Domain keyword relevance

Discussion in 'Search Engine Optimization' started by Dave757, Sep 11, 2006.

  1. #1
    How important is keyword relevancy in a domain name? I've been doing business under my current domain name for several months with seven pages indexed by Google. I don't have many links or other SEO as most of my marketing was focused on PPC. I don't even have a page rank.

    But the current domain name is very keyword rich.

    Now I'm thinking long term and I'm doing a major redesign of my site for quality content and natural search results. My shift in strategy also involves rebranding and I've come up with a great new domain name that focuses on the new brand... but it's not a very good keyword match. In fact, you probably wouldn't guess my market niche just from the domain.

    Is this a bad move in terms of SEO? I can redirect from the old url but am I hampering future search potential with an oddball domain name?

    Any advice will me much appreciated!
     
    Dave757, Sep 11, 2006 IP
  2. indianseo

    indianseo Peon

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    #2
    Keyword domain has little effect in google, but a major factor in yahoo and MSN. You need to also see the effect of domain name on end user. If its conveying the right message, it should be fine.
     
    indianseo, Sep 11, 2006 IP
  3. Voasi

    Voasi Active Member

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    #3
    Like above, its not a big factor at all in G, but Y! and MSN it plays a role in rankings.

    Having a brandable domain is much more important then having a keyword rich one. If you have a chance to get a brandable domain, go with that.
     
    Voasi, Sep 11, 2006 IP
  4. eukhost

    eukhost Banned

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    #4
    Keyword rich domain names are definitely not something to obsess over from the SEO point of view. I'd recommend purchasing the domain name that works best for branding reasons.
     
    eukhost, Sep 12, 2006 IP
  5. KC TAN

    KC TAN Well-Known Member

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    #5
    Keyword weighs a lot in MSN, I had a one-page domain few weeks ago and it ranked on the MSN first page because of its perfect keywords as I did not do any extra SEO work on it..
     
    KC TAN, Sep 12, 2006 IP