What is a subdomain?
A subdomain adds a name before a domain, such as shop.example.co.uk or help.example.co.uk. It can provide a distinct address for another part of the business or a separate service. A page path such as example.co.uk/help is different: it sits after the domain within the web address.
Useful context
- List any addresses beginning with words such as shop, booking, mail or help.
- Identify the service currently answering at each address.
How it works
Recognise the position of the name
The dots are important. In booking.example.co.uk, booking is the added name. In example.co.uk/booking, booking is a path. Saying you want a booking page does not by itself mean you need another hostname or a new hosting arrangement.
Separate the connected service
A subdomain can point to a different platform from the main website. Your main-site editor may therefore have no control over its content or billing. Keep an inventory so a later hosting change does not overlook a booking system or another active business tool.
Include HTTPS and account control
Creating a DNS entry alone is not enough. The destination must support the custom address and have the right secure connection. Before adding it, confirm who owns the service account, who can change it and whether the subscription supports your intended use.
Retire unused connections deliberately
If an old tool is being closed, record where its links appear and decide what visitors should see instead. Have the administrator review the DNS connection as part of the retirement. Do not leave a forgotten hostname pointing at an account nobody manages.
What to check
- You can distinguish a subdomain from a page path.
- Each active hostname has a service owner.
- Public links lead to the intended working destination.
Sources and further reading
Platform features can change. Check the provider’s current guidance before changing a live service.