HN Explorer

Ask HN: Multiple Domains and SEO

2 points by code_Whisperer ↗ HN
If I have a site (e.g. SmithsRibsRestaurant.com) and have also purchased other related domains like BestRibsInMemphis.com and MemphisRibsAndWings.com, etc.) does it make any sense to simply use those domain names to redirect to the main site (SmithsRibsRestaurant.com)? Or would it be better to create microsites with information for the other domains that address the main keywords (but not duplicate content) in the domain names (like Best Ribs in Memphis, etc.) and then have a link back to the main site? Or neither? I've tried searching but either find no definitive answer or find conflicting info. Looking for advice from some (hopefully) real world experience.

2 comments

[ 3.6 ms ] story [ 16.0 ms ] thread
EKSolutions
A lot of clients that I've worked with will purchase multiple domains for their single website. I always recommend doing a 301 Redirect to the primary domain name with all of the secondary domains.
vgeek
Google devalued exact match domains years ago, but it still makes a difference. 301'ing the subsequent domains won't help you rank unless they already have backlinks. If you build out each domain with unique content and generate backlinks to each domain, then link to your primary domain with your target keyword as the anchor text, you may be able to help the visibility of the primary domain while also taking up additional spots in the SERPs with the keyword rich domains. You should probably check out the monthly search volumes for the EMDs and see if they have any meaningful volume for the target terms. Anything under 100msv is probably not worth tons of effort.