I've got something in mind that I want to go after so I'm curious if anyone knows anything about doing this.. Build 2 sites on the same topic, with similar optimised content for ONE keyword. What are we looking at here for attempting this successfully? Anonymous registration for whois. Different class-c IP range. No crosslinking. No carbon-copy content. Get links from different sources. I know of one instance of this already happening (he's #4 and #9) and as far as I can tell the above steps seem to be everything required. Anything else I've missed?
You can do it on the same IP and you can crosslink within reason. As long as you have optimized unique content and good backlinks, the listings will come after you site is old enough. I am currently working on bringing a 3rd site to the front page for a certain term for one of my clients. Note that the whois info is different for each site, so that could be the determining factor. I am not sure what the effect of using anonymous registration would be over real contact info though. Another great way to utilize some of Google's newer features for your benefit is to work on bringing an indent to the front page for your site. With 2 and 3 sites doing this you can really hold the market on your keyword's front page, similar how Google does on the search market itself Still trying to figure out how to get the site-link to pop for a keyword though...
Hmm I'd completely forgot about the possibilty of indents too, brilliant. Also interesting to know that having both/all on the same IP still works. However, I've decided to go with another IP for this attempt and I've just had them added to my server. The domains are registered months apart, I already hold #1 so this should be a fun experiment
I actually think it would be beneficial to get links from some of the same sources, especially if it's a close knit industry. This shows that your sites are "in the loop" and part of the network of sites in your niche. Same links definitely isn't a concern. (Unless link profile is exactly the same)
Good point, fwiw my current #1 site doesn't have a huge number of links but the links it does have are very relevant so I'll have to tread carefully when choosing. Time to start developing the pages!
Assuming you follow your own guidelines set above...and are smart about linking...the only problem I foresee is that you are doubling the amount of work for yourself. If you can do it...more power to you. Good luck.
I too have tried the same and got good results for me ... rankings were between 10 to 15 postition both sites...