Adding an unrelated topic in a directory to a site.

Consequenncies of adding a collectibiles shopping area in a new directory

[ann]

I want to sell some of my collectibles and dust catchers but I don't want to buy a new domain name and set up a whole new site for it as when they are gone...they are gone. I won't be in the business of buying and selling collectibles.

What I need to know is this; if putting them in a directory, possibly labeled collectibles, and internally linking from several pages to it, would this cause my site to lose favor with the SEs and Google in particular.

I have been wrestling with this for awhile so I figured I had better be on the safe side and ask first.

Ann

[jackofalltrades]

it really all depends on the subject area of the site that you are including them in.

If its a baseball site, then no.

If its related to collectables, then theres no problem. Also if you existing directory has a wide range of sections, you could expand it to include the collectables range.

JOAT

[fathom]

Hi ann, it is very unlikely that the new "collectable" section of your directory will interfer with the perfromance level of other pages and sections.

However, if you're internal interlinking is not on topic with "collectable" (or something about a specific items e.g "oil lamps") then the links will not help a great deal in making the new "collectable section" reach a good level in SERPs.

If you can - you may want to add some informative pages about the items, say: background -- why are these item now collectables, and linking these to the same section.

[ann]

Thanks for the quick responses!

No, my site is about Astrology and I have another about Numerology, both are ranked well and I get a good deal of traffic so getting them in the serps really doesn't matter to me but I hesitate to do it for fear of getting a penalty from Google...but DARN, I want to get rid of this clutter and make a few bucks while doing it!

If I simply add the directory to my astrology site and link to it from the index page will I be flirting with a penalty?

Ann

Huuummm, how about this: I put the link on my custom charts sale page to the catalog....would that be better, or even acceptable?

[Kerrin]

You could setting up a subdomain like collectibles.yoursite.com that way google would treat your collectibles site as a totally seperate entity.

[ALurkingFriend]

Why not just ebay them?

[ann]

You know, Kerren, I JUST knew someone would come up with that idea. :)

Trouble is, and don't laugh, I don't know how to set up a sub domain.

Been at this since 1997 but only learn what I need, so this looks like another need to know, guys, please point me in the right direction..:)

Ann

[ann]

About ebay...too many!
I have hundreds!

[annej]

Kerrin, Would it work to simply have it in a sub directory or does it have to be a sub domain?

My son uses my site for his EBay graphics but I don't link to them in any way. Is that safe? I have them in a subdirectory.

Ann, Is there an astrological reason you need to sell this stuff? Perhaps something lighthearted. If so you could put in some text about that on your page and also on the page listing the stuff you are selling.

Anne

[Kerrin]

Been at this since 1997 but only learn what I need

I do exactly the same. There's far too many wierd and wonderful things out there to learn all at once ;)

It looks like you don't run your own domain name server (DNS) so the best thing for you to do is e-mail support and ask them to set the subdomain up for you.

annej: Google would treat a subdirectory as part of the same site. I wouldn't worry about your sons ebay graphics, that should be fine.

[ann]

Nooo, I can't Annej but I will work on coming up with one *G*

any good tutorials on how to set up a sub domain? Or even How to go about it?

Ann

P.S. Thanks for all the help, you're a super bunch :)

[ann]

Thanks Kerren,

The server admin is my son but It will probably be like pulling teeth to have him do it...I'll try though, don't hold out much hope as he is on the road a lot.

Ann

[ann]

Well, going along with the thought of themes I think maybe I can come up with something like Scorpio specials, etc. hummmmmm this will take some extra thought, I can smell the sawdust burning already :)

Ann