Which is better Subdomain or Subfolder?

i am currently running a forum which is subdomain of site
..
should i consider making that forum into subfolder or let it b subdomain..

are there any search engine indexing problems this way?

My site has got directory submissions but subdomain hasn't so wat u suggest?

 

the sub domain will be treated as a different site then the root

like

www.site.com

and

http://user.site.com

are treated as 2 different sites to most search engines..

 

As a general rule, I think it's best if a forum is themed to the content on the rest of the site to put it in a subfolder. If the content may not be themed, to use a subdomain. Sometimes it's just preference, though it's understood that SE's take into consideration content on other pages when deciding how to rank an individual page.

With that being said, if your forum is already established it's probably not going to be worth it to change in either direction.

 

to LOCO M.......
i know that they are two different sites thats y i was asking if making it onto subfolder could get it indexed???

to mdvaldosta

how about moving subdomain to subfolder with automatic redirection script on subdomain?

 

If You want build your forum for people and creat large forum..You should do it on subfolders..It is easier to manage content. But if you want use your forum like a place for put SEO links to You other sites...do it on subdomains.... Links from subdomains have more power than from subfolders.. Somethimes I see that Wm-s of forums do forum on subdomains and subfolders...mix it Each section..new subdomains but subsection in subfolders...

Regards, Luk

 

Well I have always made my forums on sub folder. But as mdvaldosta said, it is not worth it to change it. Provide a link to your forums from your website to get it indexed. Create a sitemap of your forums. That will really help you to get your forums indexed.

 

i have decided to make it subdomain forum for now........

 

About 6 months ago i would have said subdomain, but the way google is at the minute i definately think sub folders are better.

 

imo subfolders are good but it also depends on certain things. Read More

 

I think you should let your forum on the subdomain. About getting it indexed get some incoming links to your forum and create a sitemap.

 

I had this same conversation on Search Engine Watch forums, some good points to both, see the thread at:

http://forums.searchenginewatch.com/showthread.php?t=14500

(I did go with subdomains but this was more of an aesthetical choice and it will also make some linking easier, visit http://www.blosker.com if you want to see the result)

 

no need for the bad rep
it will be indexed quicker with a sub-folder considering the main site is ranked well..