Introduction

An addon domain allows you to host multiple websites on a single cPanel account. This is a cost-effective way to manage multiple websites, each with its own domain name, without needing separate hosting accounts for each one. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to add an addon domain to your AlpineHost account, making it easy to expand your online presence.

What Is an Addon Domain?

An addon domain is a fully functional domain that you can host on your existing hosting account. It operates independently of your primary domain, allowing you to create a completely separate website with its own content. Addon domains share the same resources as your primary domain but can have their own email accounts, subdomains, and FTP access.

Why Add an Addon Domain?

There are several reasons why you might want to add an addon domain to your AlpineHost account:

• Hosting Multiple Websites: Run multiple websites from one hosting account, saving on costs.
• Separate Projects: Keep different websites or projects distinct but easily manageable from a single cPanel account.
• Unique Email Addresses: Create unique email addresses for each domain hosted on your account.

Before You Begin

Before adding an addon domain, there are a few things to prepare:

1. Ensure Your Hosting Plan Supports Addon Domains: Check that your AlpineHost plan allows for addon domains. Most plans support them, but it's always good to verify.
2. Register the Domain: Make sure the domain you want to add is registered and that you have access to the domain registrar’s account.
3. Point the Domain to AlpineHost Nameservers: Update the domain’s nameservers to point to AlpineHost. This ensures that the domain will resolve correctly to your hosting account.

How to Add an Addon Domain in cPanel

Follow these steps to add an addon domain to your AlpineHost account using cPanel:

Step 1: Log in to Your cPanel Account

Access your AlpineHost cPanel account through the AlpineHost client area.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Addon Domains” Section

1. Scroll Down to the “Domains” Section: In cPanel, locate the “Domains” section.
2. Click on “Addon Domains”: This will take you to the page where you can manage addon domains.

Step 3: Enter the New Domain Information

1. New Domain Name: In the “New Domain Name” field, enter the domain name you want to add (e.g., example.com).
2. Subdomain/FTP Username: cPanel will automatically generate a subdomain and FTP username based on the domain name. You can modify these if needed.
3. Document Root: This is the directory where the files for the addon domain will be stored. It’s usually created automatically as a subdirectory in the public_html folder.

Step 4: Create the Addon Domain

1. Click “Add Domain”: Once you’ve filled in the necessary information, click the “Add Domain” button to create the addon domain.
2. Wait for Confirmation: cPanel will process your request and confirm that the addon domain has been successfully created.

Step 5: Upload Website Files (Optional)

If you already have a website for the addon domain, you can upload the files to the document root directory created in the previous step. You can do this using the File Manager in cPanel or through FTP.

• Using File Manager: Go to the “File Manager” in cPanel, navigate to the document root of your addon domain, and upload your website files.
• Using FTP: Connect to your account using FTP and upload your files directly to the addon domain’s directory.

Managing Your Addon Domain

Once your addon domain is set up, you can manage it just like your primary domain:

• Create Email Accounts: Set up email addresses for your addon domain through the “Email Accounts” section in cPanel.
• Install Applications: Use the “Softaculous Apps Installer” to install CMSs like WordPress on your addon domain.
• Monitor Resource Usage: Keep an eye on your hosting account’s resource usage to ensure your sites are performing well.

Troubleshooting Addon Domain Issues

If you encounter issues while setting up your addon domain, here are some common problems and solutions:

• DNS Propagation Delays: After updating the nameservers, it may take up to 48 hours for DNS changes to propagate. During this time, the domain may not resolve.
• Incorrect Document Root: Ensure that the document root is correct and points to the right directory where your website files are stored.
• Domain Not Pointing to Correct Nameservers: Double-check that the domain is pointing to AlpineHost nameservers.

If these solutions don’t resolve your issue, contact AlpineHost support for further assistance.

When to Contact Support

If you experience difficulties while adding an addon domain or if you’re unsure about any part of the process, AlpineHost support is here to help. We can assist with DNS configurations, troubleshooting, or any other questions you may have. Contact us at support@alpinehost.ch or info@alpinehost.ch for expert assistance.

FAQs

Can I add multiple addon domains to my hosting account?
Yes, depending on your hosting plan, you can add multiple addon domains to your AlpineHost account.

Do addon domains share resources with the primary domain?
Yes, all domains on a single hosting account share the same resources, such as disk space and bandwidth.

Can I install WordPress on an addon domain?
Yes, you can install WordPress or other CMSs on an addon domain using the Softaculous Apps Installer in cPanel.

Will adding an addon domain affect my primary domain?
No, addon domains operate independently and won’t affect the functionality of your primary domain.

What is the document root for an addon domain?
The document root is the directory where the addon domain’s website files are stored. It is typically created as a subdirectory within the public_html folder.

How long does it take for an addon domain to become active?
After adding the domain and pointing the nameservers correctly, it may take up to 48 hours for DNS propagation before the domain becomes fully active.

Conclusion

Adding an addon domain to your AlpineHost account is a straightforward process that allows you to manage multiple websites from a single hosting account. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up your addon domain with ease and begin building your new site. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, AlpineHost’s support team is always available to help.