Choosing a domain name

Discussion in 'Search Engine Optimization' started by seckin, Apr 24, 2007.

  1. #1
    This question goes for all you SEO gurus:

    Assume your niche is "notebook computers". To rank better on SERPs, which domain would you choose?

    1- A domain like notebooklaptopreviews.com (long, high competition, high search volume, combination of two or more niche keywords),

    2- Or something like laptopxga.com (short, low competition, average search volume, more specific niche with one keyword)?

    Thank you:)
     
    seckin, Apr 24, 2007 IP
  2. aletheides

    aletheides Banned

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    #2
    I would choose something shorter, that first one is a doozy and you will hurt your longterm success if you go with something that long...
     
    aletheides, Apr 24, 2007 IP
  3. NYDAz

    NYDAz Peon

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    #3
    I would go for a shorter domain
     
    NYDAz, Apr 24, 2007 IP
  4. Janna122003

    Janna122003 Banned

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    #4
    It's better to use domain that contains your targeted keywords it can help you get a better ranking.
     
    Janna122003, Apr 25, 2007 IP
  5. moneyspeaks

    moneyspeaks Peon

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    #5
    that about all you need to know when thinking of a domain. no need to get too creative, just simple, and keyword targeted.
     
    moneyspeaks, Apr 25, 2007 IP
  6. ilieff

    ilieff Well-Known Member

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    #6
    Short is better. One of my domains is with loooong name and now i am sorry about that.
     
    ilieff, Apr 25, 2007 IP
  7. Bagi Zoltán

    Bagi Zoltán Well-Known Member

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    #7
    I also suggest to use keyword rich domain. That will bring you a lot of visitors, but don't forget to separate the phrases with hypen.
     
    Bagi Zoltán, Apr 25, 2007 IP
  8. Mong

    Mong ↓↘→ horsePower

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    #8
    For content related sites long domain works (returning visitors are high) and for product related sites short domain is better option.
     
    Mong, Apr 25, 2007 IP
  9. yogesh sarkar

    yogesh sarkar Well-Known Member

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    #9
    If you are interested in developing site for the long term, choose domain name with visitors in mind rather than the search engine.

    Choose a name that is not too long yet clearly states the purpose of the site, ie. laptopreviews.com etc. this way a visitor can easily remember the name of your site and refer some one else as well.
     
    yogesh sarkar, Apr 25, 2007 IP
  10. alexanderallard

    alexanderallard Active Member

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    #10
    one for me but add related contents on it.

    Alexander
     
    alexanderallard, Apr 25, 2007 IP
  11. qwestcommunications

    qwestcommunications Notable Member

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    #11
    I would go sith short domain but have the main keyword your targetting.
     
    qwestcommunications, Apr 25, 2007 IP
  12. itsme

    itsme Well-Known Member

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    #12
    Don't waste too much time hoping that your domain name will make a big difference in your long term SEO efforts.

    How many #1 - 5 positions do sites like AMAZON have? Lots!

    What I'm trying to say is this: Your domain name will not have a significant impact on your SEO efforts unless your keywords have NO/LITTLE competition.

    *** IMPORTANT ***
    The hard part is getting people to CLICK your listing in the SERPS. Make sure your domain name means something to the PEOPLE who are visiting your site. Don't make it spammy.

    Ultimately, factors like link building, ads, SEO, etc. will determine your Rank and visibility, not so much the domain name.

    my2c.
    Pete.
     
    itsme, Apr 25, 2007 IP
  13. AllyWalker

    AllyWalker Peon

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    #13
    True - the domain name isnt as important as you might give it credit for - you can definitely make up for it with other efforts
     
    AllyWalker, Apr 25, 2007 IP
  14. boyponga

    boyponga Banned

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    #14
    How about putting your main keyword in your URL? It speeds up your SERP. :)
     
    boyponga, Apr 25, 2007 IP
  15. Bagi Zoltán

    Bagi Zoltán Well-Known Member

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    #15
    Absolutely right. The clever keyword rich domain boost the traffic from search engines even if it looks spammy.
     
    Bagi Zoltán, Apr 25, 2007 IP
  16. 8everything

    8everything Peon

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    #16
    You have to think if you're going into a serious business.. like a company, etc. I would just use the company's name without the keyword (makes it shorter) BAD for serp... but it looks cleaner and more professional.

    For normal sites.. using adsense, keyword is a must!
     
    8everything, Apr 25, 2007 IP
  17. itsme

    itsme Well-Known Member

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    #17

    Yes, you might get a small boost, but you won't feel it if you are optimizing for a competetive keyword... so it can actually do more harm than good.

    On the other hand, there is no reason why you wouldn't just name a subdirectory to reflect your keywords... it's not nearly as spammy looking and will probably get more click-thrus:

    www. Domain.com/Keyword/

    Looks better and you can still build a brand... helpfull if you plan on selling more than ONE item.

    But ultimately the choice is yours, there is no right or wrong way.
     
    itsme, Apr 25, 2007 IP
  18. arnold

    arnold Active Member

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    #18
    Correctly said.. for high competitive keywords having keyword in your domain does no good in your listings in SERPS. All depends on how you optimize your main keyword and how you get links to your website. Having said this, this strategy may work for low competitive keywords.
     
    arnold, Apr 25, 2007 IP
  19. w3bmaster

    w3bmaster Notable Member

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    #19
    A shorter domain but olso containing a keyword(keywords) is the best
     
    w3bmaster, Apr 25, 2007 IP
  20. seckin

    seckin Peon

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    #20
    I see that I'd better find something between the two options, a domain which is not too long and containing the most popular and least competitive keyword.

    Thank you for the answers. They all have been very helpful.
     
    seckin, Apr 25, 2007 IP