Content on subdomain...

[jmueller0823]

We recently moved our Wordpress site to a new host (WPEngine).

We had forums on the old web host, which we need to migrate to a new forum platform (Xenforo) and integrate into the WP site.

Since WPEngine only allows Wordpress on their servers, we need to install the forums at another web host, on one of our other domains.  We might point to the forums through a subdomain, like this:

forums.our-primary-domain.com

The main reason we're re-installing the forums is for SEO value. HOWEVER, since our forum content will be on another domain, will we have an issue?  If so, is there a workaround that would give us 'credit' for that content?

Thanks much.

[MickEdwards]

If you move the forum to a sub-domain you are still using a separate domain in Google's eyes.  You will have to do all the work you would do if you loaded it on to a completely unique domain - SEO, link development etc to build up the authority of your sub-domain.  Your sub-domain is disconnected from your main domain, it is a new website.

[EGOL]

The main reason we're re-installing the forums is for SEO value. HOWEVER, since our forum content will be on another domain, will we have an issue?

I think that you smell the problem.

I would be looking for a different host....  One that does not require me to run my forum in an outhouse.

[Oren.]

I can understand hosting the forum on a different sub-domain if it's markedly different from your site.  If you market the forum separately and the forum and your page link to each-other it could have an SEO benefit, but if you don't plan on treating them as two separate entities under your umbrella, I'd look for new hosting.