Should I have multiple redirects or multiple sites?

[Brad]

When it comes to SEO, and getting to the first page of search results, should I buy a bunch of different domain names(e.g. dallas pizza, fort worth pizza, arlington pizza, etc.) and redirect them to the same site, or develop several standalone sites? What works better for optimization? And what are some of the most powerful ways to see results in seo? I understand that it takes time to achieve internet dominance, but I would like to know what some of the best ways that the pros get results. Thank you!

[rayagena]

Be aware of too much redirects. Google doesn't like them - it's not a usual behavior.

Make standalone sites and cross-link between them.

[Hal Smith]

You can do both but choose which would eventually be cost effective and intelligent. I personally this you can go with multiple domains but be careful as Google suspects too many redirects to same site and this can result in damaging your SEO. But if done intelligently with some domains, you will be good. For SEO, there are many guides available on the internet for this. The most effective thing for SEO in the long run is unique and good content.

Hal Smith
URLdreamer Consultant

[Trevor]

Brad,

I would not do either. Google is big into branding. I would create a well branded site for you to spend your time on. I would then build backlinks using WIki, and Web 2.0 sites with good uniwue content. I would then create social media accounts for it and generate some activity. Don't do any redirects. If you wanted, you could still buy the other domains. However, you will want to put sites on them and put dofollow links on them back to your branded site.