Sub domains - google

[PrincessConsuela]

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Hi i have a question about using subdomains and how Google treats them.

Say for example you had a main domain products.com and you created a subdomain greatgardening.products.com, will Google give this equal importance as if the subsite had been given its own domain? If not, would registering a separate domain and re-directing to the subdomain be effective?

I supppose my question in a nutshell is, if you want to branch out in a different area and achieve good SEO for the site, is it best to register a new domain?

Answers on a postcard, or alternatively here!!

[Brendon]

When considering subdomains, my rule of thumb is always "Could I reasonably split this into a separate site?". If so, then subdomains will work well

[accelerator]

I supppose my question in a nutshell is, if you want to branch out in a different area and achieve good SEO for the site, is it best to register a new domain?

I always do. At approx £7 a domain, it shouldn't break the bank, plus if you know how to buy a good domain name, then the domain itself can be a good investment. See:

Domain Name Trading Resources

If you are just starting out, there is no harm in trying a new sector out under a subdomain. The major factor in SEO will be the quality of your text content, and perhaps not using code that will inhibit the search engine in any way. Once you can see a sector has potential, then buy the domain and make it a new site, but rewrite your content a bit so you don't get a duplication penalty.

Rgds