The Importance of Domain Names for SEO
EngineWorks, a search marketing company, has an excellent blog post on the importance of domain names for SEO. EngineWorks debunks several myths that have lingered through the domaining and SEO industry until recently.
I assume that a large percentage of domainers have it etched in their minds that long domains or ccTLDs are worthless. I personally have a portfolio of near 200 short dot com domains, the majority of which are two-word names. Read over the following quotes from EngineWorks’ blog for some enlightenment on the effective use of domains for search marketing.
I’m long and I’m strong…
“Longer Is Sometimes Better For Conversions! Longer domain names tend to be significantly more specific than short domains. For example, ‘homeloan.com’ may be succinct; however it is also very generic. Whereas the longer domain name ‘portlandmortgageloan.com’ defines the type of loan and the geographical location.”
If you are a returning DotSauce reader, you may be aware that long tail keywords are the latest SEO buzz. A tactic which makes use of specific generic phrases to reach targeted customers and readers. This ideal can be applied directly to domain names. However, I do not recommend using hyphens if at all possible in your names. It may work, but I think it looks cheap.
Think Outside of the [.COM]
“When searching through a country specific search engine domain (for example ‘google.co.uk’), many times the results returned will include Web sites that feature similar CCTLD domains, such as ‘domain.co.uk’.”
If you own an internet based business or service you can make use of any number of ccTLD’s to optimize your search rankings on a specific localized engine. Google Canada seems to love DotSauce for some reason of which I am not sure, oddly enough I rank higher on specific keywords on Google.ca and therefore receive a small increase in traffic, I love Canada!
Build A Reputation Beyond Repute
“Companies can fortify their brand, and gain new business, by building trust through a generic domain name. As an example, Bank of America owns the domain ‘loans.com’. The company could chose to use this domain name separate from its primary domain to build-out a loan information site.”
Most of us can only dream of being able to afford a generic dot com domain name. These premium brandable domain names fetch prices in the millions. Where would companies such as Hotels.com, Register.com, & Buy.com be without their names? For those like myself who can’t afford “BadAss.com”, check out another of my articles entitled The Ten Commandments of Branding or read how some big companies are marketing and getting creative with domain names.
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October 7th, 2007 at 9:52 am
Just and added note regarding Hyphens…
I worked with a company that had a hyphened name when the un-hyphened name was actually available.
After 1 month I began switching the website over to the un-hyphened domain.
WHY?
I kept hearing all the sales staff having to explain the hyphen when giving out the domain name over the phone.
“Its the dash”
“No! not the underscore, the other dash”
BTW… Great website.
At 1to1million.com I am exploring and blogging about all the ways to make money online. Would really like to direct visitors in your direction when it comes to Domaining.
Expect an email
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October 7th, 2007 at 11:28 am
you always seem to beat me to it…
whether it was the 10 commandments of branding or this one… so have to agree with you…
the ccTLD point was very valid indeed…people don’t think about it that way usually…
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October 8th, 2007 at 10:19 am
Hey Mark -
I’m glad you enjoyed our blog post. It’s great to see the SEO and domain sides coming together and sharing strategies such as these.
Scott
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October 8th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
The domain name is very important - it brands you. But many successful sites have broken the naming rules and are not any worse for the wear - Google, Yahoo, and Amazon for example. None of these titles provide a clue as to what type of site lies within. And yet we know them all.
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October 9th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
I agree, I think it is great to have a domain that helps explain who/what you are, but branding can also help to make up for having a more ambiguous domain name.
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October 9th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
I don’t mind the longer domains as long as their keyword rich.
I’d much rather have a shorter, more brand able domain though. I think they work better in the long run.
- Andrew
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October 13th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
I have heard this many times that a domain name can be very important for SEO. Is it still possible to do well with a name that you plan on branding yourself?
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October 14th, 2007 at 5:15 am
Cool portfolio ;)
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October 14th, 2007 at 11:02 am
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October 14th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Mark, Nice blog. Did you develop this theme ?
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October 14th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
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October 15th, 2007 at 9:03 am
It seems like every other week a different type of domain name structure is the right way to go. There will never be a right way since the SEs keep changing what they think is the best way to present their search results. The problem you can’t change domain names every time an SE decides to change their algorithm.
This is my first time here and I will be back as your posts are very much worth reading.
David
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October 18th, 2007 at 9:54 am
The only problem people start to run into with the longer names is the spelling…..if you can find nice “known” words to use, that are easy to spell, then you’re golden….if you try for the longer, unusually spelled words, you better be ready to buy up all the common misspelling =)
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October 18th, 2007 at 11:14 am
Absolutely love your site. I never comment, but I’m always here reading. I’m always on the lookout or website tips and tricks and your site is phenomenal. Thanks!
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November 16th, 2007 at 8:50 am
Domain selection is important but a good linking strategy is better
Best Regards
Vincent
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November 29th, 2007 at 9:33 pm
[...] The Importance of Domain Names for SEO: Learn how domain names can affect your search engine visibility in this posting from DotSauce. [...]
December 20th, 2007 at 1:38 am
I would like to see a continuation of the topic
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May 8th, 2008 at 1:29 am
A portfolio of generic domains for your specific industry not only ads incredible value to your overall website. It is also great for SEO, however linking properly is still king.
Great Post!
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June 18th, 2009 at 2:30 am
Domain name has everything to say when it comes to SERPs. The websites with keywords included in the domain name are always getting advantage independently how many backlinks the other sites have.
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