{"id":13335,"date":"2025-06-23T15:45:56","date_gmt":"2025-06-23T15:45:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/"},"modified":"2025-06-23T15:45:56","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T15:45:56","slug":"subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Subdomain or Subdirectory? What\u2019s Best for Your Business"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>You need to build out a new arm of your website. Do you use a subdomain or a subdirectory?<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s an often painful decision that can impact your SEO performance and how people interact with your brand.<\/p>\n<p>Despite many SEOs showing bias toward one approach or the other, there\u2019s no one-size-fits-all answer.<\/p>\n<p>But I\u2019m about to help you make the <strong>best decision for your specific situation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>In this guide, you\u2019ll get:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A simple decision-making LLM prompt to get a recommendation tailored to your business<\/li>\n<li>An overview of how subdomains and subdirectories work (and why it matters) with real-world examples<\/li>\n<li>Advice from SEO experts to help you make the smartest call for your site<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Let\u2019s get into it \u2014 starting with a subdirectory vs. subdomain comparison and what each one means for your site.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-further-reading.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p><strong>Useful resource:<\/strong> Check out our <a title=\"Subdomains vs. Subdirectories: LLM Prompt by Backlinko\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/13v8qkXYTY0jSeV5LuzMqklXlwy9oleer8NIqCdD9BEw\/copy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">decision-making LLM prompt<\/a> that uses AI-powered insights to help you decide between subdomains vs. subdirectories for your site.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-further-reading.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#What_Is_a_Subdomain\" >What Is a Subdomain?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#What_Is_a_Subdirectory\" >What Is a Subdirectory?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#How_Subdirectories_and_Subdomains_Affect_SEO\" >How Subdirectories and Subdomains Affect SEO<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#Link_Equity_and_Website_Authority\" >Link Equity and Website Authority<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#Ranking_Potential\" >Ranking Potential<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#Search_Performance_Analytics\" >Search Performance Analytics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#International_SEO_Considerations\" >International SEO Considerations<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#Subdomains_vs_Subdirectories_5_Critical_Factors_to_Consider\" >Subdomains vs. Subdirectories: 5 Critical Factors to Consider<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#1_Business_Objectives\" >1. Business Objectives<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#2_Technical_Setup\" >2. Technical Setup<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#3_Analytics_and_Tracking\" >3. Analytics and Tracking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#4_Team_Structure\" >4. Team Structure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#5_Scalability\" >5. Scalability<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#Common_Reasons_to_Use_Subdomains\" >Common Reasons to Use Subdomains<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#International_Websites\" >International Websites<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#Branded_Properties\" >Branded Properties<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#Varied_Technical_Setups\" >Varied Technical Setups<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#Common_Reasons_to_Use_Subdirectories\" >Common Reasons to Use Subdirectories<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#Simple_Website_Structure\" >Simple Website Structure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#Theme-Based_Content_Hubs\" >Theme-Based Content Hubs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#Ecommerce_Product_Categories\" >Ecommerce Product Categories<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/23\/subdomain-or-subdirectory-whats-best-for-your-business\/#Subdirectory_vs_Subdomain_Whats_the_Best_Fit_for_Your_Needs\" >Subdirectory vs. Subdomain: What\u2019s the Best Fit for Your Needs?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Subdomain\"><\/span>What Is a Subdomain?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A subdomain is an extension of your main domain.<\/p>\n<p>Added as a prefix to your website URL, a subdomain becomes a separate property within your domain.<\/p>\n<p>So, if your main domain is <strong>example.com<\/strong>, a subdomain for your blog would be <strong>blog.example.com<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>For example, Velasca, an apparel brand, uses subdomains for different markets:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>eu.velasca.com for Europe<\/li>\n<li>row.velasca.com for the rest of the world<\/li>\n<li>uk.velasca.com for the United Kingdom<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__visual-chart backlinko-image\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Velasca \u2013 Subdomains for different markets\" alt=\"Velasca \u2013 Subdomains for different markets\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.85428571428571\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/velasca-subdomains-for-different-markets.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Subdomains offer a lot of flexibility, but they also come with trade-offs.<\/p>\n<p>This is especially true when it comes to SEO and technical setup.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a quick look at the main pros and cons:<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-responsive\">\n<table class=\"table table-primary table-striped table-hover\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"text-center\" colspan=\"2\">Subdomain Pros and Cons<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"col\">Pros<\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\">Cons<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td scope=\"row\" data-before=\"Pros\">\n<ul>\n<li>Allows distinct branding\/design for different sections<\/li>\n<li>Provides clearer separation for content types and use cases<\/li>\n<li>Can improve server performance by distributing content across different servers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td data-before=\"Cons\">\n<ul>\n<li>Takes longer to gain SEO authority (treated like separate sites)<\/li>\n<li>Requires additional SSL certificates and DNS management<\/li>\n<li>More complex to implement and maintain than subdirectories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Subdirectory\"><\/span>What Is a Subdirectory?