This article explains what a subdomain is, when you should use one for a Firefish blended jobs site, and what impact it has on SEO and analytics. You will also learn how to create a subdomain and point it to your Firefish website.
Contents
- What is a Subdomain?
- How to Create a Subdomain
- How a Subdomain Affects SEO
- Google Analytics Cross-Domain Tracking
- FAQs
What is a Subdomain?
A subdomain is a prefix added to your main domain name that helps create a separate section of your website. For example, if your main domain is “www.companyname.com”, you could create “jobs.companyname.com” to host your Firefish blended jobs site.
Using a subdomain keeps your jobs area consistent with your brand while allowing your main website to remain hosted on your own CMS.
How to Create a Subdomain
To create a subdomain, you will need access to your domain hosting provider (for example, GoDaddy, 123-reg or Cloudflare).
Typical steps include:
- Log in to the control panel of your domain hosting provider.
- Go to your DNS management area.
- Add a new CNAME record for the subdomain you want to use, such as “jobs”.
- Point the CNAME record to the address provided by Firefish for your blended site.
- Save the DNS changes.
- Allow time for DNS propagation before testing the subdomain.
How a Subdomain Affects SEO
Using a subdomain for your Firefish jobs site keeps it logically separated from your main website content. This is expected behaviour and will not negatively affect your main domain’s SEO performance.
Google treats subdomains as related to your primary domain, so your branding and user experience remain consistent while keeping job content clearly organised.
Google Analytics Cross-Domain Tracking
If you use Google Analytics, you may want to track visitors as they move between your main website and your Firefish subdomain.
Google Analytics automatically handles some cross-domain behaviour, but depending on your setup, you may need to configure full cross-domain tracking to maintain a continuous user journey between both areas of your site.
If you are unsure whether your analytics setup needs adjusting, speak with your marketing or web development team for guidance.
FAQs
Do I need a subdomain to use a blended site?
Yes. A blended site must be hosted under a domain or subdomain that you control.
How long do DNS changes take to work?
DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate.
Can I use any prefix for my subdomain?
Yes. “jobs” is common, but you can use any prefix that suits your brand.
Does Firefish manage my DNS?
No. DNS is always managed by your hosting provider.