Thinking about how your Shopify site is organized can feel like trying to assemble a puzzle where all the pieces look the same. But don't worry, we're here to help you figure it out! One of the biggest decisions you might face is whether to use subdomains or subdirectories. This isn't just about picking a place to stash extra web pages—it's about making sure people can actually find your site (thanks to the magic of SEO). So, what's the deal with subdomains and subdirectories, and how can they affect your Shopify site's SEO?
We're about to take a closer look at these two options and see how each one can influence your Shopify site's visibility on search engines. We'll talk about what each term means, the pros and cons of each, and how you can make the best choice for your business. Whether you're new to the world of SEO or just need a refresher, this guide will help you navigate these waters.
Understanding Subdomains and Subdirectories
Let's start by getting clear on what subdomains and subdirectories are. Picture your website as a house. The domain is like your main address—it's where your site lives on the internet. Now, imagine you have a guest house out back. That's kind of like a subdomain. It's related to your main site but functions as its own separate entity.
Subdomains are useful when your site needs distinct sections that operate independently. Think of an online store that also has a blog or a forum. You might have store.example.com and blog.example.com, each a subdomain of the main domain, example.com.
On the flip side, subdirectories are more like rooms in your house. They're a part of your main site and share the same domain, just organized within folders. So, you might have example.com/store and example.com/blog. These are sections of your main site that share SEO value.
SEO Implications of Subdomains
Subdomains can be quite handy, but they come with their own set of challenges, especially regarding SEO. When you use a subdomain, search engines might treat it as a separate site. This means your SEO efforts might be split between your main domain and your subdomain, which can dilute the overall impact.
For example, let's say you have a Shopify store on store.yoursite.com and a blog on blog.yoursite.com. If both these subdomains are treated as separate entities, the backlinks, keyword rankings, and domain authority you earn for one may not benefit the other.
This can be a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, if you have a specific section of your business that needs its own branding and SEO strategy, a subdomain gives you the flexibility to do that. But on the other hand, it requires more work to build up SEO authority across multiple domains.
SEO Implications of Subdirectories
Subdirectories tend to be more straightforward when it comes to SEO. Since they are part of the main domain, any SEO gains you make benefit the entire site. This means that the content you post in a subdirectory can help boost the overall authority of your main domain.
Let's say you have a blog on yoursite.com/blog. Any backlinks or SEO authority you earn through your blog posts will directly contribute to the strength of your main domain. This can make it easier to build a strong, cohesive SEO strategy.
However, it's worth noting that subdirectories might not offer the same level of independence as subdomains. If you need to keep certain sections of your site entirely separate, a subdirectory might not be the best choice. But for most Shopify stores, the unified SEO benefits make subdirectories a popular option.
Choosing Between Subdomains and Subdirectories
So, how do you decide which one is right for your Shopify site? It really depends on your business needs and goals. If you're running a simple store with a few additional content sections, like a blog or FAQ page, subdirectories are likely the way to go. They offer a straightforward structure and help consolidate your SEO efforts.
But if your site has distinct elements that need their own branding or strategy—maybe you have a store, a blog, and a forum that all cater to different audiences—a subdomain might make more sense. Just be prepared to put in the extra effort to manage SEO across multiple entities.
Consider your long-term goals as well. If you plan to expand your business into new markets or add new services, think about how your site structure can support those plans. It's always easier to set things up correctly from the start rather than trying to restructure everything down the line.
Practical Tips for Implementing Subdomains and Subdirectories
Once you've decided on a structure, you'll need to think about how to implement it effectively. Let's start with subdomains. If you're going this route, make sure each subdomain has a clear purpose and doesn't overlap too much with your main domain. This helps avoid confusion for both users and search engines.
Some practical steps include:
- Use consistent branding across all subdomains to maintain a cohesive user experience.
- Regularly update each subdomain with fresh content to keep it relevant and engaging.
