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Subdomain vs Directory Extension

differences in using a subdomain and directory extension

         

mattyv

10:13 pm on Dec 16, 2004 (gmt 0)

10+ Year Member



Hi,

I am interested to get peoples opinion on the pros and cons of the effect of a subdomain and normal directory extension in relation to search engine optimisation? if any difference at all?

By subdomain, I mean "test.domain.com" and directory extension being "domain.com/test"

Are their any benefits in using either method to improve the overall search engine optimisation process?

pageoneresults

10:19 pm on Dec 16, 2004 (gmt 0)

WebmasterWorld Senior Member 10+ Year Member Top Contributors Of The Month



By subdomain, I mean "test.domain.com" and directory extension being "domain.com/test".

My understanding is that a sub-domain will outperform a sub-directory based on certain circumstances. For one, do you have enough unique content to start breaking out the site into sub-domains? If not, then it may not be worth the effort.

But, if you do have a medium to large site, a sub-domain structure may be a viable solution for both usability and indexing purposes. Remember, a sub-domain is one level above the root. A sub-directory is one level below the root. Sub-domains are treated as separate entities as evidenced by the indexing of www. and non-www.

growingdigital

5:26 pm on Dec 17, 2004 (gmt 0)

10+ Year Member



I agree with PageOneResults. A sub-domain will often rank higher because it is considered a seperate site in the search engines. Just be careful to avoid duplicate content from one sub domain to another.

instinct

11:59 pm on Dec 19, 2004 (gmt 0)

10+ Year Member



What about excessive cross-linking among subdomains? If subdomains are truly considered stand-alone, then wouldn't site-wide links between these subdomains cause a penalty or possibly trip a filter?

I also remember reading somewhere that because of how spammers have taken advantage of subdomains in the past that their usefullness has been deprecated with search engines.

Any comments?

Dabu The Dragon

12:18 pm on Dec 22, 2004 (gmt 0)

10+ Year Member



I think you definitely need to watch the excessive cross-linking, but If you treat it like a different site, or such I say a separate site you shouldn't have to worry.

AcsCh

4:19 pm on Dec 29, 2004 (gmt 0)

10+ Year Member



I've experienced that for NEW Content, (newly added pages to existing site, not new sites) it will show up far faster if added in a subdirectory than within a new subdomain.
Anybody else experiencing this? Looks like the SE considers new subdomains as "normal" new domains, and it takes long to get them on top..