Separate sites vs sub-domains for country specific versions of the same site

[baldidiot]

Just a hyptothetical...

Bob wants to start a new series of sites, each very similar in structure but each targeting a different country. Using australia as an example, the site would use australian terms, list everything in australian dollars, have australian adverts, only show casinos that accept players from australia, have the geo-target set as australia and get links from australian sources.

The sites would each have custom content written and there would no problem with duplicate content, just a similar design, structure and back end.

Should Bob:

1. Create separate sites on new domains for each, with the potential for ccTLDs where possible (eg: australiacasinos.com or casinos.com.au)

2. Create a master site and use sub-domains for each country (eg: australia.casinos.com)

Both methods allow the sites to set different geo-targets in GWT, and (if you were so inclined) can be hosted in the relevant country.

To be honest I think that there are benefits to both methods from both SEO and branding, so I'm really just asking - what would you do if you were bob?

[usaonlinecasino]

I haven't tried the subdomain hosted in different locations yet, so not sure about the benefit of it. But I noticed some giants did that and their sub-domain sites ranked well not just for local searching but even good for a few sub-D at a local search engine. I am not sure if a sub-D is easier for promotion.

[F-L-C]

If I were "Bob" I would go for option 1

One vote for 1!

[baldidiot]

If I were "Bob" I would go for option 1

One vote for 1!

I should have done a poll, doh!

[F-L-C]

I should have done a poll, doh!

I think you can still add one to this thread, it looks that way in the options but I have never done it before

[baldidiot]

I think you can still add one to this thread, it looks that way in the options but I have never done it before

There's not option for a poll that I can see. If any mod see's this and fancies adding one, I'll drink a beer on your behalf

[Smoking]

I vote for # 1 also
I do a similar thing that way and works better then #2 in my eyes

[Kasinas]

Having all sites on separate ccTLDs let's you host your websites on different hosts (the same country you are targeting preferably). Also top level domains tend to rank better than sub-domains.

[SlotsAff]

Ooooohhhhh....conflicting views..........good arguments both ways too.

I want to set up an English and Spanish version of particular slot game and have the .com, .co.uk and .es domains - I'm none the wiser which way to go!

Might have to do the 3 sites and change the copy/look slightly and see how it pans out

[casinojack]

Sub level domains work great, ESPECIALLY if you interlink them!

[universal4]

Whoa.....where you been?

You musta been hiding pretty good, we asked Anthony to chase you out from under the bed, but he couldn't seem to find you....maybe next time we'll justy talk to his wife instead as she is probably the only one who knows where anything is at his place.....

/back on track...

Yes but be sure when you do interlink them that you use anchors that make sense.

Rick
Universal4

[baldidiot]

Having all sites on separate ccTLDs let's you host your websites on different hosts (the same country you are targeting preferably). Also top level domains tend to rank better than sub-domains.

You can also do this with sub-domains, just FYI.

[lots0]

Both options will work and will rank well, if done properly.

However, IMO #2 is superior, simply because you don't have the expense of having to buy way over priced domain names.