generic domain name questions

[smee]

At the moment I have an active domain name that doesn't contain the keyword people search on (let's say the main keyword is 'widgets') but still ranks 1st page on google for that keyword search.

How important are keyword(s) in the domain name for SEO purposes?
Ie- do you think my website would move up SERPS if the domain name contained the keyword and I 301'ed all the old domain content to the new domain?

There seems to be opposing views on this, eg:
http://www.fusednation.com/seo/q-are-keywords-in-your-domain-name-an-important-ranking-factor/
http://www.dotweekly.com/keywords-in-your-domain-name-are-important/

Another consideration is that let's say the domain name is widget . com . au, but it lists many widgets and most people will search for 'widgets' rather than 'widget'.

I have an opportunity to secure the widget . com . au domain name but am unsure the money is well spent as it may be better spent on getting more backlinks for the existing domain name. (I don't consider the handful of people that type in the domain name as good value as most of those are probably also checking to see if the domain is available for there own use).


Also, is the rule that an au domain name must closely resemble the business name still valid and if so, explain OMG's portfolio of names that do not resemble their business name.

 

[DavidL]

I belive KW domains are VERY inportant for SEO. You will hear otherwise because it's in many people's interests to deny this - especially SEO's who would rather change you for link building and on-page SEO rather than have you running off buying a new domain.

Google also don't want this to be common knowledge because people could (and do) see it as a shortcut to good ranking rather than focus on content. But at the same time, G's algo just can't ignore the relevancy factory that having a KW in the actual domain brings.

 

[snoopy]

How important are keyword(s) in the domain name for SEO purposes? Ie- do you think my website would move up SERPS if the domain name contained the keyword and I 301'ed all the old domain content to the new domain?

The most common viewpoint seem to be that is helps, there is no study or anything like that which would say by how much.

The other thing is an exact match domains is likely to get you a better CTR (other half of the equation) wherever you are ranked.

I guess the big issue for you though is that your existing name would have backlinks etc so changing domains is probably not an easy thing.

(I don't consider the handful of people that type in the domain name as good value as most of those are probably also checking to see if the domain is available for there own use).

I that is probably a bad assumption if it really is natural type in traffic.

 

[Rhythm]

That's a hilarious concept All the type-in traffic coming from domainers LOL Not now, but maybe in the future.

OMG = Online Media Group FWIW.

and: Oh My God

 

[smee]

That's a hilarious concept All the type-in traffic coming from domainers LOL Not now, but maybe in the future.

OMG = Online Media Group FWIW.

and: Oh My God

Glad to make you happy.

Thanks for the responses so far.

Anyone know the answer re domain name eligibility? I already have an ABN but the name (like OMG's) does not match the domain name.

 

[snoopy]

That's a hilarious concept All the type-in traffic coming from domainers LOL Not now, but maybe in the future.

OMG = Online Media Group FWIW.

and: Oh My God

I think it would only be true in certain extensions, .mobi, .tv etc, not that it is going to be be of any meaningful volume anyway though for those extensions (aside from typos etc).

 

[soj]

Anyone know the answer re domain name eligibility? I already have an ABN but the name (like OMG's) does not match the domain name.

Hi Smee - this was asked just the other day by a newcomer to DNT, and I gave the answer there.

http://www.dntrade.com.au/auda-policy-domains-and-domaining-t4993.html

Best wishes for your online success.

 

[smee]

Hi Smee - this was asked just the other day by a newcomer to DNT, and I gave the answer there.

http://www.dntrade.com.au/auda-policy-domains-and-domaining-t4993.html

Best wishes for your online success.

Thanks Ned. I found that topic conflicting. On one hand some members said yes, if you have an ABN then you can register multiple domains unrelated to the business name then further on someone else said best to get an additional ABN(s) for multiple domains as someone had 200 deleted.

 

[soj]

Thanks Ned. I found that topic conflicting. On one hand some members said yes, if you have an ABN then you can register multiple domains unrelated to the business name then further on someone else said best to get an additional ABN(s) for multiple domains as someone had 200 deleted.

Two separate issues smee. You need to read that thread again - particularly the post by BrettF.

He gave some very sound advice about separating a bricks and mortar business (with it's own ABN) from a domaining business (suggested you get another ABN etc).

Your question was about eligibility, and matching a business name with a domain name.

My answer to that question is as before:

Read clauses 2, 3 and 4 : http://www.auda.org.au/policies/auda-2008-10/

Under the "domain monetisation model", you can register names that have no relevance to your business name (as long as you follow the rules).

.

 

[James]

Exact Match domains or (EMD) in my experience are declining of the once powerful SEO value in overseas markets I work in. In .com.au they still have a decent amount of power but I have seen it dropping in value in specific niches.

But overall as part of a strategy if you have a exact match domain it is still going to be good from an SEO point of view, I mean for some niches it is not as simple and buying one sitting back and watching the cash roll in you still need to do a lot of work.

The thing I worry about is all these people complaining in the masses to the likes of Matt Cutts and other Google fellows about how Exact Match domains are too powerful and they should drop, These people have just missed the boat and should stop complaining in my eyes. Most of the time from a relevance point Exact Match domains are good the problem is people use them for spamming and this is a downfall.