We currently operate a small business based on a .ca domain. Although we DO sell to US customers, and maintain US clients in-fact, I've noticed that Google doesn't like that we have a .ca domain and avoids presenting our web site to US customers (except for some random specific searches). Suppose we were to register the .us domain and create a partial us-hosted store front that would work in harmony. Mostly all the content would be the same, but certain products and components would be changed. The domain name would remain the same, with the exception of the .us TLD. Would Google punch us in the face for doing this? If not, has anyone succeeded at doing this before (other than the big daddy web sites), and what precautions should we take? Thanks a lot for you help guys!
Many websites have been facing the same issue lately due Google using geotargeting, wherein it associates a domain to a particular region. One of the factors it uses in doing so is the TLD of the domain name. So if you want to target the US audience it would be a good idea to have a US specific TLD, similar to what you propose. It would be good if you also get that domain name hosted on a US server, get inbound links from US specific websites. There are other things you would need to consider while geo targeting and if you read around you will find loads of information. Using the same content is a strict no no. You don't want your website to be penalized or put in supplemental index for using duplicate content. You can do changes to the existing content and then use it but I will recommend fresh content . Hope this helps.