SEO - Product Related MiniSites: Hosting & Domains

[k9byron]

Hey Mozzers,

I would first like to thank everyone in advance for replying to my question

Actually, my question is 2-part: Hosting & Domains

1) We are currently researching product-related domains and would like to build-out review style mini-sites on WordPress that link back to our main site product pages. We're using X-Cart platform and X-Cart offers a WordPress module. My Dev. recommends installing a main WordPress mini-site template on my server and replicating this template under different domains/unique content, obviously ;-).

-My questions is; For backlink purposes, would it be better to host these WordPress pages in a different location/server?

2) Domains (which domain extensions are the best): I have read mixed reviews on this subject ...

a) Do dashes (i,e. brand-model.com) have an impact as well??

I read a post regarding this; http://www.commonsensemarketing.net/do-domain-name-extensions-matter/ - and the general feeling was that .com and .net ranked higher, faster but that .info wasn't a bad runner up. I was a bit excited to hear that .info wasn't a bad choice as they are actually "available" and cheap as well (under 3 bucks) until a comment was posted about a "Market Samurai" study. They reported testing 4 domain names (below) with the same article, date & time post .

1. domainname.com
2. domainname.org
3. domainname.net
4. domain-name.com

-My question  is: Can anyone give any advise on which domain extensions work better/rank higher faster? com / .net / .org / .info / ect?

Also, is it better to have more product related keywords in the domain? Example, one of my products is the "Dogtra 280ncp Platinum". WordStream exact match tells me that "dogtra 280ncp" gets 210 searches per month and that "dogtra 280ncp platinum" gets another 91 searches per month. I'm guessing that its better to buy www.Dogtra280ncpPlatinum.com instead of www.Dogtra280ncp.com as we would pick up the searches for the "platinum" term as well?

Question Summary:

1. Is it better to host these mini-sites on another server than my main site?
2. Which domain extensions work better?
3. Is it better to use as many product related keywords in the domain as possible and maybe even throw modifiers in there as well such as "buy" or "review"?

Thanks Again!
Byron-

[MattJanaway]

1. Absolutely. If you host them on the same server then the strength of the links won't be great. Remember to register the domains using a different registrar too and to a different person/company.

2. Grab all the domains

3. The keyword terms seem low to me but it isn't an area I am familiar with. Have you carried out some keyword research ? It looks like it is a training dog tag collar? If so, I would build the site using a broad keyword which you can use to do more than one product review on. If you use the domain Dogtra280ncpPlatinum.com then you are limited to the one product - therefore the site wouldn't get updated often/ever and its content would be static.

Remember that time is key here. if you are looking to add some cheap links to your main domain then there can be better ways. You would have to spend some real time ensuring that the new review website you plan to build is well optimised and carries some weight in the search engines otherwise the link strength would not be powerful enough to make it worth your while.

However, if you are in it for the long run then it is a good idea/concept. Just make sure you optimise the site properly and get some regularly updated unique content. Links should follow and you can do some work on link building to enhance.

On a side note, try to link to other websites and domains as well as linking to your eCommerce site. Don't make it look like an obvious link tool for your main site.

[AlanMosley]

i dont think the tld matters for SEO, but for conversion domainname.com is best IMO.

As for mini sites, is your main site #1 for all its major keywords? if the answere is no, then dont spread your efforts. it is hard enouth to get one site to rank.

i would rather go for product.domainname.com that way you will still get benifit for any links.

also if I really wanted to get things right, i would build the pages manualy, not use wordpress or any cms.

CMS is good for a blog, but has too many seo problems for a home page or landinmg pages.