Subdomain, Subdirectory or New Site?

[LockCity]

Hi, we are currently exploring a new business sideline to our normal business (we are an emergency property & auto locksmith service).  Our site has been established since 2005 (ish) - lockcity.co.uk

The new sideline will also be another roadside emergency service but has nothing to do with keys/locks.  In our marketing, we will be explaining that our new service is a trademark of Lock City, which will help customers understand why a Lock City van will be arriving.

It doesn't make sense for us to have another page on the lock city web site to advertise this service, so wondered if you can recommend if I make a sub domain or create a new site?

I understand that I am starting again with a new site, so the subdomain seems more favourable at the moment - but will this leak link juice from our existing business?

Looking forward to some expert advice! Many thanks

Regards, Abi

[Asher]

If this new line of business is going to be a separate entity of the business, then get a new site.  However, if it is related to your current business model, do not do a subdomain.  Add your business to your main menu and then create it as such (ex: locksity.co.uk/newbusiness/newcontent)

Doing a subdomain is archaic and not really looked upon favorably, you will end up splitting your link juice.  By doing it this way, you will be adding more content to your site overall and increase the backlinks (if linked correctly) of your website.  This is how I would recommend you do it.  I hope that helps.

[LockCity]

Thank you for your helpful advice. Abi

[LockCity]

Just another thought if you dont mind pls .... although the new service is not connected to locks and keys, its still a roadside recovery service as is our existing auto locksmith service - so there is a slight connection in that we offer a emergency roadside service -

Bearing this in mind I think you are right in that a new site is best.  In addition to  a new site, does it make sense to have a landing page for the new service on the lockcity web site for google searches, but not have it linked into the menu? i.e. lock city customers cannot see the new page from the menu, but if people land on the new page through the search engines, they can still navigate around the locksmith site?

Thanks, Abi