Multiple domains, which does Google like better?

[iSenseWebSolutions]

From a business perspective It seems a better idea to have one site and multiple domains pointing to that one site.

Is there any benefit as far as ranking well in Google to having a site set up on each domain with links to the main site?

Does you have any success from a business point of view in using this strategy?

P.S. This is my 4th question in Beta testing, just want to make sure I'm not taking advantage of your generosity and if it is fine to keep asking questions here.

[goodnewscowboy]

Forgot to answer your beta question limit. No limit dude! Keep 'em coming. Yo'll know when it's too many when you run out of people to answer them

[goodnewscowboy]

Hey Daniel:

Is there a Google benefit by having links from microsites come in to the main site?  Here are some of the drawbacks to the approach.

#1) I think that Google is really good at finding groups of related nepotistic sites. So while they won't penalize you for the links, they will dilute the amount of juice they pass. Which kinda negates the purpose of setting it up in the first place, eh?

#2 The more important (IMHO) reason to avoid this scenario is that when you create multiple sites, you have to build authority for each of them to have anything to pass along in a link. It's much easier to concentrate your efforts on getting linksfor a single site than for multiple sites.

[stevewiideman]

Hi Daniel,

This is actually a two part question, so here's the two part answer.

Linking to a Target Domain

Google's core algorthim is based on linking. The quantity and authority of links are presented in the form of PageRank, which isn't displayed by Google in any useful format nowadays. Having quality links from quality 3rd party domains add credibility and ultimately ranking for the target domain. Earning links to a target domain to achieve maximum ranking is ONE strategy and can produce great results by itself.

Creating Additional Micro-sites for SERPS Saturation

By creating additional domains simply to achieve higher ranking for a target domain divides your marketing efforts and can add confusion to your link building and PR teams. However, creating themed experiences via micro-sites and micro-blogging platforms as a way to increase search engine saturation while also boosting link juice, can be a powerful strategy (especially for an online reputation campaign). Take websitegrader.com for example. It's a micro-site built on its own domain that drives massive links from people who enjoy the tool. Yet, at the end of the day it's lead generation tool and could be a great link opportunity had the Hubspot gurus considered adding a keyword-rich link from their grader properties.

So I suppose the best answer might be to do both:

1. Build a powerful target website with the most influential links to earn top placement in the SERPS
2. Build one or more additional domains with a specific, non-salesy, theme in mind to earn saturation and organic links.

Just don't forget to add the link from the micro-site at the end of the day, if that's one of the strategies you decide to employ.

[Getz.pro]

If I understand your question correctly then Gianluca answered it over here:

http://www.seomoz.org/q/sister-sites-or-joint-family