What to Know:
– Google’s Search Relations Team advises prioritizing long-term branding over keyword-centric SEO strategies when choosing a domain name.
– While keywords in a domain name can provide some SEO benefits, they should not be the sole focus.
– Google’s algorithms are designed to prioritize high-quality content and user experience over exact match keywords in domain names.
– A strong brand can help build trust and credibility with users, leading to higher engagement and better search rankings.
– It is important to choose a domain name that is memorable, unique, and relevant to your brand or business.
The Full Story:
Google’s Search Relations Team recently shared advice on domain name selection, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing long-term branding over keyword-centric SEO strategies. While keywords in a domain name can provide some SEO benefits, they should not be the sole focus when choosing a domain name.
In the past, exact match domains (EMDs) were popular among SEO professionals as they were believed to have a positive impact on search rankings. EMDs are domain names that exactly match a keyword or phrase that a website wants to rank for. For example, if a website wants to rank for the keyword “best running shoes,” they might choose a domain name like bestrunningshoes.com.
However, Google’s algorithms have evolved over time to prioritize high-quality content and user experience over exact match keywords in domain names. While having a keyword in a domain name may provide some initial SEO benefits, it is not a guarantee of long-term success in search rankings.
Google’s Search Relations Team advises that domain name choices should prioritize long-term branding over keyword-centric SEO strategies. Building a strong brand can help establish trust and credibility with users, leading to higher engagement and better search rankings.
When choosing a domain name, it is important to consider the following factors:
1. Memorable: A domain name should be easy to remember and pronounce. This makes it more likely that users will remember and revisit your website.
2. Unique: A unique domain name helps differentiate your brand from competitors and makes it easier for users to find your website.
3. Relevant: A domain name should be relevant to your brand or business. It should give users an idea of what your website is about.
4. Brandable: A brandable domain name is catchy and has the potential to become recognizable and memorable. It should reflect your brand’s personality and values.
5. Extension: The choice of domain extension (e.g., .com, .net, .org) can also impact user perception and trust. While .com is the most popular and widely recognized, other extensions can be appropriate depending on the nature of your business.
It is important to note that while a strong domain name is a good starting point, it is not the only factor that determines search rankings. Google’s algorithms consider a wide range of factors, including content quality, relevance, user experience, and backlinks.
In conclusion, when choosing a domain name, it is crucial to prioritize long-term branding over keyword-centric SEO strategies. While keywords in a domain name can provide some SEO benefits, they should not be the sole focus. A strong brand can help build trust and credibility with users, leading to higher engagement and better search rankings. It is important to choose a domain name that is memorable, unique, and relevant to your brand or business.
Original article: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/googles-on-domain-name-selection-branding-over-keywords/492276/