Will deindexing a subdomain negate the benefit of backlinks leading to that subdomain?

[MCC_DSM]

My client has a subdomain from their main site where their online waiver tool lives. Currently, all the waivers generated by users are creating indexed pages, I feel they should deindex that subdomain entirely. However, a lot of their backlinks are from their clients linking to their waivers.

If they end up deindexing their subdomain, will they lose the SEO benefit of backlinks pointing to that subdomain?

Thanks!

Jay

[jasongmcmahon]

Hello,

Create 301 redirects prior to deindexing, that way you won't lose anything.

[Mat_C]

I agree with Joe. Just deindexing will make sure you lose all the built up value.

Small addition: when creating 301 redirects, try to redirect to a new URL that is as closely related to the old one as possible.

[MCC_DSM]

Hi Joe,

We still want people to be able to visit the subdomain and all its pages - we just don't want it to appear in search as the pages are user-generated and not meant for the general public. However, many of the backlinks point to those pages since users are getting their clients to sign electronic waivers on the subdomain.

So my question is, if we deindex the subdomain without 301 redirects, will the value of links pointing to that subdomain provide value to their primary web address?

[jasongmcmahon]

I'd say no as subdomain would appear to Search Engines as another, completely different website.