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A subdirectory is a subfolder within your main website that categorizes different pages on your site into folders within the main domain.<\/p>\n<p>A subdirectory for your blog would be <strong>example.com\/blog<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>For example, Backlinko uses subdirectories to organize different resources on its website:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a title=\"Free Keyword Research Tool by Backlinko\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/tools\/keyword\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">backlinko.com\/tools\/keyword<\/a> to organize all tools<\/li>\n<li><a title=\"The Digital Marketing Templates Library\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/templates\/marketing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">backlinko.com\/templates\/marketing<\/a> to consolidate marketing templates<\/li>\n<li><a title=\"SEO Marketing Hub 2.0\" href=\"http:\/\/backlinko.com\/hub\/seo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">backlinko.com\/hub\/seo<\/a> to create topic-based resource hubs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__visual-chart backlinko-image\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Backlinko uses subdirectories\" alt=\"Backlinko uses subdirectories\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.75\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/backlinko-uses-subdirectories.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Subdirectories are a popular choice for SEO-focused sites because they consolidate authority under one domain.<\/p>\n<p>But they\u2019re not always the right fit, depending on your needs.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-responsive\">\n<table class=\"table table-primary table-striped table-hover\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"text-center\" colspan=\"2\">Subdirectory Pros and Cons<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"col\">Pros<\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\">Cons<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td scope=\"row\" data-before=\"Pros\">\n<ul>\n<li>Easier to maintain within the existing domain structure<\/li>\n<li>Faster SEO results due to inherited domain authority<\/li>\n<li>Clearer performance tracking under one property<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td data-before=\"Cons\">\n<ul>\n<li>Can create overly complex URL structures when deeply nested<\/li>\n<li>Limited flexibility for different design\/branding needs across sections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Subdirectories_and_Subdomains_Affect_SEO\"><\/span>How Subdirectories and Subdomains Affect SEO<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Subdomains and subdirectories can lead to major differences in how your site performs in search.<\/p>\n<p>In this section, I\u2019ll explain how these structures can help or harm your SEO efforts.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Link_Equity_and_Website_Authority\"><\/span>Link Equity and Website Authority<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A big difference between these two URL structures is how they accumulate and distribute authority.<\/p>\n<p>In a subdirectory, everything exists under one roof.<\/p>\n<p>When a page <a title=\"7 Top Strategies to Get High Quality Backlinks\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/high-quality-backlinks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">earns a backlink<\/a>, the link equity flows directly into your main domain.<\/p>\n<p>In short: All the pages share the same <a title=\"Free Website Authority Checker (Enter Any Domain or URL)\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/tools\/website-authority\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">website authority<\/a>, building a stronger foundation for your website.<\/p>\n<p>Subdomains work differently.<\/p>\n<p>They don\u2019t automatically pass ranking power to each other.<\/p>\n<p>Why?<\/p>\n<p>Because each subdomain is treated as a separate entity.<\/p>\n<p>This means you have to build link equity for each subdomain individually, which can take a long time.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__visual-chart backlinko-image\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Subdomains vs. Subdirectories\" alt=\"Subdomains vs. Subdirectories\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.74\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/subdomains-vs-subdirectories.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>For example, <a title=\"Jakub Rudnik - GrowthX AI | LinkedIn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jakubrudnik\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jakub Rudnik<\/a>, managing director of SEO at GrowthX AI, saw firsthand how long it takes for Google to trust a new subdomain \u2014 even for a high-authority site.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/jakub-rudnik.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p>At G2.com, we moved all of our blog content to a new learn.g2.com subdomain. It took months for Google to build trust in that subdomain despite it being on a DR 88 website that was already generating 750k+ traffic each month.<\/p>\n<p>After the first 3-4 months, fresh backlinks, and a ton of new content sending Google signals, we picked up traction quickly. But the delay was significant. In my experience, that would not have been the same timeline if we had moved to a new subfolder.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/jakub-rudnik.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ranking_Potential\"><\/span>Ranking Potential<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For many SEOs and business owners, the decision boils down to which URL structure delivers <a title=\"How to Rank Higher On Google (13 Steps)\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/rank-high-on-google\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">better rankings<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Subdirectories have the advantage when it comes to search visibility.