Is It Ok To Have Multiple Sites For One Business?

[JamesMason67]

Many of our clients have multiple sites and it works for them. Some have slightly different offerings, to put in context of building, for instance a site on extensions, a site on renovation, a site on new builds. Some just have different sites targeting different geo-locations (your earlier post with domain names suggested that strategy)

Sites don't need to be expensive to rank on google. And depending on competition for the keywords the SEO doesn't have to be too hard.

You're a gentleman Sir, thank you.

 

[KeithP]

I agree with Roibot.

There are many reasons why it might be better to have a portfolio of websites covering the different services you offer rather than having a number of websites pretty much saying the same thing.

For example, you could have

LondonLoftConversions.com
LondonGarageConversions.com
LondonHouseRenovations.com

etc, etc.

However, I'd personally suggest you use a brand rather than 100% keyword domain so your portfolio of website might be...

AcmeLoftConversions.com
AcmeGarageConversions.com
AcmeHouseRenovations.com

It adds greater value to your business and brand if you keep the general look and feel of the sites similar.

The greater benefits though are that you can optimise each site for a specific geo location and service (i.e. 'London' and 'Loft Conversions') PLUS if one of the sites gets hit by a Google algo change and drops traffic, you at least have other lead sources that will keep you going whilst you fix the problems with the broken site.

Relying on just one website and one traffic stream (i.e. Google) is like playing Roulette with the future of your business being the stake.

Hope that helps.

 

[JamesMason67]

That makes a lot of sense Keith, and is in line with my thinking. Have decided I will go ahead. Thanks for taking the time to write.
All the best Keith,
James

 

[james04k]

I don't think it's a good idea to have multiple website for same business. You have to work on both hardly to get better ranking.

 

[JamesMason67]

Just a wee update a few months on.

Immediately after my last post I set about building a new site, and I am very happy with it. Got the necessary seo work done, and it pretty rapidly made its way into the top 3 or 4 on Google page 1.

I have to say its been great. I get a lot of calls from this site that my "main" site didn't get. The extra work has been very very noticeable. Thank you to the guys on the thread that encouraged me to go for it. Best thing I ever done. Cost about a grand all in.

Cheers Guys!!

 

[neil358]

Hi James,

good to hear that it worked and also thank you for the update!
I know that I have a few sites and it has and does seem to work, gives you a lot more coverage. Yes may be a bit more work, but if it works then its worth the effort. Good luck ;-)

 

[JamesMason67]

Thanks very much Neil and good luck with your business too.

Yeah I just thought maybe a few people would be having similar thoughts. Had it been a massively competitive area I was in it might have been different but it's not, so well chuffed. My feeling is there are a lot of such opportunities at local level. Even in London.

Even in a business like SEO when you can service clients just about anywhere in the world, and therefore are trying to get clients all over the world, there may be merit in optimising a site for "SEO Bristol" or wherever and concentrate harvesting business from that one area, as opposed to a more blanket approach such as "SEO UK". Then of course set up eg. "SEO Glasgow" "SEO Manchester" etc. etc. I'm sure its been done all the time, but if you're not doing it, might be worth a thought..

Just my thoughts, I'm not an expert.
All the best,
Jay

 

[Orrell Electrics]

Hi if i wanted a second site would i include my contact details from my 'main' site ie my phone number would stay the same, emai address etc

 

[neil358]

Hi Orrell Electrics,
yes I would include all relevant contact information, though don't do a complete copy of information on the other site or sites (you may get penalised by Google etc) as long as you can alter the content though still have all the information that you require and customers require.

On our other sites, we have made customers aware that this site is the property etc of our main business blindology, even though the domain names are blindsplymouth or windowblindsplymouth (sorry cant post links!!) Customers can see that it is Blindology as it is clearly stated. You could be a plumber in London with a name of John's plumbing, though your domain name could be Sprung a Leak!!!! The area you want your companies name is in the description.

Also link both sites to each other.

Hope that that helps