Multiple Domain Hosting [Using Same Host] How to Setup, Nginx, Apache, Cpanel

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Multiple domain hosting allows you to host several different websites under a single web hosting account. This is handy for businesses or individuals who own multiple domains and want to save money on hosting costs. Instead of purchasing separate hosting plans for each website, you can manage them all from one place.

Here’s how you can usually do it:

1. Purchase a hosting plan: Not every hosting plan supports multiple domains. Make sure the one you choose does. Some hosts, like Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator, offer plans that support unlimited domains.

2. Add your domains: Once you have a suitable hosting plan, you can add your extra domains to the hosting account. This is typically done through the hosting control panel (like cPanel or Plesk). There will be a section named something like “Addon Domains” where you can add your additional domains.

3. Upload your website files: Each domain you add will have its own separate directory on your hosting account. You can upload the website files for each domain to its respective directory.

4. Set up email (optional): If you want email addresses associated with your additional domains, you can set these up in the hosting control panel as well.

5. Rinse and repeat: You can repeat this process for each additional domain you want to host on your account.

And voila! Your multiple domains are now all happily living together under the roof of your hosting account. Remember to keep their directories tidy (manage their files) and don’t let them throw wild parties (use up all your resources)!

One important note: While multiple domain hosting can save you money, it also means that all your websites share the resources of one hosting account.

 

 

Using cpanel

cPanel is like the cockpit of your spaceship, where you can control all the functions. Now, strap in and get ready for launch!

1. Login to your cPanel account:

The first step is to log into your cPanel account. This is typically done by entering your domain name followed by /cpanel in your browser’s address bar (e.g., www.yourdomain.com/cpanel).

2. Navigate to ‘Addon Domains’:

Once you’ve logged in, look for a section called ‘Domains’. Here, you should see an option for ‘Addon Domains’. Click on that. This is like adding extra cabins to your spaceship.

3. Enter the new domain information:

On the ‘Addon Domains’ page, you’ll need to fill out several fields:

  • New Domain Name: Enter the domain you wish to add (e.g., www.yournewdomain.com). This is like naming your new spaceship cabin.
  • Subdomain: This will be automatically filled out when you enter the new domain name. It’s basically the internal reference for the domain within cPanel.
  • Document Root: This is also automatically filled out and is the folder where your new domain’s files will be stored. It’s like the storage compartment of your new cabin.

4. Add the domain:

Click on ‘Add Domain’ to finish the process. Now your new domain is added and ready to host a website!

5. Upload your website files:

Now, you can upload your website files to the document root you specified when adding the domain. This is usually done using the ‘File Manager’ in cPanel, or you could use an FTP client.

6. Repeat for additional domains:

You can repeat this process for any other domains you wish to add to your hosting account.

And there you have it, mission accomplished! You’ve added extra domains to your hosting account using cPanel. Remember, although they’re sharing the same space(ship), each of these domains operates independently with its own website files. Make sure to keep them in check and your interstellar journey will go smoothly!

 

Using Apache

Step 1: Install Apache

Before you begin, make sure you have Apache installed on your server. If you haven’t installed it yet, you can do so by running the following commands:

For Ubuntu/Debian:

bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install apache2

For CentOS/RHEL:

bash
sudo yum update
sudo yum install httpd

Step 2: Create a directory for your websites

Create a separate directory for each website. This is where you’ll store your website’s files.

bash
sudo mkdir -p /var/www/domain1.com/public_html
sudo mkdir -p /var/www/domain2.com/public_html

Step 3: Grant permissions

You need to make sure you have the necessary permissions for these directories.

bash
sudo chown -R $USER:$USER /var/www/domain1.com/public_html
sudo chown -R $USER:$USER /var/www/domain2.com/public_html

Step 4: Create a sample page for each domain

Let’s create a simple index.html file for each domain.

bash
echo "<h1>Welcome to domain1.com</h1>" > /var/www/domain1.com/public_html/index.html
echo "<h1>Welcome to domain2.com</h1>" > /var/www/domain2.com/public_html/index.html

Step 5: Create virtual host files

You need to create a configuration file for each website, where you tell Apache how to handle requests for the website.

For Ubuntu/Debian:

bash
sudo nano /etc/apache2/sites-available/domain1.com.conf
sudo nano /etc/apache2/sites-available/domain2.com.conf

For CentOS/RHEL:

bash
sudo nano /etc/httpd/conf.d/domain1.com.conf
sudo nano /etc/httpd/conf.d/domain2.com.conf

In each file, paste the following configuration:

bash
<VirtualHost *:80>
ServerAdmin admin@yourdomain.com
ServerName domain1.com
ServerAlias www.domain1.com
DocumentRoot /var/www/domain1.com/public_html
ErrorLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/error.log
CustomLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/access.log combined
</VirtualHost>

Replace domain1.com with domain2.com in the second file.

Step 6: Enable your sites

For Ubuntu/Debian:

bash
sudo a2ensite domain1.com
sudo a2ensite domain2.com

You don’t need to do anything for CentOS/RHEL, as Apache will automatically read any .conf files in the /etc/httpd/conf.d/ directory.

Step 7: Restart Apache

Restart Apache to apply the changes.

