Your website's structure is critical to SEO success. So, how should you decide between subfolders and subdomains? In this blog post, we examine what subfolders and subdomains are, and their advantages and disadvantages from an SEO perspective. While a subfolder structure strengthens your site's authority, subdomains can be ideal for different products or target audiences. By considering use cases, configuration processes, and its relationship to user experience, we help you decide which structure is best for you. By considering the role of structure selection and user experience in SEO success, we ensure you make the best decision.

Why is the Structure of Our Site Important?

A website's structure directly impacts how easily search engines can crawl and understand it. A well-structured site allows search engines to discover and index content more quickly. SEO It improves website performance. It also provides an easy-to-navigate experience for visitors, which increases site dwell time and engagement. Subfolder vs This is where the subdomain debate comes in: choosing the right structure is critical to your site's success.

Factor	Well-Structured Site	Poorly Structured Site
Search Engine Crawl	Easy and Fast	Hard and Slow
Content Discovery	High	Low
User Experience	Positive	Negative
SEO Performance	Increases	Decreases

Your site's structure is also crucial for your brand identity and online visibility. Well-organized content allows users to easily access the information they're looking for and enhances your brand's credibility. A complex and difficult-to-understand structure, however, can lead to user abandonment and the loss of potential customers. Therefore, careful planning and a user-centric approach are essential when creating your site's structure.

Benefits of Your Site Structure

1. Improves search engine rankings: Search engines crawl and index well-structured sites more easily.
2. Enhances user experience: Users find the information they are looking for more easily and stay on the site longer.
3. Increases conversion rates: When users can easily access the products or services they want, the likelihood of purchase increases.
4. Strengthens brand awareness: A professional and organized structure positively affects the brand image.
5. Simplifies site management: Editing and updating content becomes more efficient.

Subfolder vs The subdomain decision is a crucial part of your website's overall architecture and directly impacts your SEO strategy. Both structures have their own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it's important to make the right decision by considering your business's specific needs and goals. A well-planned site structure will yield significant benefits in the long run, both in terms of search engine optimization and user satisfaction.

The structure of a website is like the foundation of a building. A solid foundation allows you to build a long-lasting and successful structure.

Giving due consideration to your website's structure is a critical step towards your online success. By creating a user-focused, search engine-friendly, and easy-to-manage structure, you can both improve your SEO performance and provide your users with an excellent experience. Remember, choosing the right structure is a strategic investment that will yield long-term returns.

What is Subfolder and Why is it Preferred?

Subfolderare directories created under the main domain name of a website. For example, www.example.com/blog is a directory called blog. subfolderThis structure allows you to categorize and manage your website's content in an organized manner. Subfolder Its use simplifies content organization and improves user experience, especially for large and comprehensive websites.

Subfolder's also offer significant advantages in terms of SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Search engines, subfolderIt associates the content within the 's with the main domain, which can increase your site's overall authority. It can also be optimized for specific keywords. subfolder's can help you rank higher in search results. For example, on an e-commerce site, something like www.example.com/ayakkabi subfolder You can do SEO work specific to the shoe category by creating

Advantages of Using Subfolders
• It makes content organization easier.
• It increases the overall authority of the website.
• Improves SEO performance.
• Improves user experience.
• It is more advantageous in terms of cost (no additional domain name costs).
• It is easier to manage and maintain.

SubfolderAnother reason for choosing domains is their ease of management. Managing all content under a single domain is more practical than managing multiple subdomains or separate websites. This is a significant advantage, especially for small businesses or those with limited technical resources. It also allows you to focus on specific sections while maintaining the overall structure of your website.

In the table below, subfolder You can see the main features and advantages of its structure in more detail:

Feature	Explanation	Advantages
Structure	Directories under the main domain name	Easy installation and management
SEO	Strengthens main site authority	Potential for better rankings
Cost	No additional cost required	Budget-friendly solution
Management	Management from a single panel	Saving time and resources

subfolder's help your website have a user-friendly structure. Users can easily navigate between categories and find the content they're looking for faster. This increases user satisfaction and encourages them to spend more time on your website. A good user experience positively impacts your SEO performance, helping you achieve long-term success.

What is a Subdomain and When Should You Use It?

A subdomain is a subdomain that's added in front of the main domain name and used to separate different sections or functions of your website. For example, addresses like blog.example.com or shop.example.com are subdomains. Subfolder vs In this structure, subdomains can be perceived independently of the main domain and used for different purposes. This allows you to diversify your SEO strategies and offer content targeted to specific audiences.