<\/p>\n<p>But subdomains can still succeed with the right investment.<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"Leigh McKenzie - Semrush | LinkedIn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/lmckenzie16\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Leigh McKenzie<\/a>, head of organic growth at Backlinko, says:<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/leigh-mckenzie.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p>Subdirectories tend to rank faster because they inherit domain authority more directly. Subdomains can perform just as well over time. But they\u2019re often treated by Google like a separate site, meaning they need to build authority from scratch. If speed to impact matters, subdirectories usually win.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/leigh-mckenzie.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Search_Performance_Analytics\"><\/span>Search Performance Analytics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Using subdomains means you have to set up separate properties in <a title=\"Google Search Console: The Definitive Guide\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/google-search-console\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Search Console<\/a> (GSC).<\/p>\n<p>The result: Siloed data.<\/p>\n<p>That said, this makes sense if you want to collect separate insights for each subdomain.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, let\u2019s say you have localized subdomains targeting different countries.<\/p>\n<p>Separate analytics will help you understand market-specific performance and areas of improvement.<\/p>\n<p>With subfolders, all your data lives in one property.<\/p>\n<p>So, you have a 360-degree view of your website and can generate consolidated reports.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"International_SEO_Considerations\"><\/span>International SEO Considerations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For <a title=\"International SEO: How to Dominate Global Rankings\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/international-seo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">international SEO<\/a>, the choice between subdomains and subdirectories carries more weight.<\/p>\n<p>With <a title=\"What Is Hreflang and How To Implement It the Right Way\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/hreflang-tag\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">proper hreflang implementation<\/a>, subdirectories can provide strong geotargeting signals.<\/p>\n<p>They also create a seamless user experience.<\/p>\n<p>Subdomains are better for brands that need separate sites for different languages or markets.<\/p>\n<p>This allows for more customization and flexibility.<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"LinkedIn | Edward Bate \u2013 SEO Consultant \" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/edwardtbate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Edward Bate<\/a>, seasoned SEO consultant, offers a word of advice here:<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/edward-bate-1.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p>While your website might perform really well in one market, simply creating another subdomain or subfolder for another market doesn\u2019t guarantee ranking success. You\u2019ll need locally relevant backlinks, brand awareness, and search demand in that market to secure better rankings.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/edward-bate-1.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Subdomains_vs_Subdirectories_5_Critical_Factors_to_Consider\"><\/span>Subdomains vs. Subdirectories: 5 Critical Factors to Consider<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The choice between subdirectories and subdomains isn\u2019t limited to SEO performance.<\/p>\n<p>It impacts your entire business.<\/p>\n<p>Assess these critical factors to make an informed decision.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-tip.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> As you go through these factors, fill out <a title=\"Subdomains vs. Subdirectories: LLM Prompt by Backlinko\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/13v8qkXYTY0jSeV5LuzMqklXlwy9oleer8NIqCdD9BEw\/copy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">our decision-making LLM prompt<\/a>. When you\u2019re finished, drop the prompt in the AI assistant of your choice to get a recommendation tailored to your business.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Decision \u2013 Making LLM Prompt\" alt=\"Decision \u2013 Making LLM Prompt\" data-aspect-ratio=\"1.0628571428571\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/decision-making-llm-prompt-scaled.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-tip.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Business_Objectives\"><\/span>1. Business Objectives<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Your URL structure should align with your business setup and long-term growth plans.<\/p>\n<p>When creating or updating your website, ask yourself:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Is this your core offering or a separate initiative?<\/li>\n<li>Do you want this product\/service to have its own identity in the future?<\/li>\n<li>How closely should this offering or service be aligned with your main brand?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The choice ultimately comes down to how you want to position your brand.<\/p>\n<p>Want to build content for your core business offering? Go with a subdirectory.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Core business offering \u2013 Subdirectory\" alt=\"Core business offering \u2013 Subdirectory\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.12857142857143\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/core-business-offering-subdirectory.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>On the other hand, a subdomain is the better choice for creating distinct, separate content.<\/p>\n<p>(While still associating it with your parent brand.)<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Subdomain is better choice for creating distinct content\" alt=\"Subdomain is better choice for creating distinct content\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.13714285714286\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/subdomain-is-better-choice-for-creating-distinct-content.