how important are keywords in domain?

garbo1 · #1 (**permalink**) 31-08-11, 03:50 AM

Historically, most search engine optimization experts have said that placing keywords in your domain name was the most important element of SEO. Do you believe this is still true or has Google changed their criteria?

**Rachael** · #2 (**permalink**) 31-08-11, 06:25 AM

One of the main advantages of having the primary keyword in the domain name of the website is that even if some other websites link to the website using just its URL, your website will still get the benefit of the keyword as its anchor text. Having keywords in the domain name also helps to improve the click thru rate (CTR) as the URL with the keyword gets bold in the search engine results; and therefore the website gets more attention of the searchers.

Wallstone · #3 (**permalink**) 31-08-11, 04:22 PM

Those are good points. It would be great if you could put keywords in your domain name. Just make sure not to overdo this, otherwise you could end up registering a long domain name.

Jillian · #4 (**permalink**) 01-09-11, 06:05 AM

Rachael makes a really good point about being descriptive with your domain name. Your website URL has the potential to be one of your most important marketing tools, and not just the search engine marketing aspect.

Andrea · #5 (**permalink**) 01-09-11, 04:27 PM

I agree that having keywords in your domain name is important. In fact, it is preferable to choose any extension if you can't find a .com or .net for your website's name. A .info will be just as efficient if you have popular keywords in your domain name.

Networker · #6 (**permalink**) 01-09-11, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrea

In fact, it is preferable to choose any extension if you can't find a .com or .net for your website's name. A .info will be just as efficient if you have popular keywords in your domain name.

I am not sure about .info. Scammers have been overusing it to create scamming and spamming websites, that's why it has a bad name now. I would rather go for another TLD.

Darcey · #7 (**permalink**) 05-09-11, 02:33 AM

What about .biz? That's one of the newer ones and I would assume it's meant for sales sites although anyone could register it. Actually, it's not that new, but it hasn't been in existence nearly as long as .com, so it should be much easier to get a domain name with your keywords with a .biz suffix.

Mary · #8 (**permalink**) 28-09-11, 09:48 AM

A .biz id can be used. Again it is how you market the products/services online and the keywords rankings matter.

rodenjurst · #9 (**permalink**) 09-12-11, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rachael

One of the main advantages of having the primary keyword in the domain name of the website is that even if some other websites link to the website using just its URL, your website will still get the benefit of the keyword as its anchor text. Having keywords in the domain name also helps to improve the click thru rate (CTR) as the URL with the keyword gets bold in the search engine results; and therefore the website gets more attention of the searchers.

That's very true, though some company think of it as branding strategy. LG, for example, is popular for high-end appliances. If the website is based on home appliances, it will show on search results of "3d tv" even though the company name wasn't in the search term.

Alicia · #10 (**permalink**) 09-12-11, 05:12 AM

With keyword rich domain names it is possible to get instant traffic to your website. You will also find software applications on the internet that will help you in terms of finding an appropriate domain name that contains your main keyword. With a keyword rich domain name, you will see faster results with your online marketing activities.

Pongers · #11 (**permalink**) 09-12-11, 08:15 PM

Well, it's not always possible to get a keyword rich domain name available for registration hence you can go with some relevant domain name for your business and can optimize it for all your targeted keywords.
Keyword rich quality content plays an vital role in Search Engine Ranking.

Juliane · #12 (**permalink**) 10-12-11, 04:56 AM

That’s right. One may not always get the desired keyword as the domain name. It is essential to create a good web presence through online marketing strategies like article submissions, blogging, social bookmarking and social networking. If you are efficient in terms of executing these strategies, it won't be difficult for you to secure a good ranking in the search engines.

Haddin · #13 (**permalink**) 02-02-12, 10:53 AM

Keywords in domain name play a significant role in getting optimized easily for search engines. It is recommended to have at least one of the main targeted keywords in your domain name. However, it is not possible to acquire a keyword rich domain name as most of the short catch and keyword rich domain names have already been registered. But, if you want to find a keyword rich domain name you can make use of (-) hypen in between words like "webmaster-forums.tld" .

Elise · #14 (**permalink**) 03-02-12, 06:29 AM

A keyword rich domain name is surely useful for acquiring a good ranking in the search engines. With a keywords rich domain name it becomes easier to dominate the competition and stay ahead. The online marketing strategies will also be more effective with a keyword rich domain name.

LEE · #15 (**permalink**) 07-02-12, 10:11 AM

It is good if you have the keyword in your domain name but not necessarily important to have it. There are websites which are listed at the first page due to informative contact that they use. So, keyword in a domain is an extra benefit but your website can still be on top without it.