One of the most common uses for subdomains is to offer content in different languages. For example, if you have an English website and want to offer content in German, you can create a subdomain like de.example.com. This way, search engines will recognize a separate site for each language, and you can achieve better rankings in results for that language. Subdomains can also be used to separate different product or service categories, create a separate area for mobile apps, or create dedicated pages for different marketing campaigns.

Unique Aspects of Using Subdomains

• Separating content in different languages
• Creating a custom area for mobile-friendly sites
• Establishing content platforms such as blogs or forums
• Organize different product or service categories
• Creating isolated areas for testing and development environments
• Creating custom landing pages for marketing campaigns

The most important point to consider when using subdomains is: SEO Ensuring proper configuration is crucial. Search engines like Google may consider subdomains to be separate sites from the main domain. Therefore, it's crucial to establish proper internal linking between subdomains and develop a separate SEO strategy for each. Otherwise, the authority of your main domain may not be reflected in the subdomains, negatively impacting your SEO performance.

Feature	Subdomain	Subfolder
URL Structure	blog.example.com	example.com/blog
Perception in Terms of SEO	Can be perceived as a separate site	It is perceived as part of the main site
Ease of Management	Managed as a separate site	Managed via the main site
Areas of Use	Different languages, product categories, test environments	Blogs, product pages, news sections

Another advantage of using subdomains is that they can protect your main domain from risks. For example, if you create a subdomain for a testing or development environment, you won't be affected if your main site experiences any issues. This way, you can ensure your website is always accessible and reliable. However, if not managed with the right strategies, subdomains can complicate SEO and negatively impact your site's overall performance.

For SEO Subfolder vs Subdomain: Advantages and Disadvantages

Subfolder vs The subdomain decision can have a significant impact on your website's SEO performance. Both structures have their own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, choosing the structure that best suits your business's needs and goals is critical. In this section, we'll examine the pros and cons of subfolders and subdomains in detail, in terms of SEO.

Choosing the right structure not only improves your search engine rankings but can also positively impact the user experience. Search engines consider various factors when evaluating your website's structure, including your site's overall authority, the relevance of your content, and the amount of time users spend on your site.

Feature	Subfolder	Subdomain
SEO Power	It is shared with the main domain, faster results can be achieved.	It is considered as a separate domain and becomes stronger over time.
Ease of Management	It is managed from a single site, which is more practical.	Managed separately, may require more resources.
Brand Perception	Protects brand integrity.	It can create a perception separate from the brand.
Application Areas	Blog, product pages, frequently asked questions.	Content in different languages, sections specific to the target audience.

Below are some examples of where subfolder and subdomain structures are used:

• Subfolder: Blog posts (/blog), product categories (/products), contact page (/contact).
• Subdomain: Different language options (tr.example.com, en.example.com), mobile site (m.example.com), support section (destek.example.com).
• Subdomain: Content for different target audiences (parent.example.com, child.example.com).
• Subfolder: Frequently asked questions (/faq), about us page (/aboutus).
• Subdomain: Special sections for product launches (yeniurun.example.com).

Advantages

One of the biggest advantages of the subfolder structure is, benefiting from the authority of the main domainYour new content can rank faster thanks to the SEO power of the main domain. Furthermore, because it's managed as a single website, content management and site maintenance are easier. Furthermore, the subfolder structure simplifies site navigation and maintains brand integrity for user experience.

Disadvantages

The biggest disadvantage of the subdomain structure is, is evaluated as a separate website by search enginesThis means that each subdomain must establish its own SEO authority. This process can be time-consuming and require more effort. Furthermore, links between subdomains are not considered internal links, which can be a disadvantage in terms of SEO.

subfolder etc. The decision to use a subdomain depends on your website's specific needs and goals. If you want quick results and leverage the authority of the main domain, a subfolder structure may be more suitable. However, if you want to create a standalone section for a different brand or target audience, a subdomain structure may make more sense. When making this decision, it's important to carefully consider factors such as SEO, user experience, and ease of management.

How to Create a Subfolder Structure?

On your website subfolder etc. Creating a subfolder structure is an effective way to organize your content and improve your SEO performance. Subfolders are subdirectories located under your main domain that contain different content categories. Setting up this structure correctly not only improves the user experience but also helps search engines better understand your site. While creating a subfolder requires technical knowledge, it can be easily implemented with step-by-step guides.

The most important thing to consider when creating subfolders is to establish a consistent and logical structure. Each subfolder should focus on a specific topic or category, and its content should be organized accordingly. For example, if you're an e-commerce site, you could create subfolders for clothing, shoes, and accessories. This will make it easier for users to find the products they're looking for and help search engines better understand your site's structure.

