A subdomain allows you to create a separate section of your website using your existing domain name.

Examples of subdomains include:

blog.yourdomain.co.za
shop.yourdomain.co.za
support.yourdomain.co.za
dev.yourdomain.co.za

This guide explains how to create a subdomain using DirectAdmin.

What Is a Subdomain?

A subdomain is an additional website address linked to your main domain name.

Subdomains are commonly used for:

• Blogs
• Online stores
• Test websites
• Client portals
• Development websites
• Support systems

Each subdomain can display its own website content.

Before You Start

Before creating a subdomain, make sure:

• Your domain is active
• Your domain points to your HostworX hosting account
• You can log into DirectAdmin

If you have not logged in yet, please see:

• How to Log Into DirectAdmin

How to Create a Subdomain

Step 1 — Log Into DirectAdmin

Open your browser and visit:  https://cp.yourdomain.co.za   (Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name)

Enter your hosting username and password.

Step 2 — Open Subdomain Management

From the DirectAdmin dashboard:

Click:  Account Manager

Then click: Subdomain Management

Step 3 — Create the Subdomain

Click: Add Subdomain

In the Subdomain field, enter the name you want to use.

Example:  blog

Your full subdomain will become:  blog.yourdomain.co.za

Step 4 — Save the Subdomain

Click:  Add Subdomain

DirectAdmin will now create the subdomain automatically.

Step 5 — Upload Website Files

After creation, DirectAdmin will create a folder for the subdomain inside your hosting account.

You can upload website files using:

• File Manager
• FTP
• WordPress installations

depending on how you want to use the subdomain.

Subdomain Folder Locations

Subdomain files are commonly stored inside folders similar to:

/domains/yourdomain.co.za/public_html/blog

depending on server configuration.

Common Uses for Subdomains

Blog Website

blog.yourdomain.co.za

Development Website

dev.yourdomain.co.za

Online Store

shop.yourdomain.co.za

Support Portal

support.yourdomain.co.za

Important Notes

DNS Propagation

New subdomains may take a few minutes to start working correctly.

In some cases, DNS propagation may take longer.

SSL Certificates

You may need to enable SSL separately for newly created subdomains. 

We recommend using Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates for secure HTTPS access. If you already created an LetsEncrypt ssl cetificate with  the Wildcard Domain as suggested you don't have to do anything. 

WordPress on Subdomains

You can install WordPress directly onto subdomains using Softaculous.

Example:

blog.yourdomain.co.za

Troubleshooting

Subdomain Does Not Open

Check:

• DNS propagation
• domain pointing correctly
• website files uploaded
• SSL configuration

SSL Warning on Subdomain

Enable SSL for the subdomain inside:

SSL Certificates

in DirectAdmin.

Subdomain Shows Directory Listing

This usually means:

• no website files uploaded
• missing index.html
• missing index.php

Upload your website files into the subdomain folder.

Subdomain Creation Failed

Possible causes include:

• invalid subdomain name
• DNS issues
• hosting account restrictions
• temporary server issues

If the problem continues, contact HostworX support.

Security Tips

• Use SSL certificates on subdomains
• Remove unused subdomains
• Keep WordPress installations updated
• Use strong passwords
• Avoid exposing development websites publicly