Setup New Blog on Primary Domain or Secondary?

[nhfinehomes]

I am going to setup a blog for my real estate web site. My question is, should I host the blog on my main server as www.nhfinehomes.com/blog OR blog.nhfinehomes.com OR host it on a different server with a new domain (ie. nhrealestateblog.com)? I have also seen some comments that state I should host on a third-party server like WordPress? What is the current recommendation and why?

Also, what blogging software is the most idea with SEO in mind? I'm partial to WordPress as it seems easy to work with and setup, however, my main server is a Windows server so if I host there, I'd probably find something else.

Thanks in advance.

[tsteuwer]

Wordpress my friend. I just set us up a new site which is created completely with WP and I already have PR 3+4 all over and even on some pages without content lol.

Oh, and I would use sitename.com/blog - it's easier to explain to someone that doesn't know anything about the internet. I tried to explain to one of our customers how they have their own page at 123rocketlane.longbeachsales.com and it spent well over 10 minutes trying to explain why there was no www and how to type the whole thing. It's easier just to say "go to my website forward slash blog"

[TheRealOBX]

I agree WP all the way.

I like the /blog myself. Think its easier for most people to remember.

[erikko]

use wordpress and set up your blog on the secondary server for more management

[CLTMichael]

Wordpress is fine. I would set it up on a small virtual other than where you have your current site.

[Jaysonnhs]

WP - /blog - because two domains is not user friendly, more maintenance, easier branding, builds your domain, main domain can help your blog and vice versa etc.. etc.. etc.. I can't really think of a reason to put it on a second domain except loving Windows or wanting the blog to be more personal.

[RyanRE]

I agree with most of the others. Go with WP in /blog.

[nhfinehomes]

Because my primary web site resides on a Windows server, I am unable to run WordPress at /blog. So my question remains open, from an SEO perspective, which is more effective? /blog with an ASP.NET blog engine or a second domain running WordPress?

[erogers]

I think WordPress is the blog platform of choice for many folks. Relatively easy to set up and configure and is very SEO friendly. The whole "blog as a subdomain", "blog as a subpage" or "blog as a seperate URL" debate is a long one and each point has its supporters. If it was a choice between /blog with a different engine and Wordpress on another domain, I would choose /blog with a different engine and do the majority of my original posts there. Then I would create a blog on another site such as this one or active rain and post some occasional industry-specific content. But that's what I would do.

[ScottFicek]

WP is too powerful with SEO to not use it because of your Windows platform. Since you have Windows as a platform, set up a WP blog somewhere else. Check out the recommended hosts for WP (I like bluehost.com). Then just simply put a link on your primary site to your blog.

I found that having a seperate site has allowed me to target slightly different keywords for each site and spread myself around capturing more visitors.