Google Looking at the Influence These Have on Rankings
First of all, what do I mean by an exact match domain?
Let’s say you’re a photographer with a business called Tarantula Photography that covers Edinburgh & Glasgow; an exact match domain would be the one below;
So, should you go for one like this or a brand name? Keep reading to find out what Google has to say…
Watch this video by Google’s Matt Cutts to hear what he had to say.
If you can’t watch the video for any reason, here’s a direct quote.
“We have looked at the rankings and the weights that we give to keyword domains, & some people have complained that we are giving a little too much weight for keywords in domains. So we have been thinking about at adjusting that mix a bit and sort of turning the knob down within the algorithm, so that given 2 different domains it wouldn’t necessarily help you as much to have a domain name with a bunch of keywords in it.” Matt Cutts
Given this expected change to the Google algorithm my own opinion is brand domain names are better.
Using the example above I would reject www.photographeredinburghglasgow.co.uk and go for www.tarantulaphotography.co.uk
Why?
- It helps build brand recognition
- It’s quicker for people to type
- The domain name matches the business name so there’s no confusion
What do you think? Do you prefer an exact match or branded domain name. Please leave your comments below.
I am yet to see any real evidence that any algorithm changes have been made so far. I certainly hope they lose a little of their influence. With so many companies called keyword location it will be very difficult for Google to get this right first time (though when has that stopped them). I agree with your “solution”, I recommend that clients include their brand and main keyword but leave out location (it also limits them if they want to target more locations later on).
SEO be damned I always say, recognition is key.
Dennis Edell | Direct Sales Marketing recently posted..Do You Schedule Posts Always Double Check Before Publishing
Hi Paul, there has been a big impact on lots of websites as a result of the changes although it’s tended to be some bigger sites that have suffered rather than small business sites. You make a very good point about the location and future marketing efforts; you may start out as a very regional business but who knows where you might expand to in the future? Thanks for your comments.
Hi Dennis, you’re so right. SEO of course has its place but being in position 1 of page 1 of Google for your key phrases doesn’t mean online sales will necessarily follow suit. Thanks for your comment.
On top of that, Matt Cutts has recently come forth to state Google is rethinking the weight they give to exact matches.
Dennis Edell | Direct Sales Marketing recently posted..Your Home Business – Is It Your Business or Hobby