If you’re wondering whether or not your choice of domain names has any significant impact on your ranking in the organic and branded search results, the short answer is – heck yes. The long answer is that domain names have always had a pretty significant impact on SEO and marketing in general, and even though Google is constantly refining its algorithm and SEO rules, there is no denying that domain names play a big role in modern SEO as well. So much so, in fact, that aspiring and experienced business leaders should focus heavily on creating the perfect domain for their website in order to maximize their chances of appearing at the top of every relevant search result. You can buy a domain name using a name search and suggestion tool, to help ensure that your domain name best suits your needs.
That’s why today, we will be delving into the most compelling reasons why domain names matter to SEO and your marketing strategy, and more importantly, how you can benefit by creating the perfect domain name that will improve your brand’s standing the SERPs. Here’s what you need to know.
Building an SEO-friendly domain name
First things first, you have to understand the basic anatomy of a domain name and how each part plays its role in the SEO game. This will allow you to set the foundation for creating your ideal domain name and it will help you avoid the common mistakes when building one, which we will mention in a bit, don’t worry. Assuming that you understand the importance of choosing a reputable registrar and a reliable hosting provider, you can move on to optimizing the root domain – the main part before the domain extension, which we will also delve into later on.
Start by researching your most relevant keywords. If it seems natural to do so, go ahead and integrate a keyword into the domain that complements your brand and the industry you occupy. This will help the search engines correlate your business to your industry and niche. Be sure to avoid including numbers and special characters, because you want your domain to be as memorable and recognizable as possible. With that in mind, let’s move on to branded domains.
Creating a memorable branded domain
You can opt for a generic domain name with a relevant keyword, however, keep in mind that branding your domain name can significantly help you in your pursuit of higher brand awareness, reputation, and authority in the online world. Simply put, branded domains are highly memorable and recognizable, and they will allow you to rank high in the branded searches and thus improve your standing in all relevant SERPs.
Consider weaving your brand name into the domain, but don’t be afraid to go with a memorable abbreviation if the name is too long in order to improve domain stickiness. What’s more, consider combining your branded domain with a relevant keyword to improve your overall ranking – this is not necessary, though, as you will have plenty of opportunity to add keywords to the URL of every page and piece of content on your site.
Choosing a trustworthy TLD
It should go without saying that one of the most important elements of a winning domain name that can push a brand towards the top spot in the search results is the brand name extension – better known as the top-level domain, or TLD. Choosing the right .com domains TLD is paramount to achieving a better ranking in the SERPs, but it’s also essential in boosting the impact of every digital marketing strategy. Top-level domains are not only memorable, but they are also authoritative and trustworthy.
That said, choosing a standard .com extension is not always the best choice, simply because of the sheer number of .com websites on the web, and because these domains tend to be taken. Instead, consider a unique extension such as the .me TLD that will allow you to add a dash of personalization to your online presence, and will give you all of the benefits of a standard top-level domain. This will help your brand stand out, and it will tell the search engines that you can be trusted.
Leveraging the domain name for anchor texts
In order to boost your SEO efforts, you have to create a rich backlink portfolio of URLs leading to your website from various other sites on the web. You can achieve this through guest-posting on other authority sites in your industry. That said, keep in mind that having the right domain name and extension can help you create rich anchor texts that will actually inspire people to click on them and visit your website – this will also tell Google that you have something truly valuable to offer to the online audience.
Be careful when changing domains
On a final note, be sure to think twice if you ever start considering the possibility of changing your domain name. This is one of the biggest decisions you can make for your company, and it could have substantial ramifications if you’re not careful.
Remember that your SEO rank is intertwined with your domain name, so you can expect to lose your standing in the SERPs, you will lose your backlinks, your organic traffic will falter, and you can expect your marketing campaigns to suffer in the process. That said, changing your domain name is a valid option if you are experiencing crippling problems like consistently low traffic or if your original domain is not user-friendly, and of course, if you have changed your company’s name.
Wrapping up
While aspiring business leaders are focusing on website design and PPC campaigns, the experienced leaders know all-too-well that domain names play a crucial role in SEO and digital marketing. With that in mind, be sure to use these tips to create the perfect domain name for your brand, and improve your ranking in the search results.
