Sometimes, users want to set up two websites on a single hosting account. This can have many advantages, including reduced hosting costs, simpler management, and more efficient use of hardware and software resources. However, doing this correctly requires familiarity with various hosting settings, domain management, and related infrastructure. In this guide, we will fully and step-by-step introduce you to three common methods for installing two websites on one hosting account and explain the important points related to each method.
Methods for Installing Two Websites on One Hosting Account
1. Using Addon Domains
This method is one of the most common and popular ways to set up two websites on one hosting account with two completely different domains.
Steps to Follow:
- First, log in to your hosting control panel. (Usually cPanel, DirectAdmin or Plesk)
- Go to the Addon Domains section.
- Enter your second domain and enter the domain name completely (e.g., example2.com).
- Specify a path for the second site’s folder, which is usually in the public_html folder or outside of it.
- Change the DNS settings of the second domain to the Name Servers of the current hosting. (This step may take a few hours to 48 hours for the domain to connect to the hosting).
- Upload the files for the second site to the specified folder.
- If you are using a content management system like WordPress, create a separate database and enter the database connection information in the site’s configuration file.
How to log into cPanel control panel?
2. Using Subdomains to Install Two Websites on One Hosting Account
This method is useful when you want your second website to be a subdomain of the main domain. For example, blog.example.com or shop.example.com.
Steps to take:
- Log in to your hosting control panel.
- Go to the Subdomains section.
- Create a new subdomain (for example, blog or shop).
- Specify the folder path associated with the subdomain.
- Upload the files of the second website to this folder.
- If a database is required, create a new database and connect the site settings to it.
This method is very suitable for projects such as blogs, small shops, or separate sections of a main site, and the site structure can be made more organized by using subdomains.
3. Using Different Directories (for Sites with One Domain)
If you want to run several different sites or sections under one domain, you can use separate folders. For example, example.com/site1 and example.com/site2.
Steps to take:
- In the hosting File Manager, create two separate folders for each site or section.
- Upload the files of each website to its respective folder.
- If the sites require a database, create a separate database for each.
- Configure the linking and paths of the sites correctly so that users can easily access each site.
This method is simple and effective for sites that want to have independent sections within the framework of a larger domain.
Database Configuration for Two Websites on One Host
One of the important points when installing two websites on one host is managing the databases, especially if you are using content management systems like WordPress.
Steps to Create a New Database:
- Log in to your hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel).
- Go to the MySQL Databases section.
- Create a new database.
- Create a new user for the database and assign the necessary permissions (Read/Write) to it.
- Enter the database information (database name, username, password, and database server) in the site’s configuration file (e.g., wp-config.php in WordPress).
This ensures that each site can access its database independently and without interference, reducing security and performance issues.
Important Tips for Managing Two Websites on One Host
Checking Hosting Resources and Optimizing Their Management
Shared hosting usually has limited resources such as CPU, RAM, and storage space that must be optimally divided between the two sites. Before launching two sites, be sure to evaluate your hosting capacity and make sure that these resources are sufficient for both sites. If the sites have high traffic or heavy content (such as videos, many images, large databases), you may need to upgrade your hosting service or even migrate to a dedicated server or VPS. Also, monitoring resource usage through the hosting management panel helps you take the necessary actions quickly if you notice slowness or disruption.
Using SSL Certificates Independently for Both Sites
Security on the web is extremely important, especially if sites have sensitive information such as users’ personal data, online payments, or contact forms. If two sites are on one host, each domain requires a separate SSL certificate. Using SSL encrypts the communication between the user’s browser and the server, increasing the security of data exchange. In addition, Google ranks sites with SSL better in search results. Therefore, it is best to use a valid SSL certificate for both domains or use Multi-Domain SSL certificates or Wildcard SSL if subdomains exist.
Regular and Secure Backups of Both Sites
Backing up websites is one of the most important actions that should not be forgotten after installing two websites on one host. It is recommended to create backups of all files, databases, and site settings daily or weekly (depending on the amount of site changes). These backups should be stored both on the hosting account and separately on other storage spaces such as the cloud, external hard drive, or other servers, so that in the event of any problem, including hacking, technical errors, or accidental deletion, it is possible to quickly recover the sites.
Accurate and Correct DNS Configuration for Each Domain
Each website usually has its own domain that must be correctly connected to the hosting server. DNS settings must be carefully configured after installing two websites on one host to ensure the domain name is directed to the server’s IP address. If you have subdomains, they must also be configured correctly. Incorrect DNS settings may cause the site to not load properly or users to be directed to the wrong site. Also, optimizing TTL and using reliable and fast DNS services can help improve the performance of websites.
Separate Management and Organization of Files and Databases
To prevent interference and problems after installing two websites on one host, it is best to define separate folders in the host for each site and create different and independent databases for each website. This prevents potential problems with one site from negatively affecting the other and makes management easier. Also, properly configure folder access and permissions to maintain the security of the sites.
Performance Monitoring and Continuous Optimization
After installing two websites on one hosting account, it’s necessary to periodically check the performance of both sites, including page loading speed, resource consumption, and error logs. Website monitoring and optimization tools can help you identify and fix potential problems faster. Optimizing images, using caching, and keeping website software up to date are among the measures that can help reduce the load on the hosting.
Conclusion
If you intend to manage two websites on one hosting account, you have three main solutions:
- Addon Domains: For two completely separate domains
- Subdomains: For subdomains of the main site
- Different Directories: For separate sections under one domain
Depending on your needs and the capabilities of your hosting, you can choose the most appropriate method for installing two websites on one hosting account, and by observing technical and security tips, easily manage your two sites on one hosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I run two websites with one database?
Yes, it is technically possible, but it adds complexity and the potential for data conflicts. It is better for each site to have a separate database.
2. Is it possible to install two WordPress instances on one hosting account?
Yes, you can install two separate WordPress instances in different directories or using Addon Domains.
3. What if my hosting doesn’t support Addon Domains?
You can use Subdomains or a separate directory structure.
4. Are the resources of shared hosting sufficient for two websites?
This depends on the amount of traffic and the needs of each site. If the sites have high traffic, it is better to migrate to hosting with higher resources.