I think the idea they suggested was for pure SEO. Branded URL, unique brand focused content. With links going to the website.

So someone searches for Armani J31 Jeans, they find our armanij31jeans.co.uk site, unique content, pictures, style advice all focused to that brand and style of product. We update it weekly with new pics, new stock, new content.

I see the idea but I sort of think, is it better to just focus on building links direct to the website, rather than having this network of sites all linking back to the main website?

We are a menswear retailer, so we sell shoes, tees, trainers, jeans, shirts etc.. from about 15-20 different brands.

now i wouldnt want 20 micros sites but would concentrate on say 4-5 top brands? all unique content, all with their own external domain name.

I am not a fan, it doesn't seem right but then again I am new to it.

last thing i want to do is risk it for nothing.

I agree. Thats what  I thought when I was told.

I would rather have our retail site and build links direct to that from backlinking and our own blog, social etc..?

I thought the idea behind the micro sites was to take advantage of the brand being in the domain name and giving the micro site fresh content every few days dedicated to the brand in question (eg armani then another site would dedicate to Lyle & Scott). But it seems a lot of work when you can have 1 blog talking about all brands? But then you loose the url name, the brand keyword etc..?

Hi,

I have been speaking to seo firms regarding strategies and they mentioned setting up micro sites under domains that are relevant.

i.e setting up armanidoamin.co.uk and we use it as a blog type site to update all info, product reviews, news relating to armani.

Whats peoples thoughts on this? Does it work? Is it worth the effort?

Im not so sure but obviously looking for ideas.

Cheers

I might as well as we bank with them for business!

I thought that but as Dan Price mentions some sites are suspect on there.

Ah yeah. How have they done that?

Hi, I have entered a competitiors website www.my-wardrobe.com into Open Site to see who they get links from and to my surprise they have a load from Barclays Business Banking.

When I visit the page I can not see the links. But if I search the pages source code for my-wardrobe, there I have it, a link to my-wardrobe.com.

How have they done this? Surely Barclays haven't sold them it? And more so, why are they receiving link juice when you cant even see the link on the Barclays page in question - http://www.barclays.co.uk/BusinessBanking/P1242557952664

Thanks

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I would say it doesn't matter unless of course you are having a domain like www.this-is-my-colourful-nice-seo-friendly-website.com.

We use ours to say -online.com just to seperate it out. However our new domain doesn't have one in and we have two words together.

As long as you have something people can search on or recognise I think it will be ok.