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Will a sub domain with 100% duplicate copy affect the SERPS of a main domain with 100% unique copy?

by Martin N Smith
8 replies
  • SEO
    • |
I've heard sooooooooo many differing opinions on this and would therefore appreciate some input from the Warriors

For the avoidance of any doubt, here's the question again:

Let's say you have a domain (i.e greenapples.com). This domain has been well optimised (SEO wise) with a good on-site tag structure, good in-linking and a whole heap of high PR juicy backlinks under the anchor "green apples".

This domain is also updated regularly with a fresh and steady supply of unique content.

To monetise the site, you hook up with an affiliate who can supply 'green apples' to the masses!

Together with the affiliate, you set up an online store at shop.greenapples.com where the users of your website can buy green apples. This shop is linked from various places on your main website (greenapples.com) - in fact, you pretty much direct ALL your traffic to this shop.

The shop is effectively managed by the affiliate and 'white labelled' for your users.

Unfortunately, this affiliate has HUNDREDS of the same shop running all over the internet. The content is EXACTLY THE SAME within every shop and there's no way of changing the content for shop.greenapples.com only.

So, the question is, will the SERPS performance of greenapples.com be affected by the duplicate content within shop.greenapples.com ?

I'd be really keen to know what you think.

Thanks,
Martin
#100% #affect #copy #domain #duplicate #main #serps #unique
  • Profile picture of the author orvn
    Originally Posted by Martin N Smith View Post

    So, the question is, will the SERPS performance of greenapples.com be affected by the duplicate content within shop.greenapples.com ?
    Yes.
    They're in the same domain, so this is duplication not syndication, and nothing positive will come of this.

    That being said, this situation is easily remedied by performing proper canonization:
    http://googlewebmastercentral.blogsp...canonical.html
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    • Profile picture of the author Martin N Smith
      Originally Posted by orvn View Post

      Yes.
      They're in the same domain, so this is duplication not syndication.
      Thanks for the quick reply.

      What do you think I should do?

      1. Ask them to use a different domain to host the shop? (i.e www.shop.weloveapples.com)?

      2. Prevent the Google Bot from indexing shop.greenapples.com?

      3. Something else?
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      • Profile picture of the author orvn
        Originally Posted by Martin N Smith View Post

        1. Ask them to use a different domain to host the shop? (i.e www.shop.weloveapples.com)?
        2. Prevent the Google Bot from indexing shop.greenapples.com?
        3. Something else?
        (3) Specify duplicate content using Google's canonical tag. This tells to Googlebot to combine the ranking of different pages, with similar content.

        Note that if the content is very disimilar, Google will not oblige you.
        Again, I point you to the link:
        [Google Webmaster Central | How to Specify Canonicals]
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        • Profile picture of the author Martin N Smith
          Originally Posted by orvn View Post

          (3) Specify duplicate content using Google's canonical tag. This tells to Googlebot to combine the ranking of different pages, with similar content.

          Note that if the content is very disimilar, Google will not oblige you.
          Again, I point you to the link:
          [Google Webmaster Central | How to Specify Canonicals]
          ah - cr@p, sorry I missed that link first time round

          Really appreciate the help..

          Thanks,
          Martin
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          • Profile picture of the author paulgl
            A subdomain is seen as a complete, separate, unique domain in regard to the
            main domain. It's not part of the main domain. It's just a way of having
            a different website without paying for another domain. It does not affect
            the main domain at all.

            As far as duplicate content, there is duplicate content and there is duplicate
            content. SERP does not go to the original just because. Many republishers
            rank higher than the original.

            There are many reasons to have duplicate content. If you are not using it
            in a way to redirect and fool search engines, you are perfectly fine.

            But with affiliates, well, the whole thing is moot.

            shop.domain.com is a perfect example as to how to use a subdomain.
            That's exactly what it's for. It perfect for an online shop associated with
            a main domain.

            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 orvn
              Originally Posted by paulgl View Post

              A subdomain is seen as a complete, separate, unique domain in regard to the
              main domain. It's not part of the main domain. It's just a way of having
              a different website without paying for another domain. It does not affect
              the main domain at all.
              It appears you're right Paul, shop.domain.com is treated independently.
              I stand corrected.

              My advice would have been correct if the URL in question was domain.com/shop.

              Google Duplicate Content and Subdomain Issues
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  • Profile picture of the author orvn
    No worries, cheers!
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    Orun Bhuiyan[@orvn] [linkedin] See what I've been doing lately by visiting my marketing agency's site. SEOcial specializes in content marketing and integrated optimization. We create conversions for businesses by gracefully connecting the realms of design, development and marketing.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Williamson
    Paul hit the nail on the head. Subdomains are seen as independent sites themselves, and there is no "penalty" for duplicate content.
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