Subdomains vs. New Domains?

We have partnered with other companies....

[asptony]

Hey Everyone,

My company has partner with two other companies. They want to be under a new subdomain, but we are not sure if it would be better for them to be under a new domain all together. Any recommendations?

Also, we would be hosting this from a webserver that we have setup at our current office.

I could use all the advice I can get.

Thanks,

Tony

[encyclo]

Depends on the importance you give to both search-engine ranking and branding - and what is best for one might not necessarily be the best for the other. Starting with a brand new domain might not be beneficial in the short-term for your ranking, but if you look at how the companies fit together, you might find it good to regroup them under one "umbrella" with subdomains for each entity. Are you looking to regroup the companies under your existing domain or a new one?

Even if you go with subdomains, you should buy the appropriate domain names for each entity and redirect them to the subdomains.

[asptony]

To be honest it is almost like an umbrella that is occuring. I have domains currently and subdomains ready to go.

To be honest, long term rankings is all that everyone cares about. The preference is basically mostly dependant on what will make the main domain more successful.

Hope that answers the questions and brings more insight.