For Ubuntu/Debian:

bash
sudo systemctl restart apache2

For CentOS/RHEL:

bash

sudo systemctl restart httpd

Using Nginx

Step 1: Install NGINX

Before you begin, make sure you have NGINX installed on your server. If you haven’t installed it yet, you can do so by running the following commands:

For Ubuntu/Debian:

bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install nginx

For CentOS/RHEL:

bash
sudo yum update
sudo yum install nginx

Step 2: Create a directory for your websites

Create a separate directory for each website. This is where you’ll store your website’s files.

bash
sudo mkdir -p /var/www/domain1.com/html
sudo mkdir -p /var/www/domain2.com/html

Step 3: Grant permissions

You need to make sure you have the necessary permissions for these directories.

bash
sudo chown -R $USER:$USER /var/www/domain1.com/html
sudo chown -R $USER:$USER /var/www/domain2.com/html

Step 4: Create a sample page for each domain

Let’s create a simple index.html file for each domain.

bash
echo "<h1>Welcome to domain1.com</h1>" > /var/www/domain1.com/html/index.html
echo "<h1>Welcome to domain2.com</h1>" > /var/www/domain2.com/html/index.html

Step 5: Create server blocks

Next, create a server block for each website. This is done by creating a new configuration file under /etc/nginx/sites-available/.

bash
sudo nano /etc/nginx/sites-available/domain1.com
sudo nano /etc/nginx/sites-available/domain2.com

In each file, paste the following configuration:

bash
server {
listen 80;
listen [::]:80;root /var/www/domain1.com/html;
index index.html index.htm index.nginx-debian.html;server_name domain1.com www.domain1.com;location / {
try_files $uri $uri/ =404;
}
}

Replace domain1.com with domain2.com in the second file.

Step 6: Enable your sites

To enable your sites, you need to create a symbolic link for each site from the sites-available directory to the sites-enabled directory:

bash
sudo ln -s /etc/nginx/sites-available/domain1.com /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/
sudo ln -s /etc/nginx/sites-available/domain2.com /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/

Step 7: Test your NGINX configuration

Test your configuration file for syntax errors:

bash
sudo nginx -t

If the test is successful, you’ll see a message that the configuration file syntax is OK.

Step 8: Restart NGINX

Finally, restart NGINX to apply the changes:

bash
sudo systemctl restart nginx

FAQ

1. What is multiple domain hosting?

  • It’s like a big mansion where you can host multiple websites (or domains). Each one gets its own room!

2. How many domains can I host on one account?

  • That depends on your host’s policy. Some hosts offer unlimited domains while others have a limit. Always remember to check the fine print, much like the terms and conditions of a genie’s wish.

3. Does multiple domain hosting mean all my websites share the same IP address?

  • Yes, unless you have a dedicated IP for each, they all will be throwing a party at the same IP address!

4. Can I host different domains registered with different registrars?

  • Absolutely! As long as you point them to your hosting provider’s servers, it doesn’t matter where your domains were registered. It’s like being able to attend a party no matter where you bought your clothes.

5. How do I add an additional domain to my hosting account?

  • Typically, you’d do this through your hosting account’s control panel. Check for a section named “Addon Domains” or similar. If you’re lost, consult your host’s documentation or support. They should be able to guide you through it as easily as GPS would guide you to the nearest pizza place.

6. Will the performance of one website affect others on a multiple domain hosting plan?

  • Yes, since they share resources like memory and CPU. It’s like having one person hogging the snacks at a party — it leaves less for everyone else.

7. Can I have separate email accounts for each hosted domain?

  • Yes! Each domain can have its own email accounts. It’s like every roommate having their own mailbox.

8. Can I move one of my websites to another host while keeping the rest in place?

  • Absolutely! Each domain is independent and can be moved around as you see fit. It’s like one of your housemates deciding to move to another mansion.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  1. Cost-effective: It’s much cheaper to host multiple domains on one hosting account than to purchase separate hosting plans for each. Think of it as a buffet where you can fill up multiple plates without paying extra.
  2. Ease of management: You can manage all of your domains and websites from one single dashboard. It’s like having a universal remote for all of your websites.
  3. Shared features: With most plans, all your sites get to enjoy the same features, such as email accounts, SSL certificates, and bandwidth. It’s like a sibling agreement where everyone gets the same benefits.
  4. Simplified administration: Having all your domains in one place means you have only one set of login credentials to remember and one hosting provider to deal with. Say goodbye to the pain of forgetting which password goes with which account!

Cons:

  1. Shared resources: If one of your sites suddenly gets a lot of traffic, it can hog the server’s resources, slowing down the other sites. Imagine if one person at a party decides to eat all the pizza – others might go hungry!
  2. Potential for confusion: If you have a lot of domains, things can get confusing quickly. Imagine having to remember which room in your mansion is the gym and which one is the library.
  3. Security risks: If one of your websites gets hacked, it could potentially put your other websites at risk. It’s as if one person catching a cold in your house spreads it to everyone else.
  4. Limited customization: Some specific configurations might not be possible due to shared settings across all the domains. Think of it as a shared car: everyone needs to agree on the radio station.

 

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