Strategy: Domain Architecture#

Guides domain structure decisions for multiple products or brands: subfolder (subdirectory), subdomain, or independent domain. Covers brand architecture (Branded House vs House of Brands) and Hub-Spoke principles when multiple domains coexist. See domain-selection for initial domain choice (Brand/PMD/EMD, TLD); website-structure for single-domain page planning; rebranding-strategy for domain change and migration; multi-domain-brand-seo for brand search optimization.

When invoking: On first use, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On subsequent use or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.

Initial Assessment#

Check for project context first: If .claude/project-context.md or .cursor/project-context.md exists, read it for product portfolio and growth goals.

Identify:

1. Product count: Single product vs multiple products/brands
2. Brand strategy: Unified brand vs distinct brands
3. Current state: Planning from scratch vs consolidating existing domains
4. Constraints: Tech stack, team, budget

Domain Structure Options#

StructureExampleSEO AuthorityBrand IndependenceTypical UseSubfoldercompany.com/product-aShared with main domainLowProducts under one brand; SMB; content consolidationSubdomainproduct.company.comTreated separately by GoogleMediumSeparate product experience; tech isolation; support/docsIndependent domainproduct.aiNone sharedHighAcquired brands; different markets; distinct brand identity

When to Use Each#

ChooseWhenSubfolderProducts share value proposition; want to strengthen main domain; SMB; blog, tools, features under one brandSubdomainNeed separate tech stack (e.g., app vs marketing); support portal; docs; distinct UX but same brandIndependent domainHouse of Brands; acquired company; different audience; different TLD (e.g., .ai for AI product)

SEO consensus: Subfolders typically outperform subdomains for most cases—authority flows to the main domain. Subdomains require separate SEO effort.

Brand Architecture#

ModelDescriptionDomain TendencyExamplesBranded HouseOne master brand; products use functional descriptorsSubfolder or subdomainGoogle (google.com/search, google.com/maps), FedExHouse of BrandsEach brand independent; parent hiddenIndependent domainsUnilever (dove.com, axe.com)Sub-brands / EndorsedSub-brands with parent endorsementSubdomain or independentFedEx Express, Marriott Bonvoy

Decision factors: Business strategy, market positioning, product overlap, resource availability.

Hub-Spoke (Multiple Domains Coexist)#

When company main site (company.com) and product site (product.ai) both exist:

RoleDomainFocusHubcompany.comBrand, About, Research, product matrix; brand queriesSpokeproduct.aiProduct features, pricing, signup; product queries

Principles:

• Hub links to Spoke (Products section); Spoke links back (About, Footer, "A [Company] product")
• Spoke avoids competing for brand queries in Title; Hub avoids competing for product keywords
• See multi-domain-brand-seo for brand search optimization.

Output Format#

• Recommendation (subfolder / subdomain / independent) with rationale
• Brand architecture fit (Branded House / House of Brands / Sub-brands)
• Domain mapping (e.g., product A → company.com/product-a)
• Hub-Spoke guidance (if multiple domains)
• Related next steps (website-structure, rebranding-strategy)

Related Skills#

• domain-selection: Initial domain choice (Brand/PMD/EMD, TLD); single-site use case
• website-structure: Plan pages within a domain; single-domain structure
• rebranding-strategy: Domain change, 301 redirects, migration
• multi-domain-brand-seo: Brand search control when Hub and Spoke coexist
• branding: Brand strategy, positioning; domain architecture implements brand structure