Multiple Domains

Does it Matter Which is The "Home" domain?

[xtremelyfit]

I currently have what I call the "home" domain and then 5 other url's that point to it. I am still learning the secrets of SEO and realize now that I need my key work in my domain name if possible. If I just purchase another domain name with that key word in it and point it to my existing home domain and then submit the new domain name to Google will it get indexed? Or do I have to make the new one the "home" domain? Thanks in advance for any help.

[claus]

Welcome to WebmasterWorld xtremelyfit :)

Generally, you should only use one name for one site - consistency is key. If you feel that a new domain name serves you better, make a complete change - don't just set up a page pointing from the new domain to the old. This will do you no good, as why should people want to link to the new domain if all it does is to redirect?

It is true that having your keyword in the domain name means that it will also be included in the links to the site. On the other hand, if your site has been around for some time on the other address, many sites out there will link to it using the old address. Try searching Google for "espn" and look at the green links below the first six or so search results - all their incoming links are simply divided between multiple URLs.

Your site is probably not espn, and there are ways to tell the spider that this or that URL is now the right one (look for "301 redirect" in the threads). Again, this requires that you do change "home domain" and not just point one to the other. You might also want to read some of the threads about "duplicates".

/claus

[xtremelyfit]

Thanks, claus. Your response let's me know that I have an awful lot to learn.