Adding Wordpress On Separate Server w/ subdomain = SEO Issues?

[VidenMarketing]

I have a client that wants to setup wordpress for their business site.  However, they are really concerned about the load time a wordpress install creates on their site in the root.  So, they want to setup wordpress with a sub-domain on a separate server.  For example:

abc.domain.com

As far as SEO is concerned with the main site, what are the advantages and disadvantages for using a separate server w/ subdomain?

[EGOL]

If the wordpress site is going to be used for low-value content then a subdomain is probably OK.  However, if the wordpress site will contain high value content that has the potential of attracting links then I would not place it in a subdomain.  The reason:  if the high value content is in a folder then the links into it will give strong benefit to the entire site, but if it is on a subdomain then those links will be of very little benefit to the main site.

If this was my site I would try two things.... First, I would place the WP blog in a folder and see exactly how it performs.  You might be surprised.  Second, if that does not work I would look for higher quality hosting.

Another thought... if the wordpress blog is not performing well there might be problems with the code or problems with the amount of processing that the host will allow.  Wordpress blogs generally work well. Hosts are sometimes known to throttle processing.

I have a wordpress blog in a folder of my site.  It is a very busy blog with thousands of posts and lots of traffic.  Thousands of visitors per day.  No issues in five years.

[RyanKent]

With respect to SEO, the physical server involved makes no difference. I am making basic assumptions such as the other server is with the same host, does not have any major performance issues, etc.

In general you have the following advantages / disadvantages to consider when deciding whether to go with a subdomain vs a folder on your primary domain:

• Any acquired links add value to your primary domain

• Your blog would benefit from your primary domain's current Domain Authority

• cookies and other data can be passed much easier within your current domain

• many licenses apply on a domain basis and extra fees or licenses may be required for the subdomain

• will this blog be used to cover topics directly related to the business? If so it would make more sense to have it on the primary domain. If this blog will cover personal topics or may branch into areas not related to the business, it would make more sense to separate it from the business site.

Wordpress can be installed in it's own directory so it's URL would be domain.com/blog. What specific performance concerns does your client have? It sounds like he may have had a bad experience once, or have heard some information that may not apply to his current situation. A properly configured wordpress install should not lead to load time issues for his existing site.

Further reading on the topic: http://www.seomoz.org/blog/understanding-root-domains-subdomains-vs-subfolders-microsites

[VidenMarketing]

Thanks for the quick response.

The client has set up a wordpress install in a subfolder on a test site within the server.  They noticed a fairly significant delay in load times with the rest of the test site.....that is their primary issue.

I guess my primary question is, will the main site (root) improve domain authority from inbound links to the blog if the blog is set up in a subdomain on a separate server?

[VidenMarketing]

Thanks for responding.  The client placed the WP blog on a test site within the same server and witnessed poor performance with the rest of the site.  So, their concern is that will also happen with the main site.

The content on the blog most likely won't be considered 'high-value'.  However, I want to make sure that the main site (root) will improve domain authority from inbound links to the blog.

In your opinion, will the inbound links to the blog help the domain authority of the main (root) site if the blog is in a subdomain on a separate server?

[EGOL]

I would get a new host.

[RyanKent]

With respect to the performance issue, it comes down to a few possibilities:

• something went wrong in the installation process

• an independent issue arose with your server or host whose timing coincided with the WordPress install

• there is an issue with the server itself which needs to be fixed

I would suggest troubleshooting the issue, determine the root cause and fix it rather then giving up on the idea.

To respond to your primary question, I first need to emphasize that whether you decide to locate the sub-domain on a separate server or the same server is completely irrelevant to SEO.

The subdomain would be it's own independent site. The main site would not benefit from links to the subdomain.

[LeslieVS]

I'm trying to decide the exact same thing - but less because of performance and more because our server cannot handle the most updated version of wordpress. It seems like keeping the blog on the main domain is best for SEO. Better for gathering incoming links, ect.

Are there any benefits at all to keeping the blog on a subdomain?

[RyanKent]

I'm trying to decide the exact same thing - but less because of performance and more because our server cannot handle the most updated version of wordpress.

I would classify that as a performance issue. WordPress is the world's most popular CMS. Most hosting companies offer an auto-install package for the latest major version of WP. When you say your server "can't handle" WP, I presume it requires an update of PHP to meet the minimum requirements. If that is the case simply ask your host to update the server.

I am not aware of any major host who's server hardware cannot easily handle WordPress. If the software can't handle the latest version, it is usually a very fast, simple and free to update to the latest software versions required for WP. In the unlikely event your host is not willing to comply, change hosts.

[EGOL]

I would be jumping to a new host right away!