How to install WordPress on a Subdomain using cPanel?

Introduction

The normal way is to install WordPress on your main domain. Sometimes you need a separate space for special content. This is where a subdomain comes in handy. You can easily create a subdomain and install WordPress on it using cPanel. This article explains the simple steps for this process.

What is a Subdomain?

A subdomain is a segment of your main domain name. Your main domain is the root domain. A subdomain acts like a separate part of your website. For example, if your main site is cantech.in, a subdomain could be blog.cantech.in or support.cantech.in. You can use a subdomain for a separate section. It is ideal for content that is related but does not fit on your primary homepage. You can think of it as having a totally separate WordPress installation.

Steps to Create and Install WordPress on a Subdomain

You need to complete two main actions for this process. First, you must create the subdomain in cPanel. Then you will use the Softaculous installer to install WordPress on it.

1. Creating the Subdomain in cPanel

This process makes the new web address available on your hosting account.

• Log in to cPanel. You must use your correct administrator login details.
• Go to the Domains section. Scroll down the cPanel dashboard. You will see the Domains section. Find and click on the Subdomains option here.
• Name your subdomain. Type the name you want for your new subdomain. Then you must click on the Create button. Your new subdomain address is now live and ready.

      2.Installing WordPress Using Softaculous

Softaculous is an auto-installer tool in cPanel. It simplifies the application installation process greatly.

• Find Softaculous. Go back to the cPanel home screen. Search for Softaculous Apps Installer and click on it.
• Search for WordPress. The installer shows different top scripts. If you do not see the WordPress icon, you must search for it in the search box.
• Start the installation. Click on the WordPress icon. You need to fill in all the required details in the fields.
• Select the correct protocol. Choose the right protocol from the list. Select https:// or https://www. If you have an SSL certificate installed. If you do not have an SSL, choose http:// or http://www. to continue.
• Choose the domain. Find the Choose domain list box. Select your newly created subdomain from this list.
• Keep the Directory empty. This is important. You must leave the Directory text box blank.
• Set up Admin details. Enter your desired website name. Insert a strong, unique password in the Admin Password box. You must also select your preferred language here.
• Increase security. Select the Limit Login Attempts checkbox. This feature limits failed login tries. This step helps to improve the security of your WordPress site.

       Check Advanced Options (Optional)

• • Manage update notifications. You can select the Disable Update Notifications checkbox if you do not want email alerts. We recommend receiving these emails. They notify you about new updates. Updates help prevent unauthorized access and data loss.
  • Set up the database. You can enter a name for a new database in the Database Name field. You can also just accept the default name.
    Enable auto-updates. Select the Auto Upgrade checkbox. The application will update itself automatically when new versions are out.
  • Automate theme upgrades. Check the Auto Upgrade WordPress Themes box. Your active theme will update automatically with the script update.
  • Configure backups. Softaculous can take automatic backups. You must select the frequency for this automated backup. You can choose daily, weekly, or monthly.
  • Set backup rotation. Backups take up server space. Backup Rotation sets a limit on the number of backups. Softaculous deletes the oldest backup to create a new one when this limit is reached. Choose this setting based on your available server space.
• Finish the installation. Select a WordPress theme that suits your needs. Click on Install to start putting WordPress onto your subdomain.
• Verify the installation. Open your web browser. Type in the subdomain address you just created. You should see the WordPress home page successfully loaded.

Cantech’s Hosting Features for You

Cantech ensures a smooth experience for all installations.

• One-Click Installer: We offer the Softaculous App Installer. This tool allows for quick WordPress installation on any domain or subdomain.
• Free SSL Certificates: Our hosting plans include free SSL. You can securely select the https:// protocol right from the start.
• Reliable Performance: Our hosting environment supports fast and stable subdomain operation.

Conclusion

Creating a subdomain and installing WordPress is a straightforward process. cPanel provides all the necessary tools, like the Subdomains feature and Softaculous. This setup allows you to expand your web presence easily. You now have a separate site for specialized content.

FAQs About Subdomains and WordPress

What is the difference between a subdomain and a subdirectory?

A subdomain is a separate website treated independently by search engines. A subdirectory is a folder inside your main website. An example of a subdomain is blog.website.com. A subdirectory example is website.com/blog.

Does a subdomain use the same hosting resources as the main domain?

Yes, the subdomain shares the resources like disk space and bandwidth with your main domain. They are both part of the same hosting account.

Do I need a separate cPanel login for my subdomain?

No, a subdomain does not require a separate cPanel login. You manage the subdomain installation using the same cPanel account as your main domain.

Can I point a subdomain to a different server?

Yes, you can do this. You need to change the DNS A Record for the subdomain. This allows the subdomain to point to a different server’s IP address.

Is it good for SEO to use a subdomain?

Search engines generally treat subdomains as separate entities. Using a subdirectory might sometimes be better for SEO. The choice depends entirely on your specific content strategy and purpose.