Though we have already covered how to choose a domain name in a previous article, the mystery of finding an SEO friendly domain name needs to be addressed. If you are new to the internet, you’ve probably heard a lot about choosing the right domain name for your business or organization.
With research, you will find all kinds of advice on how to choose a domain name that will rank well in the search engines. SEO friendly domain names are easier to find than you think and we aim to unravel the mysteries associated with choosing a domain name that will rank in the search engines.
The Domain-Space is Changing
Most things regarding the internet have changed since the invention of search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. However, domain names have remained relatively the same in that you purchase a domain and establish your presence on the internet with that domain.
Once you have assigned a hosting company to your domain and you build a website, you can “go live” on the internet and drive traffic to your domain through guerilla marketing, search engine optimization, or social media. This is important to most businesses and groups as it lends a bit of validity for the business and establishes your entity online for the world to see.
One thing that has changed about domain names is the number of domains registered. The number of domains registered as of Q1 of 2015 is around 300 million! It seems daunting to find a domain name that is available for registration and contains keywords for which the customers might be searching. Does it seem like every domain name you try is already taken? Are you stuck with a long domain name that is tough to market and remember? That’s because you’re not being creative enough!
Exact Match Domains (EMD)
Another thing that has changed regarding domain names is how Google treats EMDs (Exact Match Domains). An example of an exact match domain would be BestLawyerInTexas.com. In other words, a domain is registered that is the exact search term (best lawyer in Texas) for which you would like to be ranked. This used to be the key to good rankings, but as Google evolved and recognized that people were abusing the system this is no longer a major ranking signal. We believe it does still hold some validity, but as more domains are registered the value of EMDs will continue to diminish.
In fact, it is well known in the SEO community that EMDs can be penalized by Google if the owner isn’t careful about how he or she manages the content of the website. Because the value of these domains will inevitably diminish, it might be an advantage to abandon the EMD plan altogether and focus on a domain that will bring you good things now and in the future. One thing to remember about SEO Hermit is that we focus on futuristic SEO by reverse engineering the search engines and testing our SEO strategies. Keep the future in mind when you’re searching for a good domain name.
One clue to the mystery of a solid domain name is how Google treats companies that brand themselves online. By understanding how Google values a brand, you can establish a solid reputation in the eyes of Google by being unique.
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The Mystery Unravelled
The key to an SEO friendly domain name is branding. It’s that simple. Would Coca-Cola register a domain name like BestSoftDrinkofAllTimeinKentucky.com? No. Coca-Cola has an established brand name that surpasses any need for EMDs or attempts to “game” Google via a keyword stuffed domain name.
The future of the internet will be brand names and domains associated with quality brands. For example, if you are a dentist in Los Angeles, CA, you might immediately think the best domain name to register is DentistInLosAngeles.com. You would be correct if we were still in 1999! But by today’s standards, that domain name is pretty trashy (my apologies to the person that owns it).
A better domain would be DynamiteDentistry.com, assuming that name is unique from a branding standpoint. The benefits of such a domain are that it is unique, marketable, and easy to remember for your clients! Keep in mind that you want to be unique nation-wide, not just in your area.
Choosing an SEO friendly domain name is much easier than you think if you keep it simple and focus on branding. In fact, if you ignore SEO completely and focus on your brand, your domain will have a good chance of ranking. Keep in mind that you cannot depend on your domain name solely to rank in the search engines. That’s where we can help! If you need some ideas, contact us and we can help you find a good domain name and establish a solid brand online.
