When navigating a website, you've probably noticed how the URL in the search bar changes slightly depending on the section you're visiting. These changes, known as subdomains, play a vital role in structuring and organising websites.
In this article, we'll explore subdomains in the context of Funraisin, shedding light on how they contribute to a streamlined and user-friendly web experience.
What is a subdomain?
In appearance, the subdomain is an extra part added to the start of a website’s primary domain. Essentially they help categorise an organisation’s content and features such as their blog, event, or fundraising campaign, while keeping it separate from the main site.
Primary domain: funraisin.co
Subdomain: support.funraisin.co
Domains are usually made up of two parts: the top-level domain (TLD) like .co or .org, and the second-level domain (SLD) which is usually the charity or organisation’s name. For example, in funraisin.co - 'co' is the TLD, and 'funraisin' is the SLD.
The subdomain sits before the SLD. The most famous subdomain is 'www' which symbolises the World Wide Web. As ‘www’ is so widespread it usually means it is included with most domain purchases.
Subdomains are key in differentiating parts of your website. For example, blog.funraisin.co directs you to Funraisin's blog and donate.funraisin.co might send you to a donation platform.
Why use a subdomain?
Subdomains allow organisations to compartmentalise the content and services of their website without the need for additional new domain names. Subdomains simplify navigation and ensure that users, donors, and supporters can effortlessly find what they're looking for.
Subdomains are also useful for localising content. For example, a global organisation may host a general website as funraisin.co, but for campaigns specific to Australia, they could use australia.funraisin.co.
When browsing charity websites, you can see variations of URLs based on the specific part of the website that you're exploring.
If you head to funraisin.co you can learn about our features, story, and services. However, if you navigate to support.funraisin.co, you can learn from our plethora of support articles. Despite the change in the URL, you're still within the Funraisin domain.
Examples
- yourcharity.com - Your domain
- donate.yourcharity.com - a dedicated page for supporters to make donations.
- fundraise.yourcharity.com - a space where supporters can kick off and manage their fundraising campaigns.
- support.yourcharity.com - a resource hub with FAQs, and assistance for donors and fundraisers.
- events.yourcharity.com - a place to host all the details relating to your charity’s event, challenge, or fundraiser.
Creating your subdomain
- Start by thinking of a relevant name for your subdomain such as ‘events’, ‘donate’, ‘fundraise’ to name a few.
- Next, log in to your hosting provider’s control panel, often referred to as cPanel.
- Navigate to the ‘Add subdomains’ section of your web hosting provider and input your chosen subdomain, ensuring that the primary domain has been selected.
- After creating your domain you must establish a new DNS record.
- Lastly, finalise the creation of your subdomain by clicking ‘Create’ and waiting for the result which can take up to 24 hours.
Please be aware that the exact steps may vary based on your hosting provider and domain registration service. For more information please reach out to them for support.
If you’d like further help, please pop in a support ticket from your admin and our team will assist you.