My name	Explanation	Example
1	Accessing the Home Directory	Access your website's root directory from your hosting panel or via FTP.	cPanel, FileZilla
2	Creating a New Folder	Create a new folder within your main directory. This will be the name of your subfolder.	/clothing, /shoes
3	Content Upload	Upload relevant content (HTML files, images, etc.) into the subfolder you created.	index.html, product1.jpg
4	Internal Links	Create internal links between your subfolder and other pages on your website.	Link to /clothing subfolder from home page

After creating your subfolder structure, it's important to make some optimizations to ensure SEO compatibility. Create unique and descriptive title tags and meta descriptions for each subfolder. Additionally, optimize your content within the subfolder with keywords and ensure high-quality, informative content. This will increase your chances of ranking higher in search engines.

Step by Step Guide to Creating a Subfolder
1. Hosting Panel or FTP Access: To access your website's files, log in to your hosting panel (cPanel, Plesk, etc.) or an FTP client (like FileZilla).
2. Entering the Main Directory: Navigate to your home directory, usually called public_html or www. This is the root directory of your website.
3. Creating a New Folder: Create a new folder within your main directory. This folder will have the name of your subfolder, for example, blog or products.
4. Determining the Folder Name: Make sure the folder name is short, descriptive, and SEO-friendly. It can include keywords, but it shouldn't be too long.
5. Content Upload: Upload relevant web pages, images and other files into the subfolder you created.
6. Creating Internal Links: Make navigation easier by creating internal links between the new subfolder and other pages on your website.

When creating your subfolder structure, consider user experience. Create a logical and consistent structure so users can easily navigate your site and quickly find the information they're looking for. Also, don't forget mobile compatibility; make sure your website and subfolders display properly on mobile devices. This will help you both increase user satisfaction and improve your SEO performance.

How to Create a Subdomain Structure?

Creating subdomains is a useful way to separate certain parts of your website from your main domain. They're especially useful for things like offering content in different languages or creating blogs or support sections. Subfolder vs When considering the topic, it is important to have knowledge about the technical setup and management of subdomains.

The process of creating a subdomain is typically done through your hosting panel. You can add a new subdomain by navigating to the domain management or DNS settings section of your hosting provider's interface. During this process, you'll need to specify the subdomain name and the directory it will be directed to.

My name	Explanation	Example
Step 1	Login to Hosting Panel	cPanel, Plesk etc.
Step 2	Go to Domain Management Section	Domain Names or DNS Settings
Step 3	Find the Add Subdomain Option	Create Subdomain
Step 4	Specify Subdomain Name	blog, support, en

The most important point you should pay attention to when creating a subdomain is, SEO The key is to ensure proper configuration. Don't forget to update your robots.txt file and sitemap so search engines can properly index your subdomain. Also, make sure your subdomain's content is relevant and valuable to the content on your main domain.

Step by Step Subdomain Creation Guide
1. Log in to your hosting account.
2. Access the domain management panel.
3. Find the option to create a new subdomain.
4. Enter the desired subdomain name (for example, blog.example.com).
5. Specify which directory the subdomain will be redirected to.
6. Wait for the DNS settings to update (this may take some time).
7. Test that the subdomain is working.

Regularly monitoring your subdomain's performance helps you identify potential problems early. Using Google Analytics or similar tools, you can analyze your subdomain's traffic data, observe user behavior, and make necessary optimizations. This way, subdomain You can maximize your structure's contribution to SEO performance.

Subfolder vs Subdomain Usage: Which One in Which Situation?

Subfolder vs The subdomain decision should be carefully considered in light of your website's overall SEO strategy and business goals. Both structures have their own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one can significantly impact your site's search engine rankings, user experience, and brand awareness. Therefore, it's important to consider your site's content, target audience, and long-term growth plans when deciding which structure is best for you.

The table below compares the different aspects of subfolder and subdomain structures. This comparison can help you decide which structure is best for you.

Feature	Subfolder	Subdomain
SEO Value	Strengthens the main domain authority.	It is considered a separate domain and is independent of the main domain authority.
Ease of Installation	It is easier to install.	Installation may be more complex and may require DNS settings.
Brand Awareness	It keeps it under the main brand and supports brand integrity.	It allows the creation of a different brand image.
Areas of Use	Ideal for blogs, product categories, and service pages.	Multilingual sites are suitable for specific product lines or individual brands.

