Subdomains or Folders, Sitmaps, and SEO

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chris916

Newbie

Oct 2, 2009

38

8

• Dec 29, 2010

• #1

Hey guys. I have a questions. What structure is best for SEO. I have a site with english content. I just mirrored it in spanish and want to know for SEO purposes if it is better to run it as a subdomain with seperate sitemaps or a folder on the main site.

The spanish version will show more unique content, but it will be attracting a completely different audience, so not sure if I should keep it on subdomain. Ideas? Thoughts?

 

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The Data Guy

Junior Member

Mar 24, 2010

153

45

• Dec 29, 2010

• #2

If the Spanish is different and geared towards a different audience consider buying a separate domain

 

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chris916

Newbie

Oct 2, 2009

38

8

• Dec 29, 2010
• Thread Starter Thread Starter

• #3

The spanish version is a mirror of english with the text translated to spanish. The different audience is merely spanish speakers.

 

daserpent

Senior Member

May 10, 2010

810

489

• Dec 29, 2010

• #4

I suggest going for a subdomain instead of a folder. That would be a much stronger and clearer sign to the search engines suggesting that you are just creating a spanish mirror trying to attrach the spanish audience as well.

 

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chris916

Newbie

Oct 2, 2009

38

8

• Dec 29, 2010
• Thread Starter Thread Starter

• #5

That is my thought as well. From what I read it is best to make a sitemap for each subdomain because they are technically separate sites.

 

bertbaby

Elite Member

Apr 15, 2009

2,025

1,535

• Dec 30, 2010

• #6

I think most organizations go with a subdomain for language variations but from an SEO point of view they are both about the same.