Does Domain Name Affect Rankings

November 18, 2009 · Filed Under 2009 Challenge 

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Day 2, 2009 Marketing Challenge – Domain Names

Introducing my new genealogy website TheMadGenealogist.com

Usually whenever I start a new website, I follow certain rules. One is I always include one of my targeted keywords from the list I created on Day 1 in the domain name.

But this time I am trying something new! Does having your targeted keyword in the domain name have a affect on rankings?

To be honest, of all the websites I have started, choosing a dot com domain name for a genealogy website was the longest search I have been on. Every domain name I tried was unavailable or unsuitable.

Some of the ones I tried were:

searchformyroots.com

myfamilyroots.com

whoseyourdaddy.com

So this time I decided to try a domain name which is related to the topic of the site to see if it affects different rankings.

Why not buy a dot net domain extension?

I found dot com domain names are better if you are targeting international traffic and you get more type-in visitors with a dot com. Some of my sites get around 400 to 500 visits a month in traffic just from visitors directly typing in the web address.

Another thing I look for when choosing a domain name is to make it memorable. You don’t want to be the person with the terrific website that no one can ever remember to tell their friends about because they can’t remember the domain name.

Have I made a mistake ? Only time will tell I suppose.

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Comments

  • I certainly don't think you made a mistake with the domain name you have chosen. I think it's a catchy memorable one that will get you lots of hits and as I said it's memorable. We all know that genealogy has been and continues to be big in demand, it seems that everyone is looking for either their cousins cousin or their mother's mother. BTW I love the "who's your daddy" that is a good name. luv it. Will be over to check out the new site. jj
  • Not meaning to rain on your parade,I think you did...sorry, but "THE" is a Stop Word for Search Engines, some robots will ignore your site when they see it!
    I agree with you on the .com part though; if it is available go for it, if not, .net should be your second choice. keep in mind that some .com domains are registered and parked so do your research on that .com, if it is not an active site; your .net will take over in the search engines listings.
    Good Luck with your new site.
  • Hi Topmaker

    No it is OK. I am trying some different things with this site. Most of these include going against the norm to see if these "myths" are true.
  • Thanks for this simple article, I'm looking for new domain now and your article is really help. Easy to remember for a domain I think will give more advantage.
    If you have time please check my article here, Its about benefits for commenting activities.
    http://www.famousbloggers.net/comments-benefits...
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