The Difference Between Parked and Addon Domains
When it comes to managing multiple websites, understanding the difference between parked and addon domains is crucial. Both options allow you to host multiple websites on a single hosting account, but they serve different purposes and have different uses. In this article, we will explore the differences between parked and addon domains to help you make informed decisions when setting up your website.
What is a Parked Domain?
A parked domain, also known as a domain alias, is a domain that points to the same website as your primary domain. Parked domains are used when you want to have multiple domain names that all lead to the same website. For example, if you own both example.com and example.net, you can park example.net so that it redirects to example.com when someone visits it.
Parked domains are commonly used for branding purposes, to prevent others from using similar domain names, or to capture traffic from common misspellings of your domain. Parked domains do not have their own unique content or separate website files. Instead, they simply redirect visitors to your primary domain.
What is an Addon Domain?
An addon domain is a separate domain that points to a different website within the same hosting account. With addon domains, you can host multiple websites with unique content and separate website files under one hosting account. Each addon domain has its own directory within your hosting account, allowing you to manage multiple websites independently.
Addon domains are useful for website owners who want to create and manage multiple websites without the need to purchase separate hosting accounts for each site. Each addon domain can have its own domain-specific email addresses, databases, and files. This makes addon domains a flexible and cost-effective solution for hosting multiple websites.
Key Differences Between Parked and Addon Domains
- Usage: Parked domains point to the same website as your primary domain, while addon domains point to separate websites.
- Content: Parked domains do not have unique content or separate website files, whereas addon domains have their own content and files.
- Email: Addon domains can have their own domain-specific email addresses, while parked domains do not support email services.
- Independence: Addon domains allow you to manage multiple websites independently, while parked domains simply redirect visitors to your primary domain.
Overall, the choice between using a parked domain or an addon domain depends on your specific needs and goals. If you want to have multiple domain names that redirect to the same website, a parked domain is a suitable option. However, if you need to host multiple websites with unique content and files, an addon domain is the better choice.
By understanding the differences between parked and addon domains, you can make informed decisions when setting up and managing multiple websites on your hosting account. Whether you choose to use parked domains, addon domains, or a combination of both, knowing how they work will help you optimize your website hosting experience.