Multiple sites in the same niche

[danielparry]

Hi All

A question regarding multiple sites in the same niche...

If I have say 10 sites all targetting the same niche yet all on different C-class IPs with different hosts, registrars, whois data and ages can I use the same template, or will Google discern a pattern?

Basically I have developed a WordPress template which I want to use on the sites albeit with different logos / brand colours.

NB/ All of the 10 sites will have unique, original content and they will NOT be interlinked

[JGar-28032]

This is a bit of a tricky one. If you're really able to keep them separated then you should be fine. After all, many people download the same WP themes from not only their repository, but from third-party places like themeforest.

Just to be safe though, I would really make sure they are different; regarding sidebar content, etc. I would also make some changes to the heads and footers. Not just the meta, but placement of code, inclusion/exclusion of pieces, etc. Really get in there and make sure.

Honestly though, I don't know what your niche/strategy is; but you're going to have your hands full promoting 10 sites of the same type. If this is an attempt to get them all to rank for the same searches, I would re-consider your strategy. Google is pretty good at figuring that stuff out, especially if a competitor points them in your direction. It can be difficult enough to promote just one site sometimes, let alone having to also worry about what flags you may be throwing up with each of 10 sites.

If you're still going to do it, I would be super paranoid about it. Log into Google Analytics from different computers, never speak about them to people, and each time you meet someone, give them a fake name. I'm certain Google's street view cameras are equipped with microphones to catch spammers on ground-level. But maybe I only think that because the aliens told me....and what do they know about SEO?

[danielparry]

Thanks for that Josh...good point about the sidebar content, heads and footers. They will hopefully appear to a user (as well as Google) totally unique. I guess paranoia is the name of the game...hence the question in the first place!!

[JGar-28032]

Indeed it is. I don't know how paranoid I really am about that stuff; but I guess I don't usually work in situations that would call for it.

I usually side with the crowd that says "come on, do you really think Google is researching and analyzing such distant aspects in an attempt to catch a spammer?"

But then again, if I were a search engine...I would indeed research stuff that most people don't think about. Especially if I had such the resources as held by Google. Just sayin'

My interest is kinda peaked though. Let me know what you do and how it works out.

[KeriMorgret]

Years ago, I was subcontracting and one of the web designer's clients refused 2-3 AdWords charges that totaled about $35. ALL of the Adwords accounts that I had were suspended without warning, even though they were different clients. I had everything in Google Webmaster Tools. They do look at these signals.

[danielparry]

Thanks Keri, I have heard that when engaging in such nefarious practices webmaster tools should be avaoided like the plague!