Summary:
Google recently released a new episode of its Search Off The Record podcast, featuring John Mueller, Gary Illyes, and Martin Splitt from Google. In this episode, they discussed various aspects of picking a domain name and its impact on SEO. The conversation covered topics such as checking for spammy domains, the cost of top-level domains (TLDs), the relevance of adding keywords to a domain, and the benefits of launching a new domain with a “coming soon” page.
Key Points:
- Checking for spammy domains: The podcast hosts emphasized the importance of avoiding domains that have a history of spammy activities. It is crucial to research and ensure that the chosen domain has not been associated with any black-hat SEO techniques or violations of Google’s guidelines.
- Cost of TLDs: The discussion touched upon the cost of different top-level domains (TLDs). While some TLDs may be more expensive than others, the hosts clarified that the price does not directly impact SEO. It is more important to choose a domain that aligns with the website’s purpose and target audience.
- Adding keywords to a domain: The hosts addressed the question of whether adding keywords to a domain can improve SEO. They explained that while keywords in a domain can provide some relevance signals, it is not a significant ranking factor. The focus should be on creating a domain that is memorable and represents the website’s content accurately.
- Launching a new domain with a “coming soon” page: The podcast also discussed the strategy of launching a new domain with a “coming soon” page. The hosts suggested that this approach can be beneficial as it allows website owners to start building an online presence and generating interest before the full website is ready.
Hot Take:
Choosing the right domain name is an essential aspect of SEO, and this podcast episode provides valuable insights into the process. While it’s crucial to avoid spammy domains and consider the cost of TLDs, the focus should be on creating a domain that accurately represents the website’s content and is memorable to users. Adding keywords to a domain can provide some relevance signals, but it’s not a significant ranking factor. Launching a new domain with a “coming soon” page can be a smart strategy to generate interest and start building an online presence.
Conclusion:
The Search Off The Record podcast episode sheds light on the considerations involved in choosing a domain name for SEO purposes. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding spammy domains, selecting a domain that aligns with the website’s purpose, and creating a memorable user experience. While keywords in a domain can provide some relevance signals, they are not a major ranking factor. Additionally, launching a new domain with a “coming soon” page can be an effective strategy to generate interest and start building an online presence.
Original article: https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-on-top-level-domains-for-seo-35752.html