How to add a domain to your hosting account

Adding domains to your hosting account allows you to run multiple websites from a single package. This works well for smaller sites with minimal resource requirements, such as portfolios or personal projects.

You will configure the domain through your control panel, which creates the necessary file structure and settings. The process differs slightly between cPanel and Plesk, so follow the section that matches your hosting environment.

Before you begin

Your domain must be registered and pointing to your hosting nameservers.
We recommend using a reseller hosting package for multiple sites. Reseller accounts isolate each website through CageFS, which prevents malware spreading between sites if one becomes infected.
If you need to test before DNS propagation completes, edit your hosts file instead of using a temporary domain.

Add a domain in cPanel

cPanel groups domain management under a single interface. You will create the domain configuration, which generates the directory structure and server settings automatically.

Log in to cPanel.
Access your control panel at the URL provided in your welcome email.
Open the Domains tool.
Scroll to the Domains section and click Domains. This displays all domains currently configured on your account.

cPanel interface showing the Domains section with the Domains icon highlighted — The Domains tool in cPanel.

Start creating a domain.
Click Create A New Domain. New accounts show only your primary domain with a “main domain” label.

cPanel domains list showing existing domains and the Create A New Domain button — The domain list with the create button.

Configure the domain.
Enter your domain name in the Domain field. cPanel automatically suggests a document root directory based on the domain name. You can accept this default or specify a custom path.

cPanel Create A New Domain interface showing domain name and document root fields — Domain configuration form in cPanel.

Save the domain.
Click Submit. cPanel creates the directory structure and configures the web server. Your domain now appears in the domains list and is ready to host content.

Add a domain in Plesk

Plesk manages domains through the Websites & Domains section. You will specify the domain name and choose which services to activate, such as email and DNS hosting.

Log in to Plesk.
Access your control panel using the credentials from your welcome email.
Open the domain creation tool.
Navigate to Websites & Domains and click Add Domain. This opens the domain configuration interface.

Plesk Websites & Domains section showing the Add Domain button — The Add Domain button in Plesk.

Enter the domain name.
Type your domain in the Registered domain name field. Plesk validates the format as you type.
Verify the webspace.
Check that the Webspace field shows your account name or subscription. If it displays a different value, use the search function to locate your account.
Configure services.
Plesk enables mail and DNS services by default. Disable these if you manage email or DNS elsewhere. Otherwise, leave the defaults active.

Plesk domain configuration form showing domain name, webspace and service options — Domain configuration options in Plesk.

Complete the setup.
Review the remaining settings and click Add Domain. Plesk creates the domain configuration and makes it available for hosting.

Wrapping up

Your additional domain is now configured and ready to host content. You created the domain through your control panel, which set up the necessary directories and server configuration. Upload your website files to the document root to make the site live.

Remember that websites sharing a cPanel account also share the same file system. If you plan to host multiple production sites, consider our reseller hosting packages, which provide better isolation and management features. For guidance on securing WordPress sites, see our article on removing malware from WordPress.