Hello All, I'm badly stuck in a dilemma and unable to come to a decision. Here is the problem. I have two domains based on the same niche and targets the same keywords as well, say Site1.com and Site2.co.uk are to two domains. Site1 is an older domain with lots of backlinks build across the pages but ranks low for certain generic keywords in Google.co.uk, whereas Site2.co.uk comparatively has much fewer backlinks, has a very low exposure over the web, but the keywords are doing great in Google.co.uk SERPs. So, I was thinking of forwarding/ setting a 301 redirect for the domain (Site2.co.uk) to the relevant product pages of Site1.com. My question here is, would the top ranking keywords for Site2.co.uk pass over benefits to Site1.com in the longer/shorter run ? Would redirecting the pages of Site2.co.uk that are ranking high in SERPs still retain those positions ? Note: - The two domain names are entirely different. - Site1.com is more important to me since its now an established brand. I need to take a decision by Monday morning and give directions based on it. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.
Are the two competing for the same KWs? If yes, I personally would 301 to boost your initial site to higher rankings. Is Site2 earning more than it's hosting & domain costs? If yes, I'd maintain it and invest 100-250 dollars in additional content and SEO.
Hi, thanks for your reply. I've been hosting the Site2 since 2007 but don't receive much conversions, I mean the earnings and hosting costs tend to balance each other, no earnings as such. That's precisely the reason why I'm thinking of closing down that project but don't want to let its benefits go. I intend to pass on its advantages of keyword rankings to Site1.
Perfectly understandable. I would personally 301 redirect it since it is remaining neutral to hosting & registration costs only if you are competing for KWs. However, you should be made aware (in case you don't know) in order for the effects of the 301 to stay with the site you will need to maintain an active 301. This means still registering and hosting the domain. If the domain expires it will kill all of it's links in its downline and become worthless. However if they are just simply niche related and not competing for keywords, I would maintain two separate blogs and attempt to make the weaker site stronger through proper SEO. Who knows it could eventually out-earn your more profitable site.
I highly appreciate your suggestions, and do understand the need of keeping the domain active. This is precisely the reason for the dilemma. Do we have someone over the forum who has done such a thing ? Would appreciate if your experiences are shared here.
Sorry man, I couldn't get it through my skull whether they were competing or not. Realizing they aren't in direct competition I would strongly avoid the 301. Although it may give you some link juice I couldn't see myself destroy a perfectly good site over that. I affirm my vote for no 301 redirect. I never had to make that choice, but it could very well be that I attempt to stay in new niches for each site.
Ah you don't have to your sorry about anything, you've really been very helpful. I'm sorry if I sounded rude to you.
You can use a 301 alter from one website to addition this can be accessible if you did accept assorted sites again you alloyed them all into one or article for archetype if you had a few casework and had these domains and all of them ranked able-bodied for there exact keyword domains this is how you would do it.