Should sub domains to organise content and directories?

[ServiceCrowd_AU]

I'm working on a site that has directories for service providers and content about those services.

My idea is to organise the services into groups, e.g. Web, Graphic, Software Development since they are different topics.

Each sub domain (hub) has it's own sales pages, directory of services providers and blog content.

E.g. the web hub has

web.servicecrowd.com.au (hub home)

web.servicecrowd.com.au/blog (hub blog)

http://web.servicecrowd.com.au/dir/p (hub directory)

Is this overkill or will it help in the long run when there are hundreds of services like dog grooming and DJing?

Seems better to have separate sub domains and unique blogs for groups of services and content topics.

[danwebman]

I'd say it''s all down to content and how much of Good Relevant content you have.

If you have enough content to fill a website about all of these individual areas then a sub domain offers you the ability to demonstrate your expertise in these areas and Google will see that your focussed in that area. Also it means that the first word will be a keyword in your domain which is excellent.

However if you have only a few pages for each site that would be bad as Google would see it as it is your making something solely for Google ranking which it would very much frown upon.

If your doing something to your site just for Google ranking then generally as a rule of thumb the answer s no don't do it. A well structures site is much more preferable.

[DennisSeymour]

I would definitely lean on organizing the whole site's structure.

It's actually easier for you in the long run with promotions and all (Plus fixes since they will have different code)

Also, Google results will show your structure well, especially with breadcrumbs.