Here's a newbie question: How do .info, .net, .biz, etc affect search engines effectiveness? Do search engines rank these lower?
It doesn't really matter that much if your keywords are pretty targeted. As always though it is better to go with a standard TLD, but if this is your only option you can DEFINITELY make it work, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I have some pretty profitable niche sites that do just fine using .info domains.
You could always grab three or four of these domains and have one for the blog, one for the portfolio etc, or whatever in your niche.
Google does not give preference to some domains. They are all the same to google bot when comes to SERP.
The .net is the best of the three. It has a better resale value and the EMD bonus. The .biz is a dog.
Actually I have seen all of those ranking high, even .ws domains, but still I stick to .com and .net then I just go for the hyphenated form
either of them is fine..it's what you do for your site that google would see and not just the domain extension
Google treat all domain name extension the same way, the ranking depend on your keyword and how you build link for the domain name.
I think you should read this article to get answer of your question. http://blog.webjoogler.com/blog/index.php/2010/which-extension-is-better-a-com-org-net-or-biz/
If you have a good quality content on your website, you will rank better with any TLD you want to use.
Quality content is what matters most. It doesnt matter if its a dot info website. What matters is that your site is unique and doesn't violate any terms of Google. Even dot net sites are good enough. Anyone who says dot com sites is the best for Google has believed the SEO myth.
Search engines treat them the same as the treat .com domains. HOWEVER, "people" often see them as "second class" domains... Most people know that the only reason someone would buy one of those is because the .com is taken, so in the eyes of users (and other webmasters) they are often seen as less "legitimate" sites. And therefore, the have a tougher time getting natural links.
I believe that .com is the all time favourite of everyone and possibly for google also. However, I have found that those with .net domain are equally good but you cannot say that only these two are the best, it depends on various factors. The above mentioned comments brings out a clear picture.
If you are focusing on good niche and targeting your potential visitors then you can make the most of by any domains. It depends on you are your targeted niche.