SEO question regarding forum domain...

[Sam]

I was just wondering whether it is in one's interest to have "forums" in the domain name...for example rather than having "websitename.com/forums" , having "websitenameforums.com"?

Will this be advantageous in getting a higher search engine ranking when people are searching for forums on your subject or does it not really make a difference?

Thanks very much for any help in advance

[Joe Ward]

I would use the sub-directory, and not create a separate domain just for the forum.

Other options to consider (sub-domain):
Matt Cutts on subdomains and subdirectories

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Joe Ward

I would use the sub-directory, and not create a separate domain just for the forum.

Other options to consider (sub-domain):
Matt Cutts on subdomains and subdirectories

What about if there is no website and the site is the forum?

Thanks for your reply!

[Joe Ward]

If there is no website, then keep the forum right at root. No reason for a sub-forum in this case, UNLESS you have plans already made for expansion of the site.

[briansol]

even with expansion, you can 'fake' directories using vbseo.

change index.php to forums.php in vb
then make '^forums\.php' => 'forums/' in a vbseo CRR

then, you can make your own index.php using vbtemplates, and your entire site is in vb/vbseo scope

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Joe Ward

If there is no website, then keep the forum right at root. No reason for a sub-forum in this case, UNLESS you have plans already made for expansion of the site.

Ok that is the plan, but say that the forum will be at the root, is it in my interest to get a domain with forums in it-for example say I bought basketball.com and was just going to have a forum on it, would it be better for SEO to have the domain basketballforums.com or does it really not matter?

Thanks for your help!

[briansol]

i wouldn't. but its up to you.

i've said this before, but look at all the biggest sites. hardly any of their .com's MEAN what they ARE.

google = a number. they didn't choose googlesearchengine.com
yahoo = an expression of happiness.
howardforums.com = has nothing to do with cell phones

etc etc

[Sam]

Originally Posted by briansol

i wouldn't. but its up to you.

i've said this before, but look at all the biggest sites. hardly any of their .com's MEAN what they ARE.

google = a number. they didn't choose googlesearchengine.com
yahoo = an expression of happiness.
howardforums.com = has nothing to do with cell phones

etc etc

Ah ok wicked, thanks for your help Brian!