Setting Up Subdomains with Webflow Hosting

Step 1: Understanding Subdomains

A subdomain is an extension of your main domain used to create distinct sections of your website. For example, if your main domain is example.com, you can use blog.example.com for your blog or store.example.com for your online shop.

Step 2: Prepare Your Webflow Project

Ensure you have a project in Webflow that your subdomain will point to. If not, log in to your Webflow account, click on the New Project button, and select a template or start from scratch.

Step 3: Add Your Custom Domain to Webflow

Go to the project settings of your Webflow site. Click on the Hosting tab and under Custom Domains, add your existing domain such as example.com.

Step 4: Create the Subdomain

Log in to your domain registrar account and go to the DNS management settings. Add a new record and choose the record type as CNAME. In the subdomain field, enter the name of the subdomain you want like blog or store, and for the value, input your Webflow URL usually formatted as proxy-ssl.webflow.com. Save the changes. This process directs traffic from your subdomain to your Webflow project.

Step 5: Assign the Subdomain in Webflow

Return to the Hosting tab in your Webflow project settings. In Custom Domains, add the subdomain you just created like blog.example.com or store.example.com. Add this domain and ensure your main domain, example.com, is set as the default domain, which helps with redirecting and SEO.

Step 6: Publish Your Project

In the Webflow Designer, click on the Publish button in the top-right corner. Select the domains to publish, ensuring both your subdomain and main domain are checked. Publish to these selected domains, making the site available on your newly created subdomain.

Step 7: Test Your Subdomain

Visit your new subdomain in a web browser such as blog.example.com. Check that it functions correctly and is displaying the desired content from your Webflow project.

Step 8: Monitor DNS Propagation

DNS changes can take time to update across the internet. If your subdomain does not work immediately, give it a few hours before checking again. Online tools are available to check DNS propagation status.

Step 9: Optimize for SEO

Make sure to optimize your subdomain for search engines if it is public-facing. Set up meta tags, present alt text for images, and maintain a user-friendly URL structure.

Setting up subdomains on Webflow enhances your website's organization and usability. By following these steps, you can easily navigate through the technical aspects needed to create subdomains, improving your website's structure and user experience.