Subdomains & SEO

[martyc]

Thanks guys.  Just one other thing to throw into the equation, if the domain was unused and only contained half the phrase but a sub domain would be an exact match would it be worth using the subdomain?

The reason I am so interested in exact match is that I have an exact domain which outranks sites which should ordinarily be above mine.

[AlanMosley]

Yes it would.

Exact match domain is best

then i would say exact match sub-domain

then split sub + doamin

even if its in the path its all good.

why not have carrentals.rentals.co.uk to avoid the risk.

[martyc]

Wouldn't rentals.co.uk/car-rentals be better than carrentals.rentals.co.uk if adding the whole phrase?

[AlanMosley]

I dont think so, domian and subdomain out rank path.

i would make that choice on the amount of content i had, if i only had one page i would not go for a subdomain.

[SimonCullum]

A good answer.

[martyc]

Yes, good point about domain outranking path.

I am looking at a new site that should have a fair amount of content so definitely considering the exact match.

One concern is that I can't remember seeing an exact match subdomain rank at the top of search engine results.

[SimonCullum]

That seems like a pretty good indication that it's better to go with the exact match domain rather than completing it with a sub domain.

A sensible URL structure and optimized Titles and Descriptions will also help.

[AlanMosley]

i certianly have, i am woking on a job right now, where we have done just what you are contemplating, and they are ranking 2 on bing and 5 on google for chosen keyword phrase, that is only partial match to subdomain. it definatly has an affect.

[martyc]

Great to hear first hand Alan.  Likewise, I can say that exact match domains hold a significant advantage.

I think I'm going to give the matching subdomain a shot since I don't have the exact match domain.

[AlanMosley]

let us know how you go

[martyc]

Definitely