Is multi domains 301ing to one domain, bad SEO?

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simonmlewis
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Is multi domains 301ing to one domain, bad SEO?

Post by simonmlewis »

We have looking at helping someone who has two domains they bought for their primary domain.

I thought having 2-3 domains all pointing to he primary domain is bad for SEO, but is it neither one way or other, providing it's done correctly. Ie hosted and 301 to,primary rather than just redirecting in the domain reg?

Thoughts please.
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requinix
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Re: Is multi domains 301ing to one domain, bad SEO?

Post by requinix »

If you're redirecting (with a permanent redirect) then it's okay. The SEO problem is about having multiple domains showing the same content, but if you redirect away from the secondary domains then they won't be showing anything at all.
simonmlewis
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Re: Is multi domains 301ing to one domain, bad SEO?

Post by simonmlewis »

Should the domains be hosted and 301 or just a direct away from the registrar?
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requinix
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Re: Is multi domains 301ing to one domain, bad SEO?

Post by requinix »

If the registrar offers server-side 301 (moved permanently) or 302 (found) redirects then go ahead and use it if you want. But make sure that it is redirecting properly - it must reply with a 301 or 302. If they respond with a 200 or 4xx or something else then it's no good and you have to do it yourself.

You can also use the primary domain's server to do it. Have the secondary domains point to the primary domain's server, then configure the web server to (1) accept requests to the secondary domains and then (2) redirect to the primary domain. You should do this regardless of whether you redirect with the registrar, actually. Just in case.
harman87
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Re: Is multi domains 301ing to one domain, bad SEO?

Post by harman87 »

It depends. If either your first domain(redirecting to main) has no history or provide the similar niche service/content to the main domain and for some reason you have decided to permanently redirect first domain to main domain, then it's fine. But if your first domain has different history then it is bad SEO somewhere.
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