Hello, I'm wondering if anyone can explain to me the implications Google search has on sub-domains versus folders. For example I currently have a subdomain set up as subdomain.mysite.com which is also mysite.com/subdomain The question is, does google give these files the page rank from the main site?
I would really recommend the folders instead of subdomains as they would be very easy to maintain and convenient to edit in the future plus you can control them from the robots texts easily
I think sub-domains are more seo-friendly than folder names, anyways keep in mind you cant use a sub-domain for every page.
it is preferred that you have a folder instead of a sub domain. although it does not make much of a difference, however, the big websites have this structure. You can check all the big websites for this.
I have those same questions, last 2 months. Way back I started my website. I was asking myself "subdomain or subfolder or the best of both world?" I search it and finally I got an answer though I haven't bookmark it, the answers are easy to find (they are in seomoz.org and the official blog matt cutts) the thing here is Use Subfolder If: You are using it for the same "characteristic" with your homepage And if your subfolder count is minimal. Little count. example if you have a blog for sports, entertainment, make money and you name it domain/sports domain/entertainment and domain/money. It's okay as long as you USE different set of keywords to different blogs. Keep in mind too that subfolders tend to "naturally" pass link juice to all subfolders (especially if you properly "link" each subfolders) and you create the websites inside these subfolders with a close period. One of the Main reasons why developers USE SUBDOMAIN: Is because they already have a Homepage that has its own RANK. they CREATE a separate subdomain to NOT affect the rank of the subdomain. Though this concept is still "debatable" coz a Mogul website like google can creates a new subdomain called maps.google.com, and still LINK juice are still pass from the main google homepage up to their subdomain (maps.google) That's what Matt Cutts called Google Extra "sauce" meaning Google's extra secret and authority. Common mistake people make, is when they create a new website and like to add a Forum. they put it inside a "subdomain". It's unadvantageous: Because your homepage and your new forum is created at the same time (meaning their rank will start from 0) so there is reason why you should put that forum on a subdomain. It's advantageous: If you are already running a homepage with a good rank and started to create a forum. Put it in subdomain ( so it will not affect the rank of the parent) but then again other's may not agree on this one, Like I said it's debatable. Matt Cutt also end the statement. "I prefer using subdirectories over subdomain coz it's easy to organize. Switch to subdomain if you already know the architecture of your site" In the end, all that matters is your relevant content to attract visitors. If you're content is visited always. Even your blog is in a subfolder or a subdomain. Google will always find its way to "sense" it and give a proper ranking. Hope this helps.
Folders are considered part of website. Whereas subdomains are considered as separate websites, which would rank separately.
Yes, but what I explained in the OP was you can reach the page by visiting BOTH Subdomain and Folder...
I agreed.I also mostly follow folder structure and it is easier to maintain and google picked it better for indexing..