Using a subdomain to improve rankings

[SamCUK]

I have a pretty simple landing page that at present targets several keywords. Is a good strategy to add a blog to the site on a subdomain with pages targeting individual keywords? Will this help the main domain rank?

Also is the best strategy  to focus on building links to the home page or individual pages on the subdomain? As long as each page on the subdomain links back to the home page it should pass link juice back to the home page shouldn't it?

Thanks in advance!

[Chris.Menke]

If you're starting out from scratch, put your blog on your main domain.  Build brand-type links to your home page and make sure your blog posts are of high enough quality to warrant inbound links from relevant sources.  Don't put too much emphasis on keywords.

[Mike_Davis]

This is old school SEO that does not work anymore.  Sorry!

Cutts said webmasters frequently abused this feature by creating a number of subdomains for the same types of content aimed solely at generating more links to their sites (and dominating SERPs). Adjusting algorithms to treat subdomains and subdirectories prevented webmasters from abusing the practice. As such, Cutts advises webmasters and marketers concerned with URL structure for both SEO and optimum user experience to structure links in whichever format is most convenient for them.

from: <a>http://www.brafton.com/news/subdomains-vs-subdirectories-for-seo-no-serp-benefits-for-subdomains-anymore</a>

Here is Matt's Q/A tackling subdomains : <a>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MswMYk05tk</a>

[SamCUK]

Thanks Chris,

The reason I want to use a subdomain is that I want to install wordpress on the subdomain. Is that a good way to go?

[KaneJamison]

Try to stick with a /blog/ subfolder instead. Subdomains are treated separately from the rest of the domain in most instances, as mentioned in Mike's answer below.