Multiple / Same Site Question

[ToddW]

OK guys got a question.

I own 3 domains which I want to be identical sites.
I have 2 options

1) Forward 2 of the domains to the 3rd domain which is the real site.
2) Each site can have slightly different wording, and descriptions, but the "root" content of the sites will be identical.

I`m leaning towards #2 to get more exposure on SEs. but was wondering if there is a reason I should NOT do this??

Thanks

[awall19]

having similar sites might mean that a few of them get filtered out.

I would go with #1 unless I knew I was going to be promoting exceptionally aggressive and risk banning. In that case I would make somewhat significant changes and always have at least two coppies of my site up.

I am not as aggressive as many of the people here, but you really will not pick up much more traffic by having a ton of similar content. Its links that really drive up your rankings.

Having a duplicate site means you need to split the links up or only actively promote one of the sites.

[ToddW]

Yeah, #1 is alot easier to do.

The only problem is I thought SE did not like sites forwarding to other sites?

Would they penalize the site that was being forwarded too? (Main site)?

[I, Brian]

By forwarding - if you mean the domains simply redirect to the main domain, where the main site domain name shows in the address bar, then you'll be fine.

If, however, your main the same site content will wear three different domain names in the address bar, then you could be treated as having mirrors, and you'll see 2 of them dropped by Google at least - though which 2 is up to Google, and may not be the choice you would have made.

[ToddW]

Yes, I mean forwarding 2 domains to the main domain via meta refresh. The main domain will have all site contents.

Ok, so it looks like forwarding it is the way to go

Thanks