2 Relevant local websites but closing one and redirecting it to an older site
-
We have 2 websites, 1 domain is about 10 years old and another is about 4 years old, the 4 yr old domain we are thinking of shutting down since its the same type of service we run but it was a 'keyword domain' that used to rank on 1st page but now its 4th page back.
If we put the blog posts and other content + setup re-directs from the 4yr old domain to the 10 yr old domain, would this help the 10 yr old domain with more link juice that it might need for the extra boost?
There isnt really any point having both websites up since both are about the same content and targeting the same local market.
-
Hi Surfsup,
I agree you should concentrate on one domain and agree that it should be the older one. Before deciding on whether to redirect or not, I recommend you profile the links to the site. There might be some good ones that would, as you say, give your elder site a needed boost. If that's the case, you should consider redirects or asking the source to point to your older site directly so the entire link value transfers and can be sustained over time.
If you have bad incoming links, then you'll have to weigh the decision to disavow them before redirecting or not bothering to redirect at all.
-
I would recommend deleting the four-year-old domain and NOT redirecting it (and the "link juice") to the ten-year-old domain for one simple reason: If the newer domain has fallen in rankings as you describe, there is probably something wrong with it (in Google's eyes). And you don't want to taint the older site with the newer one.
One issue, I suspect, is that Google views it as potentially a keyword-stuffed copy or duplicate by you of the older site (as in, two cites on the same "C-block"). In such a context, there is no reason for also the newer site to rank highly -- it offers no added value for the user that the older site does not.
So, if you just cut the newer site and focus even more on only the older one, you might even see the older one start to do even better since it doesn't have a keyword-stuffed duplicate "weighing it down." Good luck!
Got a burning SEO question?
Subscribe to Moz Pro to gain full access to Q&A, answer questions, and ask your own.
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
Why my website PA is more than DA?
I am seeing in 2 months that the page authority of my website is increasing more than the domain authority, is this fit my website? Here is my website link https://coinmasterspins.net/ Any expert please suggest what will i do better for my website? Thanks in Advance.
Local Website Optimization | | Virticar0 -
What is the best way to display local landing pages in the site nav?
My client has multiple local landing pages and it looks a bit spammy opening up the top nav of e.g."Plumbers" to a long list of "plumbers Melbourne", "plumbers Knoxfield", "plumbers Wantirna" etc etc What is the best way of incorporating local landing pages into the site's overall architecture? Thank you.
Local Website Optimization | | Crystal.w0 -
Local Search ( Automotive Vertical ) One Targeted Landing Page Listed Twice In Navigation
NOT talking about the same page being linked to twice Talking about One (1) (landing) page Being Listed Twice In Navigation. Looking for a definitive answer that there is NO negative SEO ( or negative anything ) to put the same page in your site's Navigation Bar ... twice (or more than once) Can't find anything written that there is anything to consider or be concerned with, but, thought I'd ask. I'm a newERbie, but not a NEWbie...have 2.5 years experience in local, on-page SEO...but only know what I know Maybe I should know this, but, I don't. E.g. Home New Cars Used Cars Special Offers Service Finance About Us PickUps PickUps This is JUST an example, but, we have multiple occurences, let's say, Trade-In-Value ... in two places. One page, two locations in navigation. I have SEEN it being done, 'all the time', but now, when I went to do it with a little bit of a different rationale, I was questioned about ' ... is this okay for SEO ' I THINK yes But, I want to KNOW yes ... it is ok.
Local Website Optimization | | GaryT_SEO0 -
Is Keyword Density Still Relevant?
Good afternoon everyone! I wanted to ask everyone here a question, one that has been being discussed around my office with a lot of different sides being taken. Does Keyword Density matter? If it does, what percentage do you try to have your keyword hit?
Local Website Optimization | | TaylorRHawkins1 -
Does having 2 separate domains with similar content always = duplicate content?
I work for a global company which is in the process of launching their US & European websites, (just re-launched Australian site, migrated from an old domain) all with separate domains with the purpose of localising. However, the US website content will essentially be the same as the Australian one with minor changes (z instead of s, slightly different service offerings etc) but the core information will be the same as the AU site. Will this be seen as duplicate content and Is there a way we can structure this so that the content won’t be seen as duplicate but is still a separate localised website? Thank you.
Local Website Optimization | | PGAUE0 -
Local SEO for Multiple Locations - Is this the best approach?
Hi everyone! I previously have worked with single-location companies, and am now working for a company that is continuously growing and adding new locations. We are a financial institution that currently has 12 locations, and we should have 15+ locations by year-end 2017. Seeing as we have all of these locations, I thought the following approach would be the best for increasing our presence in local search. Our primary keyword is "credit union in location". Our search traffic has increased heavily over last year, but is down from the beginning of the year. I've gone through and done the following: Freshened up the content on the main website Created pages for each of our locations around April-end Attributed these location page URLs to our Google My Business locations Verified each location Wrote unique content for each page Our primary keyword rankings seem to fluctuate weekly. My next steps are to get our web design company to add the following: Structured Data on all location pages The ability to change SEO title and meta descriptions on location pages Sitemap (there is none currently, and I've been fighting them to get one added because it isn't needed.) I also plan on utilizing Moz Local to manage our local listings. After this is done I plan on finding ways for us to build links for each location, like the chambers of commerce in each city and local partnerships. Is this the best approach for our overall goal, and should I continue? Is there anything I should change about our current approach? I appreciate the help!
Local Website Optimization | | PelicanStateCU0 -
Server response time: restructure the site or create the new one? SEO opinions needed.
Hi everyone, The internal structure of our existing site increase server response time (6 sec) which is way below Google 0.2sec standards and also make prospects leave the site before it's loaded. Now we have two options (same price): restructure the site's modules, panels etc create new site (recommended by developers)
Local Website Optimization | | Ryan_V
Both options will extend the same design and functionality. I just wanted to know which option SEO community will recommend?0 -
Where to find documentation about UX for Chinese websites?
Does anyone know useful websites, blogs, blogposts or forums about how UX is different in China? We are planning on creating a Chinese version of our ecommerce website. We are already aware of the legal and cultural differences but we still require specific information about the browsing and clicking habits of the Chinese public. Also, figures about the Chinese buying behavior would come in handy. Our webshop contains design items intended for a high-end audience.
Local Website Optimization | | jef22200