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Technical_Setup\"><\/span>2. Technical Setup<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Your technical resources (CMS, server configuration, and <a title=\"12 Best SEO Tools (Used by Our Team Daily)\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/best-free-seo-tools\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SEO tools<\/a>) also play into this decision.<\/p>\n<p>Choose a structure that\u2019s the most compatible with your technical stack.<\/p>\n<p>The ideal structure should also support your long-term scalability needs.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Subdirectories work well when your CMS can efficiently handle multiple subfolders and pages within the primary domain<\/li>\n<li>Subdomains are a good choice when you want technical flexibility for different sections of your business<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can operate each property as technically separate entities with different CMSs, servers, and more.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-further-reading.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p><strong>Further reading:<\/strong> <a title=\"Technical SEO: The Ultimate Guide\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/technical-seo-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Technical SEO: The Ultimate Guide<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-further-reading.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Analytics_and_Tracking\"><\/span>3. Analytics and Tracking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Assess which URL structure best serves your data and reporting needs.<\/p>\n<p>Consider questions like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Does a unified reporting setup serve your decision-making process?<\/li>\n<li>Do you want to analyze performance separately for different sections of your site?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Subdirectories work best when you need unified data and an easier process for tracking user journeys across the site.<\/p>\n<p>But subdomains are helpful if you want separate analytics for each site.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-further-reading.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p><strong>Useful resource:<\/strong> <a title=\"SEO Analytics: The \" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/seo-analytics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SEO Analytics: The \u201cI Can\u2019t Believe It\u2019s This Easy\u201d Guide<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-further-reading.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Team_Structure\"><\/span>4. Team Structure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The team responsible for building and maintaining your URL structure (internal or external) has a big role to play.<\/p>\n<p>So, your setup should help them manage the website without any disruptions and errors.<\/p>\n<p>Have a single team managing all the content? Subdirectories give you a better setup to centralize content management and maintain uniformity.<\/p>\n<p>In contrast, subdomains are ideal if you work with many departments or external agencies, each with their own workflows.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-tip.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> When working with external vendors, subdomains make it easier to sandbox their work without affecting your main site\u2019s performance or CMS structure.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-tip.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Scalability\"><\/span>5. Scalability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Your URL structure should accommodate future growth plans.<\/p>\n<p>Including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Content volume<\/li>\n<li>Website traffic<\/li>\n<li>Functionality<\/li>\n<li>Evolving business needs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Forecast your expected growth over the next two to three years.<\/p>\n<p>Then, make a decision.<\/p>\n<p>Go for subdirectories if your plan is to expand your setup and scale content within your existing business model.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Subdirectories \u2013 To expand your content within existing business model\" alt=\"Subdirectories \u2013 To expand your content within existing business model\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.13857142857143\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/subdirectories-to-expand-your-content-within-existing-business-model.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Consider subdomains if you want to launch different offerings in the future.<\/p>\n<p>And need more flexibility to scale each product\/service.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Subdomains \u2013 To lounch different offerings in the future\" alt=\"Subdomains \u2013 To lounch different offerings in the future\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.13857142857143\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/subdomains-to-lounch-different-offerings-in-the-future.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>With these decision factors in mind, let\u2019s look at a few reasons when you should choose one structure over the other.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Reasons_to_Use_Subdomains\"><\/span>Common Reasons to Use Subdomains<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Learning toward subdomains?<\/p>\n<p>Here are a few use cases when they make the most sense.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__visual-chart backlinko-image\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Website Subdomain Use Cases\" alt=\"Website Subdomain Use Cases\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.80714285714286\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/website-subdomain-use-cases.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"International_Websites\"><\/span>International Websites<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Global brands <a title=\"SEO Localization: Tactics for Targeted Global Online Visibility\" href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/blog\/seo-localization\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">need localized content<\/a> customized to different languages, cultures, and more.