Web 2.0 IA, site structure and subdomain penalties

[mattwheeler]

Hi all

Im fairly new to SEO in that I have only ever optimized basic site architecture.

I am currently working on a major project and am at the IA planning stages. I am creating an active community that will feed a variety of user generated content. In addition it will also feed a shop area with ratings, review etc. The plan is to launch the shop first to set up a revenue stream from the start.

Should I set up

1. a subdomain like shop.domain.com where domain.com redirects to shop.domain.com initially

or

2. set up domain.com as the shop from the start and then later push the directories down a level to domain.com/shop?

Would I suffer any SEO penalties by using a separate subdomain or shifting directory structure around later? I hope I have been clear enough with the explanation.

Also, in terms of ranking would domain.com benefit from shop.domain.com in the future or more so if its a subdirectory setup?

Sorry for the long post.

Thanks

[incrediblehelp]

Don't worry about subdomains if the question your asking is if they help you in SEO. I consider subdomains similar to a subdirectory in this case.

I guess the question I have is why are you worried about all this redirecting? If you want the "shop" content on the home page then do it. If you want it on the subdomain, then do it.

[mattwheeler]

Thats put my mind at rest! Many thanks.

[mattwheeler]

With regard to redirecting. The problem is that version 1 of the site is just the shop. Version 2 it will take a less prominent position on the home page. Essentially the content will be pushed down a level.

So, do I start with a index page that redirects to the home page for the shop or make the shop the homepage at the start and then add the shop directory later. And if by redirecting or moving the shop into a directory will I be penalised? Version 2 will follow 4 months after version 1.

[incrediblehelp]

Originally Posted by mattwheeler

With regard to redirecting. The problem is that version 1 of the site is just the shop. Version 2 it will take a less prominent position on the home page. Essentially the content will be pushed down a level.

So, do I start with a index page that redirects to the home page for the shop or make the shop the homepage at the start and then add the shop directory later. And if by redirecting or moving the shop into a directory will I be penalised? Version 2 will follow 4 months after version 1.

It is really up to you, but I would not be doing any redirection because in your case it is simply not needed. I would put the shop in a subdirectory or subdomain and have a flexible home page to list whatever you want.