Using exact keyword domains for local SEO

[SirMax]

The website is for the attorney that serves several nearby cities. The main page is optimized for the biggest central city. I have several options how to go after the smaller surrounding cities:

1. Create optimized pages inside the main domain

2. Get more or less exact keyword domains for each city e.g. for the city ABC get yourABClawyer.com

and then

a) use 1 page websites that use the same template as main website and link all the menu items to the main website

b)use 1 page website with a link "for more information go to our main website"

c) point exact keyword domains to the optimized pages within the main domain.

Which option would be the best in terms of SEO and user experience?

Would people freak out if they click on the menu item and go to a different domain website even though it uses the same template (option 2a)

Would I get more bounces with option 2b in your opinion?

Would option 2c have any positive SEO effect?

Should I not even bother with exact keyword domain and go with option 1?

[SirMax]

Robert,

Thank you very much. I appreciate the thorough audit. Many great points that make a lot of sense especially since I joined and started reading SEOmoz materials.

[RobertFisher]

SirMax,

First the answer is, based on the question you are asking: 1. and totally forget 2. (Developing micro sites/ landing pages) please.

So that you will know that I know that is correct, we handle attorney sites (quite a few - but we are not a vertical marketing firm like a findlaw, etc.). By going to the trouble of creating multiple micro sites you will dilute your efforts, content, and links and since you are already in Places - needs some help - there is no other place page you can create for those other cities/areas.

So, resist the urge to name every surrounding city, etc. It won't help you. Optimize for the three in your title tag for the home page (get rid of the word 'and' in both places and the word area at the end). On the title tag, between lawyer and S___ get rid of the dash and put 'a pipe' like this | (usually on the forward slash key). Take out all the keywords in your cms you don't need them and the engines don't use them.

On your H1 use an identifier like city with the key word you are stressing like Chapter 7 this city or chapter 7 bankruptcy this city, (If you are going to have a bankruptcy lawyer or bk atty page, then on chapter 7 do not put chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney 5 times. You do not need the attorney kw there. really.

On your H2 (you can have multiple H2's) you can have Bankruptcy Attorney in ZZZZ, Bankruptcy attorney in YYYY if you must

Now, if you want something that will help get clients stop stuffing the meta description with keywords as the meta description is not used for ranking. It is a sales tool for you. So, for bankruptcy (a suggestion):

Stop being afraid and feeling bad about your situation, call me today at 111111111. I am an experienced bankruptcy attorney and I understand how you feel. (Not sure on length of this one, but it is close to good)

If you are using chapter 7 your city, make the meta desc. about chapter 7:

If you are in the ____ area and need answers about chapter 7 bankruptcy, I am here to help. 9(((((9999. I understand it can be tough and I am experienced at protecting my clients. (again, keep it around 150 to 160 characters).

Lastly, on your places page you need to work on Categories as yours are not showing. Do not use any local identifiers. Just categories. For bankruptcy, the default is going to first be Bankruptcy Attorney. You can use Lawyer as well. Then I would type in three to four of my own: Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney, chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney, etc.

Again, don't stuff it and do not use locations/city names.

This will help you 20x more than what you had. Give it a try.

Best,

PS On keyword research in the area you are in, attorney is used more than lawyer. You can interchange but don't try to have an attorney page and a lawyer page.