languages: Domains vs pages

what's better, seperate domain or just pages

[Zubman]

I am about to design a site that will have multiple language versions. From a SE point of view, would it be better to have a seperate domain specifically for that language, then optimized and submitted to those countries or would language "sections" be ok.

I had briefly thought about putting the content into txt files then rendering the specific language text once a preference was made, but then from a content perspective, more pages is better, so I am leaning heavily towards more pages.

what is everyone else doing?

[heini]

Zubman, there are many sites, big sites even, that go with language sections.

But if you are serious about targeting different languages and countries then IMO setting up different domains is the right thing to do.

Different domains give you so much more possibilities to promote them individually. The domains can support each other. Each domain/site is clearly focused. It helps very much with directory listings. You catch on country and language specific searches.

[Nick_W]

I'd definately go with different sites. If you program in php or something you could make use of sub domains and do something like this:

Set a session var containing the 2digit lang code and have all pages in dk.yoursite.com access like this:

template="../../$lang/body.ihtml";
etc, etc

so all you pages can just be the same formular at least which might make life simpler

Nick

[vitaplease]

Also, as long as content is not mirrored, and interlinking not overdone, you are less vulnerable to any problems Google might have with your site, by spreading it out over several sites.

Many of the Google threads in this forum cover the problem of "all eggs in one basket" with Google's current market dominance and the pains of having a PR0 penalty.

[bill]

A lot of local SEs and directories may also give preference to sites that have a local domain name. I know some Japanese robots that will only spider within the .jp domains...

[Nick_W]

Yes, exactly the same here in .dk go for the seperate sites, better traffic prospects all round me thinks!

Nick

[heini]

Multilingual content: better to spread it over independent local domains or keep it in the main site?
This question has been asked several times. My answer is clear: local domains
are by far the best solution.

The classic threads on optimising for different languages are Rencke's
European SEO strategy primer [webmasterworld.com], and Translations will get you top rankings in major engines [webmasterworld.com]
While this discussion starts out with an example of a very small site gaining top postions for alternative language versions without obtaining local domains, it proceeds towards acknowledging different local domains/sites are by far the optimal solution.

http://www.webmasterworld.com/forum18/392.htm [webmasterworld.com]
This thread is a fresh take on pros and potential dangers of spreading multiple languages over multiple sites under local domains, focussing on Google. The danger? Fear of penalties for crosslinking.
Quote Stever:

Because I am European and google has split itself into
regional identities with different ways of working, I can become a mini-hub
with my .com and with good content and external links maybe a centre of
authority for widgets?

Another recent thread is this one [webmasterworld.com]. The possibilies of targeting local directories and search engines is one point. Another is the appeal to users. Especially for B2C sites trust, easy navigation, familiarity are essential qualities.

But it should also be noted that this is a matter of resources. Local domains can be expensive to obtain. Also a good and thoroughly planned organisational approach is needed for multiple sites.