301 Redirects to a subdomain with no history/authority

[devongirlseo]

Hi Guys

Not an ideal situation to be in but due to a client having issues with a CMS they're using for their main domain, they're having to use a subdomain approach to house content so they can more readily update it.

I've made it clear this is not ideal and so we're going to 301 redirect key pages to the subdomain but also have a core overview page on the main domain so that we can get some links to the new site and benefit from the domain authority of the main site.

My question is - as these are 301s going to a subdomain that has no history and therefore no authority, how at risk are we of dropping considerable rankings? i.e. I know 301s don't retain all the value of the existing page's rank and that coupled with it driving to a site with zero authority....my concern is it will drop off a cliff.

Any thoughts welcome!

Thanks!

 

[hamza.zahid]

When implementing 301 redirects to a subdomain with no history or authority, it's important to consider a few factors to minimize potential negative impacts on SEO:

1. Evaluate the purpose: Determine why you are redirecting to a subdomain. If it's necessary for organizational or structural reasons, proceed with caution, but if it's for arbitrary reasons, reconsider the redirection.
2. Strategic planning: Plan the redirection strategically. Consider the relevance and relationship between the original domain and the subdomain. Ensure that the subdomain aligns with the content and purpose of the original domain to maintain a logical connection for both users and search engines.
3. Build authority: Even though the subdomain has no history or authority initially, you can work on building its authority over time. Focus on creating high-quality, valuable content, optimizing on-page elements, and earning backlinks to the subdomain. Engage in content promotion and marketing efforts to attract traffic and increase visibility.
4. Monitor and analyze: Keep a close eye on the performance and impact of the redirection. Monitor organic traffic, rankings, and user behavior to ensure the redirection is not negatively affecting your SEO efforts. Adjust your strategy if you notice any significant drops or issues.
5. Linking and internal structure: Ensure proper internal linking between the subdomain and other relevant pages on your website. Create a clear and logical website structure to facilitate navigation and indexing by search engines.
6. Communicate the change: Notify search engines about the redirect using XML sitemaps and update internal links within your website. Additionally, consider communicating the change through relevant external channels, such as social media or email newsletters, to inform your audience about the new subdomain.

Remember that the authority and history of a subdomain can be developed over time through consistent effort, valuable content, and optimization. While starting with no authority may pose initial challenges, with the right approach, you can work towards establishing the subdomain as a credible and authoritative part of your website.