WWW wordpress multisite network for Main

[inllc]

I have a year old site with not many links, and my original intent was

non www

so http://rootdomain.com

However, since its a subdomain multisite, I have received notice from google webmaster tools because of poor quality on one of my

subsites.maindomain.com

I do have the google account setup to be "root domain only" - however, i am still being penalized it seems.

So should I convert my wordpress main site to use WWW. and modify my google webmaster/analytics profile, update my site links, etc. Or what do you suggest?

[Carson-Ward]

It really shouldn't matter in this case whether you're using the www or not. Consider wordpress.com, which is not using the www. The subdomains (used by bloggers and spammers) are often penalized with no impact on WP.

This probably has more to do with the way that the subdomain and main domain link to each other. If they exist in "silos" and rarely link to one another, it's more likely that Google will treat them differently. The more they link to each other, the more more likely they'll to be treated as a whole part of one site.

That's the best answer I can give without seeing the site. Hope that helps!

[inllc]

Makes sense - thanks Carson!

I have often wondered if "powered by" type links hurt. They help referrals, but i think hurt search. I think i will throw a nofollow up there so not all spam/regular sites link back to the main, and make them more into silos