How to switch a website from a subdomain to a main website can provide various advantages. This method, on the other hand, necessitates meticulous organisation and execution to ensure a smooth transition without jeopardising your website’s SEO.
In this detailed article, we’ll walk you through the steps of moving your website from a subdomain to the main domain.
What is a subdomain?
A subdomain is an expansion or subdivision of a primary domain that enables content or services to be arranged under a different URL prefix. It appears before the parent domain name and is separated by a period, such as “blog.example.com,” where “blog” is the subdomain. Subdomains are commonly used to classify or segregate different areas or activities of a website.
What is a main website?
The core and central component of a website’s address is its main domain, sometimes referred to as its root domain. It is the primary, unaltered domain name, with no subdomains or other prefixes. For example, in the web address “www.example.com,” “example.com” is the principal domain. It hosts the main content or services, which symbolize the essence of the website.
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How to Switch Website From Subdomain To Main Website
Here are the steps you should take to perfectly switch your subdomain to your main website:
1. Make a Backup of Your Website.
Make a comprehensive backup of your website, including files and databases, before making any modifications. This precautionary action ensures that you can return to the prior state if any problems develop during the transfer.
Note: Before you embark on changing your website domain, please take a moment to back up your site. This cautious measure protects your data and serves as a fallback in the event of any unexpected difficulties during the shift.
Backup instructions may vary depending on your hosting provider, but in general, they will entail saving copies of your files and databases.
Best Practice
- Log in to your “Hosting Control Panel.”
- Search for “Backup” or “Backup Wizard.”.
- Select “Full Backup.”.
- Choose a “backup location.”
- Start the backup process.
- Wait for the backup to finish.
- Download the backup (optional)
- Check for backup validity.
- Safely store the backup.
2. Make Your Main Domain Structure:
Ensure that your main website is configured and ready to host content from your subdomain. This entails defining the required server settings and constructing the directory structure for your website on its main domain.
Best Practice
- Log in to the “Hosting Control Panel.”
- Go to “Addon Domains” or “Domains.”
- Add your main domain.
- Configure your settings.
- Allow time for domain configuration (24 hours).
- Check the domain configuration.
3. Your Files and Databases ShouldCe Copied.
Copy all files and databases from your subdomain to the main domain’s relevant locations. This phase guarantees that the content, photos, and database entries are moved smoothly.
4. Configuration Files Should Be Updated.
Modify configuration files, such as “wp-config.ph” for WordPress websites, to take into account modifications to the database link and other settings linked to transitions.
5. Put in Place 301 Redirects.
Set up 301 redirects from the subdomain URLs to the equivalent URLs on the main domain in your server’s “.htaccess” file. This step is essential for retaining SEO value while also directing users and search engines to the new address.
Copy code
RewriteEngine On RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^subdomain\.example\.com$ [NC] RewriteRule ^(.*)$ http://www.example.com/$1 [R=301,L]
Replace “subdomain.example.com” and “www.example.com” with your real subdomain and main domain.
6. Change Links Within Your Website.
Carefully change every link in your content to redirect to the updated main domain URLs. Links in pages, posts, navigation menus, and any other internal references are all included.
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7. Update The External Links on Your Website:
Contact websites that are linking to your content and request that they update their links to the new URLs on the main domain. This aids in the maintenance of a consistent link profile and the avoidance of broken links.
8. Change Your XML Sitemap:
Create a new XML sitemap for your main website’s domain and submit it to search engines using the Google Search Console or other appropriate administrator tools. This process guarantees that search engines are aware of the new site structure.
9. Update Your Robots.txt:
Review and modify your robots.txt file to reflect the changes in your site structure. This file instructs search engine crawlers on how to explore and index your website.
10. Check Your Website’s Functionality.
Ensure that your website runs properly on your main domain. Inspect for broken links, lost graphics, and other problems that may have emerged during the changeover.
11. Track the Traffic and Rankings of Your Website.
After the changeover, use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track your website’s traffic and search engine rankings. Keep an eye out for any changes and address any issues as soon as possible.
12 Changes That Should Be Communicated:
Inform your target audience, subscribers, and social media followers about the change. Inform them of the URL change and reassure them that your content is still available on the main domain.
FAQs
Can I Transfer a Subdomain?
Yes, you can transfer a subdomain, although the process will differ based on your hosting provider and domain registrar. Usually, transferring a subdomain entails updating DNS settings and, if required, ensuring that the subdomain’s related files and databases are migrated to the new hosting environment.
Can You Hijack a Subdomain?
It is possible to hijack a subdomain if security measures are inadequate. Securing access credentials and installing DNS security measures are both best practices.
Can a Subdomain Be Hosted Elsewhere?
Yes, a subdomain can be hosted on a separate server or hosting provider from the main domain, providing for distinct hosting environments.
Can a Subdomain Point to a Different IP Address?
Yes, a subdomain can be configured to point to a different IP address, allowing it to be hosted on a different server than the main domain.
Does a Subdomain Need to be Registered?
The policies of the domain registrar and hosting provider govern the registration of a subdomain. Some platforms allow subdomains to be created without explicit registration, but most may require registration or setting through the hosting management panel.
How To Redirect Subdomain To Main Domain
Here’s how to redirect your subdomain to your main domain:
- Navigate to the “File Manager” section of your hosting control panel.
- Navigate to the subdomain’s directory.
- Edit or create the “.htaccess” file.
- Add 301 Redirect
You can copy and edit the code to your preference.
RewriteEngine On RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^subdomain\.yourdomain\.com$ [NC] RewriteRule ^(.*)$ http://www.yourdomain.com/$1 [R=301,L]
The preceding code determines whether the requested host begins with “subdomain.yourdomain.com” and redirects it to “http://www.yourdomain.com” while retaining the rest of the URL.
Please keep in mind that the processes and code may differ significantly based on your hosting provider and server settings. Always make a backup of your “.htaccess” file before making modifications, and avoid syntax problems at all costs.
- Save the alterations to the “.htaccess” file.
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Conclusion
Finally, moving your website from a subdomain to the main domain is a strategic move that must be carefully planned and executed.
By following the processes outlined, “backing up your website, building the primary domain structure, changing configuration files, applying 301 redirects, and addressing link updates,” you can ensure a smooth transition while protecting your website’s SEO quality.
Also, testing your website operation, tracking traffic and rankings, and communicating changes to your audience are all essential to ensuring a smooth transition.