<\/p>\n<p>Consider <a title=\"MyProtein\" href=\"https:\/\/us.myprotein.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MyProtein<\/a> as an example.<\/p>\n<p>The brand uses localized subdomains to deliver customized user experiences.<\/p>\n<p>For example, its website copy is translated into German, Arabic, English, and other languages.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Myproteins \u2013 German &amp; Arabic Subdomain\" alt=\"Myproteins \u2013 German &amp; Arabic Subdomain\" data-aspect-ratio=\"1.2857142857143\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/myproteins-german-and-arabic-subdomain-scaled.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>The brand also follows a targeted SEO strategy for each subdomain, focusing on buyer needs and behavior in each market.<\/p>\n<p>Below you can see the variations in keywords for MyProtein\u2019s U.S. and Australian subdomains.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Organic Research \u2013 US Myprotein \u2013 AU Myprotein \u2013 Collage\" alt=\"Organic Research \u2013 US Myprotein \u2013 AU Myprotein \u2013 Collage\" data-aspect-ratio=\"1.5157142857143\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/organic-research-usmyprotein-aumyprotein-collage-scaled.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Each subdomain acts like its own site.<\/p>\n<p>This lets MyProtein optimize each domain for different languages and search habits without diluting its core brand.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Branded_Properties\"><\/span>Branded Properties<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Many brands offer a suite of products, services, content, and more.<\/p>\n<p>In a best-case scenario, different teams will manage each subdomain. This makes it easier to build authority and <a title=\"Organic Traffic: What It Is &amp; How to Increase It (6 Ways)\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/organic-traffic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">boost organic traffic<\/a> for each property.<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"Intuit\u00ae India\" href=\"https:\/\/www.intuit.com\/in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Intuit<\/a> is a great example of this.<\/p>\n<p>The global fintech company uses subdomains to host its two main products:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>turbotax.intuit.com:<\/strong> Focused on tax filing services for both individuals and businesses in the United States<\/li>\n<li><strong>quickbooks.intuit.com:<\/strong> Dedicated to accounting, payroll, and team management services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__visual-chart backlinko-image\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Intuit\u2019s Subdomain Strategy\" alt=\"Intuit's Subdomain Strategy\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.66142857142857\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/intuits-subdomain-strategy.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Both subdomains target different topics (tax filing vs. accounting), but remain connected to the parent brand.<\/p>\n<p>Separate subdomains make it easy to manage both products without diluting brand authority.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Varied_Technical_Setups\"><\/span>Varied Technical Setups<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Do different parts of your website run on different technology stacks?<\/p>\n<p>Subdomains offer a clean separation.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s consider <a title=\"Adobe\" href=\"https:\/\/www.adobe.com\/in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Adobe<\/a> as an example.<\/p>\n<p>The company uses multiple domains to differentiate and organize its business product, help center, and stock library.<\/p>\n<p>Each subdomain stands on its own with its unique style, functionality, and target audience.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__visual-chart backlinko-image\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Adobe Subdomain Strategy\" alt=\"Adobe Subdomain Strategy\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.70571428571429\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/adobe-subdomain-strategy.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Considering this use case?<\/p>\n<p>Pay attention to the \u201c<strong>Resources<\/strong>\u201d and \u201c<strong>Scalability<\/strong>\u201d sections in <a title=\"Subdomains vs. Subdirectories: Decision-Making Framework by Backlinko\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1EwvAGPrYmIAcwqlstobl9Rhlny2GdMMKcvP2lBfNoWo\/copy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">our decision-making framework<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Resources &amp; Scalability\" alt=\"Resources &amp; Scalability\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.47428571428571\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/resources-and-scalability.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Reasons_to_Use_Subdirectories\"><\/span>Common Reasons to Use Subdirectories<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Thinking subdirectories might be the way to go?<\/p>\n<p>Here are some key scenarios when this structure makes the most sense.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__visual-chart backlinko-image\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Website Subdirectory Use Cases\" alt=\"Website Subdirectory Use Cases\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.80714285714286\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/website-subdirectory-use-cases.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Simple_Website_Structure\"><\/span>Simple Website Structure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most website owners create subfolders to organize different types of content under a root domain.<\/p>\n<p>This clear structure improves navigation and delivers a flawless user experience.<\/p>\n<p>For example, here\u2019s how <a title=\"VEED\" href=\"https:\/\/www.veed.io\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VEED<\/a>, a video creation platform, uses subdirectories to organize content on its site:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>veed.io\/ai:<\/strong> Landing pages for all AI-related features<\/li>\n<li><strong>veed.io\/tools:<\/strong> All the company\u2019s tools<\/li>\n<li><strong>veed.io\/use-cases:<\/strong> Pages showing some of VEED\u2019s popular use cases<\/li>\n<li><strong>veed.io\/alternatives:<\/strong> Pages comparing VEED to its competitors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__visual-chart backlinko-image\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Veed\u2019s Subdirectory Structure\" alt=\"Veed's Subdirectory Structure\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.59571428571429\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/veeds-subdirectory-structure.