I have a sub domain that has live content on it but the root domain redirects to another URL. I know this is not great but what are the implications?

[mjsikorsky]

I have a subdomain that is populated and has content.  The root domain that the sub lives on redirects to an entirely different URL.  I am trying to make a case as to why this isn't great besides the fact that it is just weird user experiences.  What are the SEO implications etc.  Would any equity that gets built up on the subdomain get passed along in the redirect?  Or will there be indexation issues with Google?

Cheers,

Mark

[mjsikorsky]

Thanks for the feedback! I was not the person who set-up the site like this.  I came on board and that is how it is working.  I want it changed but just wanted to make sure I was on the right track.

[AlanBleiweiss]

The implications are tied to trust and authority primarily, and overall ranking weight.

Why would content in a subdomain o exist on a "site" where the root domain itself redirects?  It's not natural by any stretch of the imagination.  And if the root domain isn't itself a stand-alone trustworthy presence, any ability it might otherwise have to provide ranking signals that it can then pass to the subdomain are lost.

Even though, generally speaking, subdomains are treated as independent, that's not true across the entire spectrum of signals.

IF, however, that subdomain is very strong in its own right, and sends the highest quality signals across the spectrum within it's own environment, it may be a case where it can succeed.  Because yes, technically even "www." is a subdomain.  So like most everything else, case by case, each situation is unique.