In the past, choosing the ideal domain name was a ranking factor because it affected your SEO rankings.. But today, a few things have changed.
EMDs, or exact match domains, were quite popular. Because the keywords were in the domain, Google would improve your rankings. Only by doing so did a website gain credibility and ranking power.
On the surface, it seems logical. A website with a name like www.buyacomputer.com or www.bestcomputerdeals.com would appear to be the best location to show you machines for sale if you were wanting to buy a computer and performed a Google search.
Other businesses stuffed even more keywords into each URL using subdomains and subfolders in an effort to slightly improve their rankings.
Things have changed a lot now. Google came to the conclusion that reputable websites required more than simply a catchy domain name. Numerous additional characteristics, including trustworthy information and referring websites, are now taken into account by the algorithm.
The results page makes the importance of site content very evident. Before, while listing results, Google would highlight the terms in the title tag, which frequently contained the domain. The keywords in the search query are now bolded in the schema markup, or website content when searching for buying a computer.
All of this is to say that domain keywords are no longer a guarantee of a high ranking. So, does it mean a domain name with a keyword would not help you rank well? Let’s find out in this article!
Does Domain Name Matter As A Ranking Factor?
Choosing the appropriate domain name is an essential component of any marketing plan. You ought to pick a simple domain name that complements the branding of your business.
A URL’s name is not the only factor to take into account. Considering the TLD (top-level domain) component is important for businesses. Whether your domain ends in .com,.org, or computers (or any of the thousands of other possibilities),
We recommend that businesses and organizations choose the dot com domain because the majority of potential clients will believe that is how your website address ends. In other words, if it ends in .com, it will be easier for people to find your website.
Domain names may significantly impact SEO. Choosing the most appropriate and pertinent domain name will help you target the right audience and move up the search results more quickly.
However, it involves more than just keywords. In order for your domain name to be effective, you must first have a well-optimized website. Although domain names aren’t as important as you might think, they still matter. They’re just not direct ranking factors.
How Does Domain Name Affect SEO As A Ranking Factor?
You want people to recognize your brand, your company, and the products or services you offer when considering domain names. A domain name that is relevant, recognizable, and conveys the meaning and content of the website is one that is SEO-optimized.
Your chances of appearing well in search engine results will be greatly improved by using a combination of pertinent and brand-related terms to build a short, snappy, and clickable domain name.
However, if you over-optimize your domain name and use exact-match keywords, your website may appear spammy, and your chances of ranking highly will be reduced. The key is finding the ideal balance.
Your UX and public perception may impact significantly by the domain name you choose. Typically, the thing that people will remember most about your company is its domain name. Sometimes, that’s a specific brand or trademark, not your company name.
For certain attributes, you might want to think about using subdomains or even distinct domains. This may make it easier for customers to locate you if you sell things that distributors also sell.
In terms of search ranking, including keywords in your domain is useless; if done incorrectly, it may even degrade your SEO.
However, if your branding is strongly tied to a particular service or item, putting a keyword in the domain name might make your brand’s message more obvious to visitors. Also, placing a keyword carefully could help attract audiences to convert later.
Some frequently asked questions
1. Is domain name a Google ranking factor?
Google’s John Mueller has recently confirmed it: There is no ranking bonus for keywords in a domain name. Google removed the benefit of exact-match keywords in a domain name in 2011.
2. What is a ranking factor?
A method by which search engines compile the rankings of their search results by evaluating web pages.
3. What are the top 3 SEO rank factors?
The most important elements for Google ranking are, in no particular order: superior content, a mobile-friendly page, and UI/UX experience.
4. Are backlinks a ranking factor?
One of the most potent ranking factors in Google’s search algorithm continues to be backlinks. The more links you have from different high-authority domains, the more likely you are to rank highly for competitive keywords.
5. Is URL a ranking factor?
No, it is a minor ranking factor that supports the website’s SEO.
6. Is H1 a ranking factor?
Google has emphasized it as a ranking factor.
7. Is metadata a ranking factor?
Meta descriptions, however, are not and haven’t been ranking criteria on their own for a very long time.
8. Can a website rank high without any backlinks?
The organic ranking of your site without backlinks might not be the same as it is for sites with backlinks, but it is still possible.
Closing Words
In the end, all we have to say is to use keywords if they are very relevant or are part of your branding. Your domain name doesn’t directly affect your Google ranking, but it may be used by competent online marketers to represent their brand’s values and improve user experiences.
