When you’re building a website, one of the first decisions you’ll face is: What will my web address look like?

For many people, words like subdomain, custom domain, and URL path can feel confusing. Yet, these small details make a big difference in how professional your site looks, how people find you online, and even how much trust you build with clients or employers.

Let’s break it down in plain English, with clear examples.

1. Custom Domain – Your Online Identity

A custom domain is like your own house address on the internet. It’s unique to you and easy to remember. Think of names like:

• myportfolio.com

• janedesigns.net

• africanbusiness.org

This is what most businesses and professionals aim for. A custom domain shows people that you’re serious about your work. It’s professional, memorable, and boosts credibility.

✅ Why it matters

• Looks professional (vs. free builder domains)

• Builds trust with clients and employers

• Easier to brand and share

• Better for SEO (search engines trust custom domains more)

Example: Imagine handing your CV to an employer. Which one sounds more professional?

• myname.mywebsitebuilder.com (subdomain)

• myname.com (custom domain)

Clearly, the second one makes a stronger impression.

2. Subdomain – A Branch of Your Website

A subdomain is like creating a new entrance to your house. It still connects to your main address, but it serves a specific purpose. Subdomains appear before your main domain name:

• blog.myportfolio.com

• shop.janedesigns.net

• support.africanbusiness.org

Subdomains are perfect when you want to separate different sections of your website. For example, you could have a blog on one subdomain and an online shop on another.

✅ Why it matters

• Keeps your site organized

• Great for testing new ideas without affecting your main site

• Allows you to create unique experiences for visitors

Example:
A photographer might use:

• portfolio.janedoe.com for her projects

• shop.janedoe.com for selling prints

It’s all under the same brand, but neatly divided.

Image Prompt Idea (for Subdomain):
“Hyper-realistic 3D visualization of a big house with smaller doors branching out, each labeled as blog, shop, and support. The main house has the label ‘myportfolio.com’. The environment should look modern, clean, and welcoming, symbolizing organization and branching. No extra text beyond the labels.”

3. URL Path – The Room Inside Your House

If a custom domain is your house, and a subdomain is a new entrance, then a URL path is like a specific room inside your house. It comes after your main domain name:

• myportfolio.com/about

• janedesigns.net/contact

• africanbusiness.org/services/web-design

Each path leads to a specific page. This is the part most visitors interact with daily — when they click links to your “About,” “Services,” or “Contact” pages.

✅ Why it matters

• Directs users to exact content

• Helps structure your website logically

• Can improve SEO if your keywords are included (e.g., /web-design helps you rank for “web design”)

Example:
If you meet a client and give them myportfolio.com/projects, they land directly on your work — no guessing, no searching.

Image Prompt Idea (for URL Path):
“Cinematic illustration of a house interior with doors labeled About, Contact, and Services. The main front door is labeled ‘myportfolio.com’ while inside paths lead to specific rooms. The style should be modern, realistic, and easy to understand, symbolizing website navigation.”

Putting It All Together

Let’s say your name is Ada, and you’re a graphic designer. Your setup might look like this:

• Custom Domain: adadesigns.com

• Subdomain: blog.adadesigns.com

• URL Path: adadesigns.com/contact

Each part plays a role:

• The custom domain builds trust and credibility.

• The subdomain organizes different sections.

• The URL path helps people find exactly what they need.

Final Thoughts

When you understand the difference between custom domains, subdomains, and URL paths, you take control of your online presence.

👉 If you’re just starting out, you might begin with a free subdomain from a website builder. But as you grow, investing in a custom domain will instantly make your brand stand out.

Your web address isn’t just a link — it’s your digital identity. Make it count.