Domain structure is way a website’s domain name and its subdomains and directories are organized. It’s a fundamental aspect of a website’s architecture that plays a crucial role in both user experience and SEO.
A website’s domain structure starts with its primary domain, also known as the root domain. This is the main address of the website (e.g., ahrefs.com). The root domain is at the top of the hierarchy in the domain structure.
Subdomains are the next level in the domain structure hierarchy. They are extensions of the root domain that can be used to organize different sections or functions of a website. For example, we use help.ahefs.com for our help articles. Subdomains are treated as separate websites by Google, which can impact how content is indexed and ranked.
Directories or paths come after the root domain and subdomains in the domain structure. They are used to organize content within the website and are seen in the URL after the domain name. For example, we have ahrefs.com/blog for our SEO blog.
In therms of SEO, a well-organized domain structure can significantly impact a website’s SEO performance. Search engines use the structure to understand and index the website’s content. A clear and logical structure can help improve a site’s search engine rankings.
In terms of user experience, logical and intuitive domain structure makes it easier for users to navigate a website and find the content they are looking for. This can lead to increased engagement, lower bounce rates, and higher conversions.
Besides, a well-planned domain structure simplifies the process of managing and updating a website. It makes it easier to add new content, make changes, and maintain the site over time.
Also, when it comes to branding and marketing, subdomains and directories can be used strategically for branding and marketing purposes. They can help segment different areas of a business or highlight specific campaigns or content areas.