SEO Guidelines - Can Domain Names Really Affect Your Rankings?
SEO Guidelines - Can Domain Names Really Affect Your Rankings
?
A memorable domain name is a valuable asset to any business. The easier it is for web users to memorize a domain name, the more likely it is they will come back. An impressive domain name will also be easier for them to remember when they talk to their friends. You may think this all sounds quite logical, but think again. Despite the obvious advantages associated with an unforgettable domain name, some SEO practitioners still turn a blind eye to it. It is a mistake they often come to regret later on.
Marketers do not always understand the correlation between SEO, rankings and domain names. The following list of questions and answers should shed some light on this particular topic.
Is it worth buying a domain name that includes a keyword?
Domain names with keywords will only make a difference in your SEO strategy if you use exact-match keywords for your ranking target, and if relevant to your .com or local .com version (eg .com.au, .com.sg, etc.). Great examples are travelinsurance.com.au and homeloans.com.au. Both companies achieve top Google rankings for those exact keyword phrases, as these often appear in searches.
On the other hand, non-related keywords in a domain name can have negative effects on your rankings. For example, adding the word my' to travelinsurance.com.au (mytravelinsurance.com.au) will diminish your rankings results for plain travel insurance search engine queries, but may do well for my travel insurance' searches.
In addition, try to stick with .com or localized .com version as domain name extensions when using a keyword. They rank higher than net, .biz, etc. extensions.
Can a keyword phrase in a domain name improve SEO?
As with keywords in domain names, keyword phrases have to be an exact match for searches to warrant ranking improvement. If an exact match is unattainable, simply use the company name.
Is it smart to use your business name in your domain name?
Absolutely! For 99% of the time, business names are the best keywords for domain names. Web users will remember them, associate them with credibility and trust, and often type them into the address bar, rather than the search field of their favorite search engine.
What can extensions like .net, .biz, .tv, or .cc do for your domain?
Nothing! Every Search Engine Optimization specialist will confirm that the only domain name extensions worth using to help SEO rankings are .com and the local version of .com (e.g .com.au). On the other hand, from a business perspective, you may benefit from buying domain names with other extensions to increase the online visibility of your business name.
Would you benefit from buying a variation of your competitor's domain name?
Not at all! You may actually get in trouble with the law and possibly be fined for cyber squatting and trademark violations. If you lose your credibility over a matter like this, it will take you a very long time to recover. Without credibility, your online marketing performance is pretty much doomed.
Are dashes in a domain name a bad idea?
Dashes should be banned as they only complicate domain names. Try to select a straightforward domain name that is easy to type in, and remember. Dashes in domain names will also work against your trademark, the more your company expands.
Can local domain names rank in other countries?
Localized' domain names are just that. They only rank in its country of origin for short tail competitive keywords. If lucky, they may rank internationally for informational searches or longer tail keywords. Unfortunately, keywords that will drive sales and profits will be excluded.
Can .com domain names with a converting keyword rank in a local region?
Of course, as long as a domain's region is registered with Google Webmaster Tools. If they have a strong SEO campaign, .com domain names can rank above the localized ones, but that is rarely the case - .com.au domain names will beat them almost every time.
Should you change your domain name if rankings are unsatisfactory?
Domain age is important and should be taken into account before switching domain names. Of course, if a dynamic SEO campaign applied to your existing domain name brought little improvement to your rankings, you could always opt to buy another domain. Just make sure to warn everyone about the change, including Google. Try to obtain the exact match domain name for a competitive keyword, and do not forget to set up 301 redirects.
Will your rankings improve if you purchase various domain names and redirect them to your website?
The answer is no. Web users will only be redirected to your website if they type the domain name straight into the address bar. The only exception to this type of redirect is when your domain name has a long history, good authority, and strong incoming links.
Your competitive keyword and domain are an exact match, so why are you still ranking poorly?
A lot will depend on your target keyword. Having an exact-match keyword to your domain name is vital, but so are good SEO techniques. Without implementing proper SEO, your rankings will never reach the top level. You will need to expose your brand, increase website traffic and conversions, write articles and blogs, test your internal and external links, and do whatever it takes to attract the search engine's attention.
Can you safeguard your trademark by registering your domain in a foreign country?
Maybe, or maybe not. As there are no borders in cyber space, you are dealing with an open market. Some companies will prey on inexperienced marketers. They will baffle them with technical details, raising fear to unhealthy levels. If you feel that you can better protect your trademark halfway across the world, go right ahead, but be forewarned that crooks are smart and can get to you anytime, anywhere.
In reality, it won't make any difference if you purchase multiple domain names in your own country, or across the border. Instead of worrying, rather redirect your energy towards buying .com version of the local domains you selected for your website. With this strategy in place your chances to effectively market your products and services in your targeted areas is bound to succeed.
Can you stop a competitor from cyber squatting on your business' domain name?
Cyber squatters can be pursued. For instance, in Australia, you can report these offenders to the Association of Dispute Resolvers (leadr.com.au). If you do, be prepared to pay at least $ 5,000 in tribunal fees and legal cost. Success it not guaranteed, unless your company has a popular trademark.
With all this information at hand, it will be much easier to make the right decision when you are finally ready to buy domains and begin selecting keyword-rich domain names.
SEO Guidelines - Can Domain Names Really Affect Your Rankings?
By: Mia Cusack
Choosing An Effective Domain Name On The Topic Of Protection For Brand-name Items Orakpo named Pro Bowl as a rookie Name badges - the simplest way showing your visibility Why Register Your Domain? Custom Signs Can Do More Than Just State Your Name Isosorbide Monoitrate - Name for the Generic Imdur How Much Your Domain Name Is Really Worth? What To Take Care For By Registering Multiple Domains Rain Forest Wind: Cntv.com Domain Is Evaluating The Movement Of Domain Name The Name Returned From Ash Magic Trick Domaining: Contemplating The Right Name Buying Domain Names