Ranking after redirecting two URLs to a new domain

[craigramsay]

I run two websites which operate in similar business sectors. Each has a calculator tool that offers the same functionality. The pages rank 2nd and 5th for the key search term. I'd like to improve the functionality of this and have thought about setting up a new domain for this calculator to move it away from the main sites.

If I did this and 301 redirected both pages to the new domain do you think I'd maintain a strong ranking position for this search term on the new domain?

Thanks for any advice.

[Tenlo]

I think you would see an overall decrease in your ranking for your key search term.  While the function and rank of a page are important, that page's ranking for each of your websites takes into account many domain level attributes which would not be replicated on a new site that only had your calculator. You better bet would be to work on optimizing not just your calculator page, but also each website as a whole to help increase your position on that keyword.

[craigramsay]

Hi Michael, apologies for the delay on this and thanks for taking the time to answer. I'm inclined to agree with you and will spend the time trying to cement position 1 for one of the sites.