Hi Everyone, I've got a question about subdomains. It seems like more sites are using subdomains, especially directory sites. I imagine the only reason for this would be for an SEO advantage. Citysearch (cityname.citysearch.com, etc) comes to mind, among others. I run a directory site and am considering going in this direction. Does anyone know which search engines this be an advantage on (google, yahoo, msn?), a disadvantage on? Are there things I need to be careful of if I decide to go down this road? Another option would be to create completely new domains. Would this make more sense? What would be the pros and cons? EDIT: Let's assume that we're dealing with the same subject matter, but containing information specific to cities (like citysearch). Thanks for any help. -bmack
A subdomain is an independent domain and as such search engines value it independently from the main doamin. But usually they are free, they strengthen the brand, quicker to set up, and maybe an old domain might transfer some trust and therefore reputation to its subdomains. I reckon that for max SEO benefit a new domain, in a new name, on a different C class and with care that it doesn't look connected to the other websites is the best way to go, obviously, they have to be interlinked, but that in a careful way. But SEO isn't everything, particularly if you are ambitious, you should look at branding more than SEO, good rankings will follow... For shorter term objectives instead, SEO is a priority. Spammers look at even a shorter term as they wait for a possible ban and then move on starting all over again.
Subdomains are treated almost as independent domains, which includes a possible waiting period before something new gets listed decently. Your question is too simplistic. For a totally new subject I think probably a new domain is best. For a subject related to your present domain, but a different 'niche' a subdomain would be better. Your example: cityname.citysearch.com is one in which case subdomains would be a good way to go, IMO.
gotta be multiple domains - search engines simply give a new site it's own unique boost if reputability - just make sure they're not all hosted with the same hosts, then u can do some good linking
Subdomains are treated separately but if you will use them or use your base domain to promote subdomains excessively then you will not have benefit of [subdomains treated as separated domains] point. So while linking always link like natural linking and don't over inter link webpages to get better rank.
Subdomains are considered as independent domains so it is better to have multiple domains than subdomains in terms of convenience IMO.
Subdomains can help with SEO but mainly they help with user experience. It is easier to brand dallas.ditysearch.com than it is to do the same with citysearch.com/dallas/
Hmmmm. So different servers means different IP addresses? I'm guessing have IPs in the same class C is probably not that helpful? Doesn't having a bunch of servers get expensive? -bmack
well im not an expert on the issue so i'd guess just to have totally different hosting companies is best. just a few hosting plans can be cheap and a good set of backups for ur websites too (providing u have quick ftp to keep updating)