How to Host Multiple Websites on a Single Account: A Complete Guide

How to Host Multiple Websites on a Single Account: A Complete Guide

Got more than one website idea in mind? It could be a blog, portfolio, a business website, or a long held dream. You might have been thinking that you must purchase individual hosting plans for each of them. But, there is a smarter, more economical, and faster solution, which is running all your websites on a single cheap WordPress hosting in India account!

This simple solution can save you a huge amount of money and simplify the process of website management. This blog will explain everything you need to know with the various ways to host multiple websites on a single cheap reseller hosting India account.

Three Proven Ways for Hosting Multiple Websites

Addon Domains

The most standard practice to host multiple websites on a single account is by creating Addon Domains. You can consider an addon domain as an entirely independent website with its own distinct domain name. It shares the same hosting account as your main domain name. Your website visitors see it as a completely independent website that is fully functional and operates seamlessly.

How this works

After creating an addon domain, your web hosting provider sets up a new folder inside your primary public_html directory. Then the new domain name is pointed towards this particular folder. Thus, when any visitor adds your addon domain name URL in their browser, your server automatically displays the content from that specific folder.

Steps to Set Up an Addon Domain in cPanel

A majority of the providers offer web hosting with cPanel control panels with their plans. Here are the steps to set up an addon domain:

  • Sign in to your cPanel: Using the login credentials in your welcome email sign in to your cPanel.
  • Go to the “Domains” section: Check for an “Addon Domains” or just “Domains” icon.
  • Put in your domain name: Type in your domain name in a box stating “New Domain Name.” For example, www.yourdomainname.com.
  • Subdomain and website root folder: Once to add your addon domain name, cPanel will suggest a subdomain and a root folder where your new site’s files will be stored. For the sake of simplicity, keep the default settings. Your document root will generally look something like public_html/yourdomainname.com.
  • Setup an FTP Account: For increased security, you can create separate FTP accounts for each of your addon domains [it is completely optional]. This security measure keeps your website secure when you give someone else access to manage that particular website.
  • Press “Add Domain”: After pressing “Add Domain”, you’ve created a new account for your new website!

Next Steps to Take

  • Update your domain’s nameservers: After creating an addon domain, it is important to update its nameserver records by pointing them to your web hosting service provider. It allows your addon domains to work properly. It is done at the domain registrar from whom you have purchased the domain name.
  • Install your choice of software: Since your addon domain is ready, it is time to install your choice of software or CMS such as WordPress, Joomla, or any other content management system of your choice in the addon domain’s directory. A number of web hosting providers offer “Softaculous” a 1-click installer to simplify this process.

2. Subdomains

Another easy method for hosting your multiple websites on a single account is to create subdomains. It’s a domain name that is added as a prefix to your main domain name with a dot to separate it. For instance, blog.yourdomainname.com or shop.yourdomainname.com.

The process of creating a subdomain is almost identical to setting up an addon domain in cPanel. After logging in to your cPanel, go to the “Subdomains” section, add your choice of prefix, and a relevant folder will be created in your public_html directory by the cPanel.

3. WordPress Multisite

If you’ve developed your websites on WordPress platform and using the same themes and plugins, then you can use this option to host them on a single hosting account. Using this feature you can build and handle a network of similar websites from the same account.

The process of creating a WordPress Multisite is slightly more complicated compared to the above two methods. It involves modifying one or two of your WordPress core files, such as wp-config.php and .htaccess.

Conclusion

By following the aforementioned methods, you can easily host multiple websites on a single account without spending any additional amount or purchasing extra accounts. host.co.in offers multisite hosting at an affordable cost. So select your choice of hosting plan that fits your needs and start growing your online business.