Preferences for Different Scenarios

• Blog Content: Using a subfolder for the blog section of your main site is more advantageous in terms of SEO.
• International SEO: Using separate subdomains for different countries can be useful for targeting.
• E-commerce Sites: Subfolders can be used for product categories and subdomains can be used for different brands.
• Mobile Version: For a mobile site, using the m. subdomain is common, but opting for a responsive design is a better option.
• Help Center/Support: Using a subdomain for a help center or support section can provide a separate experience without impacting main site traffic.

The most important point to remember is that both structures can yield successful results when used with the right strategies. The important thing is, your website's needs and goals The key is to choose the most appropriate structure by analyzing it accurately. Getting support from SEO experts can simplify your decision-making process and help you achieve better results in the long run.

The Role of Structure Choice in SEO Success

Your website's structure plays a critical role in search engine optimization (SEO) success. Proper configuration helps search engines better understand, index, and rank your site. Subfolder vs subdomain Choosing a website structure is also a crucial part of this structure and can directly impact your SEO performance. A well-planned structure improves the user experience while also making it easier for search engines to discover and evaluate your site's content.

Subfolder A structure is typically created as folders under your site's main domain (for example, example.com/blog). This structure has the potential to increase your main site's authority and power in search engines. Because all content is collected under a single domain, all resulting links and signals benefit the main site. This can positively impact your overall SEO performance.

Comparison of Subfolder and Subdomain Structures in Terms of SEO

Feature	Subfolder	Subdomain
Domain Authority	Contributes to the main area	It is considered a separate domain name
Connection Strength	Transfers power to the main site	Connections are usually evaluated separately
Content Organization	More organized and consistent structure	Suitable for different projects/languages
SEO Performance	Generally performs better	Can be successful with the right strategy

Subdomain The domain name structure consists of a prefix to your main domain name (for example, blog.example.com). This structure is often used for different projects or language versions. Subdomains can be treated as separate websites by search engines. Therefore, you need to establish authority independent of your main site. However, with the right strategy, subdomains can also be successful in terms of SEO.

Choosing the right structure can help your site rank higher in search engines. The wrong structure, however, can reduce your site's visibility and cause you to lose potential customers. Therefore, it's important to carefully plan your website's structure and choose one that aligns with your SEO goals.

Factors to Consider for Success
• Identify your target audience's search terms by doing keyword research.
• Design your site structure with user experience in mind.
• Update and optimize your content regularly.
• Build quality and relevant links.
• Design a mobile-friendly website.
• Optimize your site speed.

The Relationship Between User Experience and Structure

The structure of your website is a critical factor that directly impacts user experience (UX). Subfolder vs. subdomain The choice plays a significant role in your site's navigation, ease of access to content, and overall user satisfaction. The easier it is for users to find the information they're looking for, the longer they'll stay on your site and the higher your conversion rates. Therefore, designing your website with a user-centric approach is crucial.

A subfolder structure generally provides a more intuitive user experience. Organizing content under the main domain makes it easier for users to navigate your site and helps search engines understand its structure. For example, when product categories on an e-commerce site are organized through subfolders (example.com/shoes, example.com/clothing), users can easily access related products and spend more time on the site.

Subdomains, on the other hand, are often used to distinguish different products or services. However, this distinction can be confusing for users. Switching between subdomains can make users feel like they're in different sections of the site and cause navigation issues. This can negatively impact the user experience and lead to users leaving the site. The table below compares the user experience impacts of subdomains and subfolders.

Feature	Subfolder	Subdomain
Ease of Navigation	Easier	More Complex
User Perception	A Single Site	Different Sites
Content Access	Faster	It May Take Longer
SEO Performance	Usually Better	Variable

It's important to remember that user experience isn't limited to website structure. Fast loading times, mobile compatibility, clear content, and interactive design also play a significant role in increasing user satisfaction. To ensure your website is user-friendly, regularly evaluate user feedback and make necessary improvements.

Ways to Improve User Experience

• Provide Fast Loading Times
• Use a Mobile-Friendly Design
• Create Clear and Readable Content
• Provide Easy Navigation
• Optimize Search Function
• Evaluate User Feedback

To understand the impact of website structure on user experience, it's important to analyze how users navigate your site and which pages they spend the most time on. Tools like Google Analytics can help you track user behavior and identify opportunities for improvement. You can also gather direct feedback and assess your site's user-friendliness through user testing.