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Organizing your website with these folders means visitors can easily navigate your site without getting stuck.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, the consolidated <a title=\"7 Proven Ways to Increase Your Domain Authority\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/increase-domain-authority\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">website authority<\/a> builds better search visibility for all the pages.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Theme-Based_Content_Hubs\"><\/span>Theme-Based Content Hubs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Use subdirectories to group thematically related content and put them in one place.<\/p>\n<p>This will help in <a title=\"What is Topical Authority? (+ How to Build It)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/blog\/topical-authority\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">building topical authority<\/a> for your root domain and simplify internal linking.<\/p>\n<p>At Backlinko, we use this structure for our resource hubs, including SEO and YouTube.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Backlinko \u2013 Collage \u2013 SEO\/YouTube\" alt=\"Backlinko \u2013 Collage \u2013 SEO\/YouTube\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.99142857142857\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/backlinko-collage-seo-and-youtube.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Each hub is a subdirectory that houses multiple pages with relevant insights on a topic.<\/p>\n<p>This makes it easier for our audience to get a thorough understanding of a topic without having to search.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ecommerce_Product_Categories\"><\/span>Ecommerce Product Categories<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Subdirectories create a logical structure for organizing product categories and subcategories on an <a title=\"5 Proven Ecommerce Growth Strategies ($0 to $100 Million)\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/ecommerce-growth-strategy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ecommerce site<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Use folders to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Create intuitive URL structures that mirror your navigation<\/li>\n<li>Preserve domain authority across all product pages<\/li>\n<li>Simplify monitoring category-wise analytics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a title=\"REI\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">REI<\/a>, a retail brand, uses this approach well.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll find subfolders for all its primary and secondary product categories, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>rei.com\/c\/mens-clothing<\/li>\n<li>rei.com\/c\/womens-clothing<\/li>\n<li>rei.com\/c\/camping-and-hiking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This builds a logical hierarchy for both shoppers and search engine crawlers.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__visual-chart backlinko-image\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Rei\u2019s Subdirectory Structure\" alt=\"Rei's Subdirectory Structure\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.59571428571429\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/reis-subdirectory-structure.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Subdirectory_vs_Subdomain_Whats_the_Best_Fit_for_Your_Needs\"><\/span>Subdirectory vs. Subdomain: What\u2019s the Best Fit for Your Needs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Subdirectories work best for most businesses. They offer consolidated authority, easier content management, and simplified analytics.<\/p>\n<p>On the flip side, subdomains make sense if you\u2019re building international sites or want to differentiate branded assets.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Next step:<\/strong> Use <a title=\"Subdomains vs. Subdirectories: Decision-Making Framework by Backlinko\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1EwvAGPrYmIAcwqlstobl9Rhlny2GdMMKcvP2lBfNoWo\/copy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">our decision-making framework<\/a> to make the right call for your business.<\/p>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/subdirectory-vs-subdomain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Subdomain or Subdirectory? What\u2019s Best for Your Business<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Backlinko<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You need to build out a new arm of your website. Do you use a subdomain or a subdirectory? It\u2019s an often painful decision that can impact your SEO performance and how people interact with your brand. Despite many SEOs showing bias toward one approach or the other, there\u2019s no one-size-fits-all answer. But I\u2019m about to help you make the best decision for your specific situation. In this guide, you\u2019ll get: A simple decision-making LLM prompt to get a recommendation tailored to your business An overview [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13336,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"h5ap_radio_sources":[],"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13335","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-backlinko"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/icon-further-reading-p5dm2A-600x400.png","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/icon-further-reading-p5dm2A-600x600.png","author_info":{"display_name":false,"author_link":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/author\/craig\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13335","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13335"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13335\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13336"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13335"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13335"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13335"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}