What’s in a name? specifically, an SEO domain name in particular?
In the past, I’d have said all the time. Because cramming keywords into your domain names could cause an explosion of immediate traffic. This was the case in the past but not now.
Nowadays Google is smarter than ever.
The intricate Google algorithm has improved at determining content’s relevance in terms of search intent, and the quality of content (hello useful Content Update). In essence, incorporating the keywords within domain names won’t directly affect SEO.
However, SEO domains are still essential because they influence the overall SEO strategy, and they can be beneficial in indirect ways for SEO.
In this informative guide, we’ll look at 8 SEO Domain name registration techniques and the best methods.
However, let’s first take the basics off the table.
What is Domain SEO?
Domain SEO refers to the act of arranging and optimizing the domain name to appeal to both search engines and people seeking specific information on the internet.
It’s about creating a brief simple, clear and keyword-rich domain with a top-level Domain (TLD) extension. If you have your domain’s SEO correct, your site will show up on search engines as a suitable answer to the queries of searchers.
Does domain name matter for SEO?
Yes. Domain names are crucial for SEO.
Although your domain’s name isn’t an important Google search engine ranking indicator, certain elements of your domain’s name might be a key factor in the overall success of SEO.
A well-optimized domain name can allow you to stay ahead of the other competitors on the extremely competitive search engine result page (SERPs).
Your domain name may provide important information to people who come across your website on the SERPs. This can increase your organic CTR (click-through rate).
Which is the Most Appropriate Domain Extension for SEO?
The best domain to use for SEO is .com. It’s the most well-known highest-level domain (TLD) extension that powers an impressive 52.8 per cent of all websites, according to Statista 1.
Other extensions widely used are:
- .co
- .biz
- .net
- .org
However, Google’s John Mueller has said publicly that Google does not differentiate between domain extensions and SEO.
How to Select the Right SEO Domain Name?
1. Be sure that your name is brief and easy to remember and you can type it
But it’s a crucial one. Many people create complex, high-pitched names that are difficult for people to remember. If people aren’t able to spell or remember the domain name and will have difficulty typing it. They’ll become frustrated and head to another site.
Here’s the truth.
Simple to use is good for SEO as well. Make sure your name is short simple and memorable. Your search engines and users will appreciate it.
2. Try a different TLD extension other than .com
Another trick to secure an SEO-friendly domain is to choose a top-level Domain (TLD) different from the highly desired .com one.
Don’t make use of any extension for TLDs.
Find reputable TLDs that are popular with the users. Some of the most popular extensions for domains include:
- .net
- .co
- .biz
- .org
- .us
Some TLDs have a bad reputation. They send out an endless flood of spam emails which is why they have a bad-boy image.
Beware of them.
The most popular TLDs with the most bad reputations are those which are not free, e.g., .tk, .cf, .ga, .gq and .ml. This is a list of data-based recommendations of the top 10 worst domain extensions to steer clear of as per Spam Haus.
3. Include your brand’s name
Make use of your domain name to create a brand for your business and branding, not just for your web address.
Incorporate your brand’s name into your website so that people are able to associate it with the services or products you offer.
The more memorable your brand name, the longer it stays in the minds of consumers. Domain generators such as DomainWheel can be extremely useful when incorporating brands for your domain.
4. Utilize the Right Keywords for Your Business
When it comes down to picking the domain name, not every keyword has the same significance.
There are important intent-driven keywords that could boost your ROI for your business when you are ranked for them. Make use of these keywords for business when you are creating a domain name. Make sure they are short and simple.
Be careful not to overdo your keywords as your name could be interpreted as spam.
Google’s John Mueller told CEOs and owners of websites that there is no ranking benefit you can get from having keywords within your website’s verify domain availability.
Note that Mueller did not criticize the inclusion of keywords into domain names as they are. He was discussing the bigger and more crucial matter of relevance. A site that doesn’t contain keywords in its title but is designed to meet user needs gets the benefit over those that don’t. Better yet, a website with keywords in its name, and is relevant to users’ requirements.
If someone is looking for pizza, will they click “Pizza Master” or “Delicious Delicacies”? It is obvious that Pizza Master will get the click since it informs users that the company is a specialist in pizza.
Note: Check if your desired name is available for your social accounts and your website with the help of the name checker tool!
5. Include the city or country in which you conduct trade (if local)
Do you run a local business?
Are the majority of your customers coming from one particular country or city?
Get the country code top-level domain (ccTLD). It’s a two-letter top-level domain that is reserved for a particular country.
A ccTLD can be seamlessly integrated into your Local SEO strategy. You can target customers with hyper-targeting who reside in a certain region or country. The following are the best 10 ccTLDs measured by the amount of registrations.
It is possible to go further and acquire a .city as well as a .town extension. Localized extensions have burst on the scene. They are ideal for city-based businesses or just wish to reach prospective customers in a particular city.
Be aware that, in contrast to general top-level domains (gTLD) certain ccTLDs are closed. There are some restrictions on who can be able to register them. Certain countries require proof of residency to get them registered.
6. Try to find only a partial match, and not an exact match.
Finding one that exactly matches (EMD) is not easy these days. Furthermore, EMDs are costly since people buy them fast and sell them at an inflated price.
The next greatest thing?
You are looking for an incomplete match domain (PMD) alternative. Contrary to an EMD which includes the primary keyword you’re aiming for A PMD is comprised of some of it. It is effective because it assists users in determining relevancy in the same way.
The best method to earn a PMD is to try out short-worded, long-tail keywords as well as related phrases.
Let’s say you’re looking for the highly lucrative “pet food” keyword.
There are many words that are related to food, such as food, rations, grub dishes, chow, meals and many more. Add adjectives or nouns like hot or central and boom, you’ve got plenty of choices such as:
- hotpeteats.com
- petfastdishes.com
- petgrubcenter.com
7. Beware of hyphens as well as other characters that can be confusing.
Then, when you are designing a domain that is SEO-friendly Do not use hyphens.
In a Google SEO Office hours session in which the company’s representative spoke, he explained that when it comes to hyphens in domain names, it’s up to the owner of the website to decide what they think is appropriate. There is nothing in the Google algorithm that checks domain names that contain hyphens.
Although technically, hyphens are fine, however, they’re not good for people who use them.
Here’s why.
When people think about website names, they think of words, not characters. Therefore, they’ll miss typing the dash, and end in a competitor’s site. Ugh. So, if you have to choose between a name that has a hyphen and a name without one, pick the latter.
8. Don’t be scared to change your SEO domain’s name (but make sure you do it in a safe manner)
Businesses are living entities.
They increase when your goals and focus shift. This requires a change in your brand. The rebrand could include changing the domain name of your website to reflect your new goals.
Take note of these crucial domain names SEO essentials to ensure your brand rebrand:
- Use popular TLDs that are frequently searched to increase the amount of traffic you can get.
- Look for simpler and shorter names that are more streamlined than your current one.
- Make sure that the brand you are buying has a good reputation when you purchase it from a person.
- Rebrand your site’s look to be consistent with the new brand name.
- Create redirects from the old domain, and redirect them to the new one.
