To merge or not to merge

[retired_member33]

I run two websites which both operate in the same niche (vouchers)

They both have a PR4 and are of a simmilar age but I have been more involved in one site which now ranks much better and gets most visitors.

Getting tired of having to place the same codes and offers on two sites I am thinking about merging them by doing a 301 from the less successful site to the one which gets most visitors.

What would you guys do? Keep 2 seperate sites or merge them into one site?

Has anyone done this before and what where their findings? Penalty, drop in traffic or did it just give you a good seo boost?

Thanks

 

[viceroy]

I'd merge them with 301's it works pretty well from my experience and it will also cut down on admin in the long term. It might get a little complicated with social pages, etc. though...

 

[retired_member33]

Thanks for your reply, there are no social pages involved so that shouldn't be an issue.

Just worried that it might cause a Google penalty or a drop in rankings due to the merger.