I have seen many keyword domains rank #1 in google above sites with much more authority and backlinks. Is it very easy to rank for a specific term with that keyword domain? I noticed google also favors domains without dashes in them as well. My question is if i register a good keyword domain and throw some content up on it. Will i have to work hard to rank for that keyword, or will google favor it?
Domain with the expected keyword have "higher" ability to get the first rank, of course it's all depend on your promoting.
They should be listed first if they have same rank. Just buying domain with keywords does not make site list high you still have to get links to it.
Some people believe that keywords in the domain name and the url carry more weight than the title tag for on page SEO. But to rank really well, you need both on page and backlinks (off page SEO)
- keyword domains are generally older than the others - people links to the side using the sitename(keyword here) as anchor text - from the google's side zangiefsbookstore.com has more to do with books then zangiefsmambojambo.com
What you have noticed is definitely true. It is somewhat easier to get a keyword domain to rank higher, but you still must put the same focus on creating great content.
Keyword domains might have that additional factor in SE's but it's the on-page and off=page optimization of the site that matters most to them.
keyword domain is a positive factor for high rankings but its not the only factor, you have to work on content to get quality back links including on page & off page work.