valley and understand what local business owners like you need. From SEO to web design, we’re here to ensure your online presence is not just another site — it’s your sales funnel, marketing tool, and customer service hub all rolled into one.

Subdomains vs. Subdirectories — What to Think About

Let’s break it down further with some key considerations:

When to Use Subdomains

  • Distinct Content: If you have a lot of diverse content (like a dedicated blog or e-commerce store), a subdomain may work better for organization. For instance, shop.yourbusiness.com could be your go-to for digital products.

  • Special Campaigns: If you’re launching a specific service or partnership, having a dedicated subdomain allows you to keep it separate without crowding your main space.

When to Stick with Subdirectories

  • SEO Boost: If you’re looking for strong SEO vibes, subdirectories keep all the authority and backlinks in-house. Web crawlers (that’s what Google uses to scan your site!) will thank you for it.

  • Simplicity: A cleanest presentation is key, especially for smaller businesses. If your site’s purpose is straightforward, why complicate it?

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Deciding between a subdomain and subdirectory ultimately comes down to your specific needs. Do you have a broad range of services? Maybe a subdomain works better. But if you’re a smaller operation focused on local services, a subdirectory might be your jam.

Here’s the key takeaway: whatever path you take, it needs to align with your overall goals. Need more help? I’ve got resources to guide you through the maze of web design and can help get your site looking sharp.

Ready to Level Up Your Online Presence?

Ready to upgrade your online game? Let’s talk about how we can help you build a website that truly works for you. At Ericks Web Design, we’re all about helping South Texas business owners like you thrive. Hit us up — we’ll help you get those leads rolling in!

For more insights into SEO best practices and web design, check out HubSpot’s SEO Resources. Your future clients are looking for you; don’t let them down!

Source:
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/subdomain-vs-subdirectory

Your Dream Website Is Just One Click Away

At Ericks Webs Design, we believe every business deserves a stunning online presence — without the stress. We offer flexible payment options, a friendly team that truly cares, and expert support every step of the way.

Whether you’re a small business owner, a church, or a growing brand, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

✨ Let’s build something amazing together.

— no pressure, just possibilities.

Latest News & Website Design Tips

Stay up-to-date with the latest insights, trends, and tips in business website design. Explore our newest articles to discover strategies that can help you elevate your online presence and grow your business.

Why Your Website is Your #1 Sales Tool in 2025

Why Your Website is Your #1 Sales Tool in 2025

The article “Why Your Website is Your #1 Sales Tool in 2025” highlights the importance of having an effective website as the key to driving sales for small businesses. It emphasizes that a well-designed website acts as a digital storefront, attracting customers with engaging content rather than clutter. With studies showing that consumers prefer informative articles over advertisements, businesses should focus on solid branding, SEO, and mobile-friendliness. Regular updates and maintenance are crucial to keep the site relevant. Ultimately, the article stresses that your website is your number one sales tool in 2025, urging small businesses to invest attention and care in their online presence.

Track & Improve Conversions with These Tools

Track & Improve Conversions with These Tools

The article “Track & Improve Conversions with These Tools” emphasizes the importance of transitioning casual website visitors into loyal customers for small and medium businesses in South Texas. It discusses leveraging tools like Google Analytics to understand audience behavior, A/B testing to optimize calls-to-action, and Hotjar to enhance user engagement. The article also highlights the role of social proof through testimonials and the significance of defining a unique selling proposition (USP) to stand out in a competitive market. With the right strategies and tools, businesses can effectively track and improve conversions, ensuring a successful online presence.

Capture More Leads with Popups (Without Being Annoying)

Capture More Leads with Popups (Without Being Annoying)

The article “Capture More Leads with Popups (Without Being Annoying)” explains how business owners can effectively use popups to attract leads while maintaining a positive user experience. Rather than appearing immediately, popups should be timed to appear after visitors engage with the site. Clear, friendly messaging and relevant offers tailored to site content are essential. Incentives, such as discounts, can encourage email sign-ups by fostering relationships. Testing various popup styles and ensuring they reflect the brand’s personality can enhance user connection. Ultimately, when used thoughtfully, popups can be a powerful tool for capturing more leads without being intrusive.

How to Use Social Proof to Drive Sales

How to Use Social Proof to Drive Sales

The article “How to Use Social Proof to Drive Sales” emphasizes leveraging social proof to enhance online presence and drive sales for local businesses. It highlights the importance of customer reviews, encouraging satisfied clients to share their experiences on platforms like Google and Facebook. Utilizing social media to showcase success stories and engaging with the audience is also recommended. Creating detailed case studies can provide evidence of results, while showcasing accolades and community involvement builds trust. Overall, businesses can harness social proof to strengthen relationships, establish credibility, and ultimately boost sales in a competitive digital landscape.

5 Website CTAs That Work Every Time

5 Website CTAs That Work Every Time

The article “5 Website CTAs That Work Every Time” emphasizes the importance of effective Call to Actions (CTAs) for improving website engagement. It highlights five key CTAs: “Get Your Free Quote Today!” encourages initial interaction; “Subscribe for Exclusive Tips & Tricks!” builds an email list while providing value; “Let’s Chat!” makes reaching out easy; “Check Out Our Portfolio” showcases previous work to build trust; and “Join Our Community” fosters a sense of belonging. The piece underscores that well-crafted CTAs transform a passive website into an engaging platform, ultimately boosting customer interaction and loyalty.

The Psychology Behind High-Converting Website Design

The Psychology Behind High-Converting Website Design

The article “The Psychology Behind High-Converting Website Design” highlights the importance of an effective website for boosting local businesses. It emphasizes that first impressions are crucial, as users form opinions within 50 milliseconds. Key elements for high-converting website design include visual hierarchy, clean layouts, and color psychology to evoke emotions. Engaging content is essential; it should resonate with the audience, tell stories, and feature clear calls to action. Building trust through easy navigation, social proof, and secure sites is vital for converting visitors into customers. Finally, the website should be adaptive, regularly updated to reflect new information and keep visitors engaged.

Create a Landing Page That Converts Like Crazy

Create a Landing Page That Converts Like Crazy

The article “Create a Landing Page That Converts Like Crazy” emphasizes the importance of an effective landing page for businesses of all sizes. It outlines key strategies to enhance conversions, starting with understanding your audience’s language and preferences. The author recommends using clear headlines, engaging visuals, and strong calls to action. Building trust through social proof, ensuring mobile responsiveness, and optimizing for SEO are also highlighted as crucial elements. Finally, the importance of monitoring analytics for continuous improvement is stressed. The article encourages business owners to collaborate with web design experts to create landing pages that truly convert.

Lead Magnets You Can Add to Your Website Today

Lead Magnets You Can Add to Your Website Today

The article “Lead Magnets You Can Add to Your Website Today” discusses how small business owners can enhance their online presence by using lead magnets. A lead magnet is an incentive, like a freebie, offered in exchange for a visitor’s email address. Suggested lead magnets include e-books, checklists, free trials, discount codes, webinars, and email courses, all designed to attract and engage potential customers. The article emphasizes the importance of making lead magnets easily accessible on your website and using analytics for performance tracking. It encourages businesses to embrace these strategies to convert visitors into lifelong customers, ultimately contributing to their growth.