Posted by Jerry in 
An add-on domain is a new domain name that’s added on top of your main domain in your hosting account. An add-on domain do not have its own control panel page (cPanel for example); rather, it’s squatting below the main domain where a sub directory is added in your main hosting root directory (normally in ‘public_html’ folder). The add-on domain will have it’s own index files (the homepage of the add-on domain) and cgi bin folder.
Add-on domain vs Subdomain: The differences
An add-on domain shouldn’t be confused with subdomain as they are different things. An add-on domain has its own stand alone URL, for example www.webhostingsecretrevealed.com; while a subdomain URL are linked with its ‘mother’; mail.webhostingsecretrevealed.com for example is a sub domain.
The biggest differeces that seperate add-on domain with subdomain is that subdomain is free of charge, while adding an add-on domain requires you to register your unique domain name via a domain registrar - which would cost your an annual fees.
The benefits of an add-on domain
The biggest benefits of having an add-on domain is that it helps saving hosting cost.
As the add-on domain shares all the resources on your web hosting (like bandwidth, disk space); it’s much cheaper to maintain multiple websites on the same web host. In the same time, the add-on domain has almost the same features that you get from a major domain in your hosting account. The add-on domain will have its own FTP manager, site stats, as well as cgi bin features.
How to create an add-on domain in your hosting account
- Search for a favorable unique domain name.
- Register the new domain namewith any domain registrar, GoDaddy for example.
- Point the new domain’s DNS (domain name sever) to your web host’s server.
- Login to your hosting control panel and look for the “Add-on Domains” features.
- Fill in the new domain name, the desired folder to install the new domain, as well as your contact email.
- Click “start” or “addon doman” (depends on the cPanel you’re using) and wait for the system to auto install your new addon domain.
- Once it completes, your add-on domain name will be ready. You can then log into your account and you should see a sub folder called /SiteB inside of your public_html folder. Simply upload index pages, images and any other information there.
Example of addon domain setup page
Addon Domain page at Lunarpages
Addon Domain page at Bluehost
