Subdomain or Subfolder?

what is the best these days

[stuartc1]

Hi,

I'm working on a new project - a site aimed at a region which cover several towns/cities.

Im considering the best way to construct the navigation and wondering if having the main areas of the site (business, classified, etc) as subdomain would be better than subfolders.... ie:

business.somedomain.com
or
somedomain.com/business/

From personal experience, I've seen far fewer subdomains on google these days and wondered if these are considered spammy techniques by google.

On the otherhand google use subdomains for some services (maps etc..) - so is it really a bad thing?

stuartc1

[otech]

personally, i go for new domain over both if there is enough content to warrant it.

The three subdomains I have dont get very far at all - and I dont use subdirectories but they seem better on most websites I have seen.

[stuartc1]

Probably about 2 years ago I would have split the areas into differnt domains - but these days it seems better to house lots under the same domain.

I think I'll go for folders, keep things simple and less spammy looking I think.

now my next decision is structure for the directory...

either /business/area/category/subcategory/listing.htm
or /busniess/a12-c24-s43/listing.htm

using mod-rewrite in the second option - Im currently swaying towards the later - anyone have any proof of which works best?

stuartc1

[LearningNow]

I use the subdomains with great results. As long as the information is focused and doesn't compete with the main www section my subdomains bring in very focused traffic from Google. I've seen the boost it gives me with my linking as well. Doubt there will ever be a problem with them. I do think that spammy subdomains are not worth it. I would definately focus on a content rich channel.

[Pass the Dutchie]

Optimising for Google? In most cases I follow thier lead.

Subdomain for Google brands (not including gmail) and sub-directory for a subset of each brand. Forming a new unrealted company? - new domain.

In your case I would keep it all on the same domain as you will have to pile on the SEO to each sub as if it were a new domain. Interlinking all your subs will devalue the links (especially as you can't muti-host subs).

You may not wish to keep all your eggs in one basket and if thats what 'gets your goat' setup new domain as a subs go down with the mother ship.

IMHO subs are usefull if you are considering launching new site (sandbox issues) but mostly subs are a branding issue.