Sub-domain or Sub-directory, which is better ?

BillEssley · May 13, 2015

As title mentioned, I would like to know which is better for SEO, traffic and visitors when comparing between sub-domain and sub-directory?

i.e
my-sub-domain.example.com

or

example.com/my-sub-directory

please share your suggestions.

elcidofaguy · May 13, 2015

Well it depends... If the sub directory has nothing to do with the main web site in terms of subject/niche then I would use a sub domain... However with sub domain you will not inherit link juice unless you create a link from primary to sub domain where applicable... In terms of SEO the sub directory would be the best option when comparing effectiveness of link juice inherited.

RDO Servers · May 13, 2015

Majority of the time, your better off using a directory then a sub domain. Like elcidofaguy said, you will not get the SEO benefits if you split your site up into subdomains.

ElixantTechnology · May 13, 2015

I'm not a SEO wizard or anything, however I would think that having things under a subdomain would not have any advantage if the content is part of the main site itself, as you would have to run seo for the subdomain as if it were a different site as a whole anyways.

Greejin · Jul 6, 2015

Sub Domain better.
Cause google bots look subdomains

HostHonor · Sep 5, 2015

For SEO, it doesn't matter if it is a sub domain or sub directories.

ypson · Sep 8, 2015

Simple, a subdomain is treated as a more separate site by the search engines while the subdirectory is part of the main site.

The answer to which is better depends on your intended goal.

acquisto · Sep 23, 2015

So here is quote from Matt Cutts of Google I think answers your question:

My personal preference on subdomains vs. subdirectories is that I usually prefer the convenience of subdirectories for most of my content. A subdomain can be useful to separate out content that is completely different. Google uses subdomains for distinct products such news.google.com or maps.google.com, for example. If you were a newer Webmaster or SEO, I'd recommend using subdirectories until you start to feel pretty confident with the architecture of your site. At that point, you'll be better equipped to make the right decision for your own site.â€

Allchat · Dec 27, 2015

In my case as far as SEO goes I use Sub-directories because as a few members have posted, it depends really on your goals.

Mine was to spread the SEO benefits throughout the site as a whole instead of trying to do individual "site" type of SEO which is basically what you would more than likely have to do with Sub-domains.

It boils down to your preference and other factors:
SEO factor:
Penalty factor:
PR as a whole site or separate site titles and so on..

Hawker · Dec 27, 2015

I see this question get asked a lot. The majority of the times the answer given is usually to go with sub-directory rather than sub-domain because its easier to manage and less chance of running into problems with your main site from it later on. The best thing to do is often create a sub-directory which can be easily managed/maintained and easily wiped if you get problems later on where as with a sub.domain you have to do a bit more setting up and more cleaning up after. Go with the sub-directory first and if it works and it aint broke don't fix it!

Sub-domain or Sub-directory, which is better ?

BillEssley

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elcidofaguy

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RDO Servers

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ElixantTechnology

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michaeldlevy

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Greejin

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HostHonor

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PTTed

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ypson

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acquisto

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Allchat

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Hawker

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