Domain Names and SEO

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The Effect of Domain Names on Search Engine Optimization

A domain name can have a positive effect on how a site ranks in the search engines. A domain name that contains targeted search terms can help a site to rank better for those terms. This is where getting a good domain name comes into play for SEO strategies.

Learn about more SEO strategies.

The Power of Keywords in a Domain Name 

Keywords in the domain name means any inbound links will have those keywords.

Domain names with keywords in them don't affect rankings just by having the keywords there but that does have some effect on rankings. The main reason for the effect they can have is from inbound links. With domain names that have the targeted search terms in them it is usually much easier to get links to the site with the same keywords for anchor text. This is because people tend to link to a site with the site title or domain as the link title or anchor text of the link. Also when submitting a site for inclusion in directories like DMOZ for example, it is usually the official title that is accepted for the title of the link in the directory. Having the keywords in the domain name means that there is a very good chance links any inbound links to the site will have those Keywords for the anchor text of the link.

So it is important to plan your SEO strategy right for the beginning. Do keyword research at the very beginning and find the most targeted search term you can. Get a domain name that includes that search term. However, when buying the domain name be sure to avoid using hyphens and making it very long. Hyphens make the domain look spammy and they are not as marketable. Long domains also are just not as marketable.

Case Study: SEO.com 

A look into the search rankings of SEO.com

For a sample case study I will take a look at seo.com. The main search term that seo.com is targeting is the acronym of SEO. If you search in Google for SEO, you will see that seo.com is currently ranked at #7. Doing some research into the inbound links of seo.com will show that many links are using SEO in the anchor text. The site ranks well partially because of the domain name but also because the domain name has made linking to seo.com with SEO in the anchor text natural for people linking to the site.
SEO.com Search Engine Optimization Firm
SEO.com is a search engine marketing firm specializing in search engine optimization, paid search, paid inclusion, data feed optimization and other search marketing tactics. We focus on increasing your company's profitability through effective search engine marketing.

Blog Posts from SEO.com 

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Keywords and URLs of Site Pages 

Use keywords in the names of site pages to improve rankings.

To help the internal pages of the site to rank better, be sure to also include targeted search terms in the names of those pages. Before creating the pages do some keyword research and find the best search terms that relate to the content of each internal page. Name the pages using those keywords. Using hyphens is acceptable with page names but keep the page names short. Don't use too many keywords. Stick to the 2 or 3 most relevant keywords.

Spotlight on the Domain Game 

The Domain Game

The Domain Game

by: David Kesmodel

Amazon Price: $26.99 (as of 11/28/2009)Buy Now
List Price: $29.99

This book contains valuable information about domain names and domain name investing. Learn how to get into "the Domain Game" and how to make money though investing in and selling domains.

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Set Up a Mini Site 

Once you find a good domain name and you have bought it you should set up a mini site as quick as you can. Don't wait to have every page of your site ready and full of content. Start with a small site of 5 to 15 pages. and get those pages up right away. It takes time for a new site to get indexed and you want to get your site indexed as soon as you can. Even a small site that has some good content and some affiliate links can payback much more than the cost of the domain.

The Domain Expert 

When it comes to buying great domains, Mike Mann is the expert. He is the owner of Washington VC, a venture capital firm and has investments in several other companies.
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How Important are Domain Names to You? 

What do you think of the value of a good domain name and SEO? I have shared some of my thoughts now it is your turn to share yours.

How important is a good domain name to you?

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Very important!

Margo_Arrowsmith says:

I have my name and the 3 most often used misspellings. Does that count?

I know they are important, I just don't know if I use them correctly. Thanks

Posted October 28, 2008

Intercambio says:

Very important! Specially in competitive niches.

Posted July 27, 2008

lowster11 says:

You know what I think!!

Posted June 26, 2008

says:

I have to agree. A good domain can be a great influence on search engine rankings.

Posted June 25, 2008

DarkwingDuck says:

You presented your information well. I can see how a good domain name can help search engine rankings.

Posted June 18, 2008

Doesn't really matter.

 

Great Books on SEO from Amazon 

Get to the Top on Google: Tips and Techniques to Get Your Site to the Top of the Search Engine Rankings -- and Stay There

Get to the Top on Google: Tips and Techniques to Get Your Site to the Top of the Search Engine Rankings -- and Stay There

by: David Viney

Amazon Price: $19.80 (as of 11/28/2009) Buy Now

Usually ships in 24 hours

Search Engine Marketing, Inc.: Driving Search Traffic to Your Company's Web Site

Search Engine Marketing, Inc.: Driving Search Traffic to Your Company's Web Site

by: Mike Moran, Bill Hunt

Amazon Price: $37.11 (as of 11/28/2009) Buy Now

Usually ships in 24 hours

Building Findable Websites: Web Standards SEO and Beyond

Building Findable Websites: Web Standards SEO and Beyond

by: Aarron Walter

Amazon Price: $29.69 (as of 11/28/2009) Buy Now

Usually ships in 24 hours

THE SECRET TO GETTING LISTED AT THE TOP OF SEARCH ENGINES

THE SECRET TO GETTING LISTED AT THE TOP OF SEARCH ENGINES

by: Alexandra Saieh

Amazon Price: $14.39 (as of 11/28/2009) Buy Now

Usually ships in 24 hours

Website Optimization

Website Optimization

by: Andrew B King

Amazon Price: $26.39 (as of 11/28/2009) Buy Now

Usually ships in 24 hours

Matt Cutts on YouTube 


Matt Cutts Take On Fabricated Link Bait

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978 views
1 Comments:


What Should SEO's Focus in 2008 - Matt Cutts Answers

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6891 views
2 Comments:


Matt Cutts 3 step process to building up a really good site

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3 Comments:

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Reader Feedback 

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