Seo Forum

Search Engine Optimization => SEO Basics => Topic started by: Zepppo on 05-29-2012, 09:54:22

Title: One site vs. Network of sites?
Post by: Zepppo on 05-29-2012, 09:54:22
Hello all,

Thanks for participating in this forum.. great content!

I've got a question about how best to structure web content for SEs. Suppose you have a website for family related issues. There is currently one website with a section for relationship advice and a section for parenting. Now you want to expand these two areas to much more content.

Is it:

a)   Better to keep this extended content all in one website/domain as it has gained some authority/reputation already?

or

b)   Branch out the extended content into two external websites and make sure they are connected properly (links to all other sites)?

From an SEO point of view, which one is better, a network of linked sites (i.e. larger footprint) or all content on one site (be THE authority)?

Thanks a lot for your help. I appreciate all comments.

Zepppo
Title: Re: One site vs. Network of sites?
Post by: bedrik on 05-29-2012, 12:16:15
From an SEO point of view, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether to keep all the extended content on one website or branch it out into separate websites. Both approaches have their own advantages and considerations.

Keeping all the extended content on one website can help you consolidate domain authority and reputation. If your current website already has a strong foundation, expanding the sections for relationship advice and parenting can further reinforce its authority in the family-related issues niche. By keeping everything together, you can create a comprehensive resource that appeals to a wider audience and potentially attracts more organic traffic. This approach also simplifies management and avoids diluting resources across multiple websites.

On the other hand, branching out the extended content into separate websites allows you to create more focused and specific domains for each topic. This can help with targeting specific keywords and attracting a highly relevant audience. Having separate websites also potentially enables you to develop a distinct brand and establish domain authority for each topic individually. However, managing multiple websites might require additional resources and careful interlinking to ensure proper connection and navigation between them.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your specific goals, resources, and the competitive landscape in the family-related issues niche. Consider factors such as the depth of content you plan to create, your ability to manage multiple websites effectively, and the potential impact on user experience and navigation. Conduct thorough research and analysis to determine which option aligns better with your overall SEO strategy and long-term goals.

If you decide to keep all the extended content on one website, there are a few strategies you can employ to ensure optimal structure for search engines.

1. Create separate sections or categories: Expand the existing relationship advice and parenting sections into distinct categories. This helps organize the content and makes it more accessible to both users and search engines. Each category can have its own subtopics and articles, making it easier for visitors to navigate and find relevant information.

2. Use internal linking: Internal linking is crucial for SEO and user experience. Link related articles within the same category or topic together, creating a web of interconnected content. This not only improves navigation but also helps search engines understand the hierarchical structure and relevance of your content.

3. Optimize metadata and headings: Ensure that each page has unique and descriptive metadata, including title tags and meta descriptions. Use relevant keywords in these elements to improve visibility in search engine results. Additionally, use appropriate headings (H1, H2, etc.) to structure your content and help search engines understand its organization.

4. Focus on quality content: Regardless of the structure, high-quality and informative content is key. Develop comprehensive and engaging articles that provide value to your target audience. This will help establish your website as a reputable authority in the family-related issues niche.

If you choose to branch out the extended content into separate websites, here are a few considerations:

1. Cross-linking: Connect the separate websites through proper interlinking. Include links to related articles or sections on each site to facilitate navigation and make it clear to users and search engines that the websites are connected.

2. Brand consistency: Maintain a consistent brand identity across all websites to ensure recognition and avoid confusion among your audience. Use similar design elements, colors, logos, and messaging that reflect your overall brand.

3. Targeted optimization: Optimize each website individually for its specific topic or niche. Conduct thorough keyword research and implement on-page SEO strategies to make each website rank well for its relevant keywords.

4. Resource allocation: Managing multiple websites requires additional resources, including time, effort, and potentially financial investment. Consider whether you have the capacity to effectively maintain and promote multiple websites without compromising quality or diluting your resources.
Title: Re: One site vs. Network of sites?
Post by: ring2012 on 05-31-2012, 23:54:49
Of course, you should choose network of sites