- Implement separate SEO strategies for each subdomain, focusing on the unique keywords and audiences for each.
If you're opting for subdirectories, the process is a bit simpler. Your main focus should be on maintaining a logical and well-organized structure. This ensures that users and search engines can easily navigate your site.
Some tips for using subdirectories:
- Keep URLs short and descriptive to improve user experience and search engine readability.
- Ensure that internal linking is strong, helping distribute SEO value throughout your site.
- Use consistent navigation menus and site architecture to guide users to the right content.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It's easy to get tripped up when deciding between subdomains and subdirectories. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
First, don't mix and match without a clear reason. Having a blog as a subdomain while the store is a subdirectory can confuse search engines and dilute your SEO efforts. Stick to one structure unless there's a compelling reason to do otherwise.
Another mistake is neglecting mobile optimization. Regardless of the structure you choose, make sure your site is fully optimized for mobile users. Mobile friendliness is a significant factor in SEO, and a poor mobile experience can hurt your rankings.
Lastly, don't forget about analytics. Set up tracking for each section of your site, whether it's a subdomain or subdirectory. This will help you understand how each part of your site is performing and where you might need to make improvements.
Real-World Examples
Seeing how other companies handle subdomains and subdirectories can be incredibly helpful. Take a look at some popular brands and see how they structure their sites.
For instance, Amazon uses subdomains for different regions, like de.amazon.com for Germany. This allows them to tailor their SEO strategy to the specific market needs of each country.
On the other hand, companies like TechCrunch use subdirectories for their various content categories. This keeps everything under a single domain, helping boost the main site's authority and making it easier for users to find related content.
Both approaches have their merits, and studying these examples can give you insights into what might work best for your Shopify site.
FAQs About Subdomains and Subdirectories
As you navigate the world of subdomains and subdirectories, you might have a few questions. Here are some common ones:
Do subdomains affect SEO?
Yes, they can. Subdomains are treated as separate entities by search engines, which can mean your SEO efforts are split between your main domain and subdomains. This can be beneficial if you need distinct branding or content strategies, but it requires more work to build authority across multiple domains.
Are subdirectories better for SEO?
Subdirectories often offer a more streamlined approach to SEO since they share the same domain authority as your main site. This can make it easier to consolidate your SEO efforts and build a strong, cohesive strategy. However, they might not provide the same level of independence as subdomains.
Can I switch between subdomains and subdirectories?
Yes, but it's not always straightforward. Switching can involve significant technical changes and might impact your SEO performance in the short term. It's best to carefully plan and consider your long-term goals before making such a change.
How Shopify Handles Subdomains and Subdirectories
Shopify is known for its user-friendly platform, but when it comes to subdomains and subdirectories, things can get a bit tricky. By default, Shopify stores often use subdomains for certain components, like store.myshopify.com. This is great for quick setup but might not always align with your SEO goals.
If you're a Shopify user, you'll want to consider how your site is set up and whether a different structure might better serve your needs. You can use your own domain and create subdirectories for various sections of your site. This gives you more control over your SEO strategy and the ability to consolidate your efforts.
While Shopify offers some flexibility, it's important to weigh the pros and cons and choose the setup that aligns with your business goals and SEO strategy. If you're unsure, consulting with an SEO expert or agency can provide valuable guidance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between subdomains and subdirectories can feel like a daunting decision, but it doesn't have to be. By understanding the basics and considering your unique business needs, you can make an informed choice that supports your SEO strategy and business goals. Remember, this decision isn't set in stone. As your business evolves, so can your approach to site structure.
If you're looking for more tailored guidance, consider working with Pattern. We specialize in helping ecommerce brands and SaaS startups grow by driving more traffic from Google and converting that traffic into paying customers. Our approach goes beyond just rankings—we focus on results and create content that not only attracts visitors but turns them into customers. With Pattern, SEO isn't just a guessing game; it's a growth channel that drives sales and reduces customer acquisition costs.