should i change from Subdirectories to Subdomains?

subdomain.website.com or website.com/subdomain

[digic]

Hi, I have a wordpress website with 3 subdirectory, each have different topics. I would like to know if using a different URL like subdomain.website.com is better than my present setting of website.com/subdomain/ ?

If there is an advantage with "subdomain.website.com", how can I do that. I already setup the subdomain/root domain on the control panel of web hosting but my site still shows "website.com/subdomain/" when I browse it.

Will it have any effect on my site since I am on the setup of "website.com/subdomain/" for almost 4 years now?

Badly need your inputs. Thanks

[phranque]

the issues are fairly well discussed in this recent WebmasterWorld thread:

Blog URL - subdomain or directory?:
http://www.webmasterworld.com/google/4169511.htm [webmasterworld.com]

at this point i would recommend against changing unless you have a compelling reason, but not for the sake of changing the url, especially if you already have inbound links to your subdirectory urls.

[digic]

Thanks phranque.