Subfolders often consolidate authority better, while subdomains can split equity if not handled properly.
I know the feeling of struggling to get your website noticed. We all want our hard work to pay off with high rankings on Google. Today, I am sharing easy, actionable tips on one huge SEO decision that will make a difference.
The Big Question: What is Subdomain vs. Subfolder SEO?
I want to break down this important technical choice so it makes perfect sense for you. This choice affects how Google sees your entire website structure and its authority. Understanding What is Subdomain vs. Subfolder SEO? is the first step to building a strong foundation.
Subdomains: The Separate House
A subdomain looks like blog.mywebsite.com, where the “blog” part is separate from the main site. I see a subdomain as a completely different house that sits on the same land as the main site. This means it often needs to build its own SEO authority from scratch, which takes extra work.
Subfolders: The Extra Room
A subfolder looks like mywebsite.com/blog/, where the “blog” is simply added after the main address. I think of a subfolder as a new room built right inside your existing strong house. All the SEO power and trust from the main site flow directly into this new section automatically.
CMS Showdown: Where Does Your Platform Stand?
WordPress & Webflow: Subfolder Superstars
If you use a flexible platform like WordPress or Webflow, I strongly recommend choosing the subfolder structure. These platforms easily let you install your blog or store right inside the main domain. This setup is the simplest way to gain maximum SEO benefit from your primary website.
Shopify & Wix: Subdomain Necessity
Shopify and Wix often make it difficult or impossible to set up a subfolder for a separate blog or content section. Because of their structure, you are sometimes forced to use a subdomain for your content outside the core store. I advise accepting this limitation and focusing on creating amazing content there.
Custom CMS: Freedom to Choose
When you have a custom-built website, you usually have total control over the structure. I always suggest the subfolder option to my clients with custom sites for the most robust SEO outcome. You have the freedom to pick the best strategy for your specific business goals.
Industry Impact: Which Strategy Wins?
Ecommerce & Local Businesses: Subfolder Focus
For an online store or a local business website, I always push for a subfolder to keep all authority in one place. I know you want your product pages and location pages to benefit from the home page’s strength. Use subfolders for your blog, services, and FAQ content to pass that power around.
SaaS & Blogs: Subdomain Flexibility
A Software as a Service (SaaS) company might use a subdomain to separate the main marketing site from the actual application (e.g., app.mysaas.com). Similarly, a huge international blog might use subdomains for different languages or regions (e.g., fr.blog.com). In these cases, a separate structure makes technical sense, even if it adds SEO work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Google treat subdomains and subfolders differently?
Google states that they can crawl both equally well, but in my 15 years of experience, a subfolder is easier and faster for SEO. A subfolder automatically shares the existing site authority, while a subdomain can take longer to build trust.
Should I move my existing blog from a subdomain to a subfolder?
I recommend moving the blog if you feel the subdomain is holding back your SEO growth. This is a technical process that requires careful planning and 301 redirects to maintain your current search rankings.
Is it possible to mix subdomains and subfolders on one site?
Yes, you can absolutely use both structures on a single website, but I only suggest doing this when necessary. Use a subfolder for content directly supporting the main site and a subdomain for technical applications or completely separate functions.
