How to Create New Addon Domains on Your cPanel Account

Want to host multiple websites under one WebHostingM cPanel account? Addon domains let you easily add new websites with unique domain names while sharing your main cPanel resources. This guide walks you through creating addon domains in cPanel with step-by-step instructions – get your additional websites up and running in no time!

Imagine your website is a bustling marketplace. But what if you could expand your reach by opening additional stores under the same brand umbrella? That's the power of addon domains in cPanel!

What are Addon Domains?

Addon domains essentially allow you to manage multiple websites under a single cPanel account. Each addon domain acts like a separate storefront, with its unique web address (like store.example-domain.com ) and files stored in a designated directory within your account. You can create and manage addon domains in cPanel’s Domains interface (cPanel » Home » Domains » Domains).

Why Use Addon Domains?

Here are some compelling reasons to leverage addon domains:

• Expand Your Brand: Showcase different aspects of your business or create targeted websites for specific products or services.
• Organize Your Web Presence: Keep things tidy by separating your main website from project-specific domains or language variations.
• Cost-Effective Solution: Addon domains are often more affordable than purchasing additional hosting accounts, especially for smaller projects.

Creating Your First Addon Domain in cPanel

Ready to add some new stores to your online empire? Here's a step-by-step guide to creating addon domains in cPanel:

1. Log in to your cPanel account. This is your command center for managing your web hosting resources.

2. Navigate to the "Domains" section. Look for icons or menus related to domain management.

3. Locate the "Addon Domains" option. This might be under a sub-menu or directly displayed.

4. Enter the new domain name. Type the web address you want to use for your addon domain (e.g., store.example-domain.com ).

5. Understanding Subdomains, Addon Domain, and Document Root (Optional):

   • Subdomain: cPanel might pre-populate a subdomain based on your entered domain name. This is typically for organizational purposes and doesn't affect how visitors access your website (they'll still use store.example-domain.com ). You can leave this as is or create a custom subdomain if needed.
   • Addon Domain: Again, an additional domain name that a cPanel account owns. The system stores each addon domain in its configurable directory. This allows website owners to manage multiple domains from a single cPanel account.
   • Document Root: This specifies the directory within your account where your addon domain's files will be stored. By default, cPanel suggests a location, but you can choose a different directory for better organization.

To enable the addon domain to serve different content from that of the main domain, specify the directory where you want the files for the domain to exist (the domain's document root) by deselecting the "Share document root with “example-domain.com ” checkbox, where example-domain.com represents your main domain. Note that you cannot create a document root outside of the public_html/ directory.

6. To automatically redirect the new addon domain's visitors from the insecure version of the website to the secure version, set the Force HTTPS Redirect toggle to On.

7. Click Submit or click Submit and Create Another Domain.

Once the addon domain has been successfully added, our systems will add a request for an AutoSSL certificate to secure the new domain and install it when it becomes available.

Important Considerations:

• DNS Management: For your addon domain to work properly, you'll need to update its DNS records (usually managed by your domain registrar) to point to your web hosting provider's nameservers.
• File Management: Access your addon domain's files through the cPanel File Manager or an FTP client to upload your website content.
• SSL Certificates: Secure your addon domain with an SSL certificate for encrypted communication. cPanel might offer options for automatic SSL certificates.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Addon Domain Management

While this guide covers the core aspects of creating addon domains, cPanel offers additional features:

• Manage Existing Addon Domains: You can view a list of your addon domains, modify their settings, or even remove them if needed.
• Subdomain Management: Create and manage subdomains within your addon domains for further organization.

Remember: For in-depth guidance or if you encounter any issues, consult your web hosting provider's documentation or reach out to their support team.

By effectively utilizing addon domains, you can transform your cPanel account into a multi-store domain management hub, allowing you to expand your online presence and reach new audiences!

WebHostingM Support

If you encounter any difficulties while creating or managing an addon domain in cPanel, WebHostingM's support team is here to help! You can contact our support team for personalized assistance.