Move subdomains to domains?

[chabbs]

I have a website that has been around since 2003. Over time I've developed it into a portal with different sections which includes a forum, games, tech blog, directory and a few more sections. The site overall does OK with organic traffic but it has never taken off. Today, after many years of doing business online I recognize the importance of niche specific sites for useability and for marketing purposes.

I am considering launching a website for each of the subdomains. There is highly quality content on each subdomain and I believe there is a better chance of success if each subdomain were its own website.

I am hesitant because it is a big move and I also learned to not change something if it's working. The problem is that it's staggering and far from being successful. More than anything, I guess I am scared to make the move. I have made my fair share of costly mistakes and I don't want to make another one, but on the other hand, the move may be successful, lol. Decision, decisions...

I'd appreciate your opinion. Let me know what you think.

[bill]

I'd refer you to the age-old advice found on the W3C site: Cool URIs don't change [w3.org]

How do you think moving from subdomains to domains will improve things for you? A subdomain is already considered a separate domain by most SEs...

[chabbs]

I posted this some time ago. I've decided to leave things as they are.

[anallawalla]

For anyone else coming into this thread, keep in mind that many major sites (think Wikipedia, CNN, BBC etc) are not limited to one topic and rank very well, without subdomains or separate domains. Building relevance in all topics needs to be done and all of them will do well.

[denisl]

Interesting. I was about to post a similar question.
I have a 10 year old site which I feel has lost it's focus due to the amount of extra information it now contains. It started of as a widget rental site but now gets very few visitors although some of the other areas get a lot of interest and bring in some adsense/affiliate money.

I was considering separating off the widget rental part into a subdomain or separate domain. I see the main problem being avoiding too much interlinking.