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Same content on both websites - SEO problem?

by Byron2k12
6 replies
  • SEO
    • |
Hi, for certain reasons I'm hosting two websites with identical content but completely different layouts. One of them is SEO'd and submitted to google while the other is not.

What I am asking is, if I block google robots with a script will that be enough to prevent duplicate content problems? Also, if I were to add the duplicate site as a sub domain e.g. duplicate.mydomain.com instead of a stand alone would it help. The only thing is on mydomain.com I will have a link to duplicate.mydomain.com for people who want to see that fancier version.

The only advice I'm looking for is how to be safe from an SEO point of view.

Thanks.
#content #problem #seo #websites
  • Profile picture of the author TomerN
    For the most part, it's really hard to say since no one really knows Google's algorithm.

    However, if you are blocking the insidious googlebots then you should be okay. I don't think adding it as a subdomain would be really helpful in this situation.

    It's hard to help you be SEO safe since you are pretty vague about what your actual problem is in regards to the relationship between the two sites but I think you should be fine. If you're really worried, why not just rewrite the article? Shouldn't be too tough and it will give you the peace of mind for both websites.
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    • Profile picture of the author RimaNaj2011
      Why do you have duplicate sites? As far as blocking it with the robots file, not sure but I still wouldn't feel comfortable.
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  • Profile picture of the author Demetrius
    The only thing is on mydomain.com I will have a link to duplicate.mydomain.com for people who want to see that fancier version.
    I came across some newspaper websites containing the same news with different URL. Their ranking is never effected or I don't think they faced any duplicate content issues. I am not an expert, but this is my experience regarding your question.
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  • Profile picture of the author bturner
    Byron2k12,

    You can use the rel="canonical" link element to specify the exact URL of the domain preferred for indexing and that will fix your problem. See an implementation guide here: About rel="canonical" - Webmaster Tools Help
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    • Profile picture of the author paulgl
      It's not a problem if it's needed. Many big sites do the same
      thing.

      You don't "submit" stuff to google.

      And why on earch would you want to make the other site
      invisible to google? Makes no sense.

      If there is no reason for the other site to exist, just delete it.

      Paul
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      If you were disappointed in your results today, lower your standards tomorrow.

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  • Profile picture of the author smodha
    Agree with Paul. Lots of sites do it. There's nothing wrong with syndicating content. I've been doing it for years on Blogger with Webmaster Tools.

    If you don't need it on both sites then remove one or redirect the link juice.
    Signature
    I Sell What People Want. The Money Is A Bonus..
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