SEO for Sub-domains Question

Are Sub-domains better than creating completely new domains?

[jtrobman]

Example: Online widget store.

Question 1:
If marketing for 20 different widget brands, does it make more sense to create sub-domains:
- brand1.site.com
- brand2.site.com

or is it better to create completely new domains:
- www.sitebrand1.com
- www.sitebrand2.com

Question 2:
If using sub-domains, is it better to keep the user on the same sub-domain throughout the entire process, or is it better to redirect them back to the main domain at some point?

[edited by: caveman at 5:10 pm (utc) on April 17, 2007]
[edit reason] Widgetized. Please, no specifics, per TOS. [/edit]

[pageoneresults]

Hello jtrobman, Welcome to WebmasterWorld!

If marketing for 20 different brands, does it make more sense to create sub-domains.

It does, but be careful in this instance. Some brands may not allow you to utilize a sub-domain for promoting their brand, I've run into this issue myself.

Or is it better to create completely new domains.

You could go this route also but your maintenance factor is x20. You also incorporate a level of risk that needs to be addressed from the onset.

If using sub-domains, is it better to keep the user on the same sub-domain throughout the entire process, or is it better to redirect them back to the main domain at some point?

If there is no reason to take them off the sub-domain, then there is no need to worry about it. The user will most likely find their way back to the root domain from a home button, etc.