User experience is the cornerstone of a website's success. Users return to sites where they can easily find what they're looking for and have an enjoyable experience.

subfolder vs subdomain When making your website decision, prioritizing user experience and tailoring your site's structure to user needs will ensure long-term success. By adopting a user-centric approach, you can both increase user satisfaction and improve your SEO performance.

Conclusion: Which Structure Should You Choose?

Subfolder vs The ultimate decision when comparing subdomains depends on your website's specific needs, goals, and long-term strategy. Both structures have their own advantages and disadvantages, and making the right choice is critical to your SEO success. As a general rule, if your content is closely related to your main website and appeals to the same target audience, using a subfolder is generally a better option.

However, if you offer content for a completely different brand, target audience, or geographic area, a subdomain may be more suitable. For example, if you're an e-commerce site and sell in different languages and currencies across different countries, it might make sense to create a separate subdomain for each country. A subdomain can also be used to test a new product or service without affecting the authority and rankings of your main website.

Criterion	Subfolder	Subdomain
SEO Power	Strengthens the main domain authority.	It is considered a separate domain, and authority transfer is limited.
Content Relationship	Ideal for closely related content.	Suitable for different content types or brands.
Ease of Application	It is easier to install and manage.	Must be managed as a separate site, may require more technical knowledge.
Cost	There is no additional cost.	There may be additional domain or hosting costs.

Points to Consider When Choosing a Building

• Target group: What is the target audience for your content? Is it the same as your main site?
• Content Relationship: How relevant is your content to your main site?
• Brand Strategy: Will a subdomain help you create a distinct brand identity?
• SEO Goals: What are your long-term SEO goals? Do you want to strengthen your main domain or create a separate entity?
• Sources: What is your level of technical resources and expertise?

subfolder etc. Choosing a subdomain is a complex decision, and you should carefully consider your website's specific situation. Understanding the potential benefits and risks of each structure will help you make the right decision and achieve your SEO goals. Remember, it's always best to regularly review your site's structure and adjust it to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I consider when deciding whether to use a subfolder or a subdomain for my website's SEO?

When making your decision, you should consider factors such as your website's content structure, your target keywords, and your long-term SEO strategy. If your content is closely related to your main site, a subfolder may be more appropriate, while a subdomain may make more sense if you're targeting a completely different audience or want to establish a distinct brand image.

Is there a chance that using a subdomain will harm my main site's SEO authority?

Yes, subdomains are generally treated as separate sites by Google. Therefore, driving traffic and building SEO authority for your subdomain may require an independent effort from your main site. If you don't allocate sufficient resources to your subdomain, it could negatively impact your main site's overall SEO performance.

How should I optimize my keyword strategy when using the subfolder structure?

Within the subfolder structure, you should organize the content of each subfolder to be relevant to your target keywords. Use your keywords in the URL structure, include them in page titles and meta descriptions, and include keywords naturally throughout the content.

Once I've decided whether to use a subdomain or a subfolder, is changing this structure risky for SEO?

Yes, structure changes are generally risky for SEO. Your current rankings and traffic may be affected. If you need to make a change, you should plan carefully, implement 301 redirects correctly, and remember to update your sitemap in Google Search Console.

I want to create a blog for my e-commerce site. Should I use a subfolder or a subdomain for my blog?

If you want to create a blog for your ecommerce site, a subfolder is generally a better option because the blog content is generally related to your main site, and using a subfolder helps transfer the blog's SEO authority to your main site.

Should I use a subfolder or subdomain for different language versions of my site?

Both subfolders and subdomains can be used for different language versions. However, using a subfolder is generally simpler and helps Google understand different language versions. For example, `/en/` can be used for the English version and `/de/` for the German version. Don't forget to apply the `hreflang` tags correctly, too.

Is it more advantageous for SEO to use a responsive design instead of using a separate URL (like m.example.com) for my mobile site?

Yes, using responsive design is generally more advantageous from an SEO perspective. Serving both desktop and mobile users through a single URL helps Google crawl and index the site more easily. It's also more suitable for mobile-first indexing.

What are the differences between subfolder and subdomain structures in terms of user experience (UX)?

A subfolder structure generally provides a more transparent user experience because users realize they are staying on the same domain. A subdomain structure, on the other hand, can provide a more distinct distinction, especially if a distinct brand image is desired or a completely different product/service is offered. Both structures have advantages and disadvantages from a user experience perspective, and the choice should be made based on the specific needs of the project.

More information: Subdomain vs Subdirectory: Which Is Better for SEO?

Daha fazla bilgi: Site yapısı hakkında daha fazla bilgi için Google Developers sayfasını ziyaret edin