For most of our clients, the domain name is already part of the equation. However, there are occasions when there is an opportunity to purchase new or additional domain names in the name of rebranding or expanding an existing business.
So, what’s in a name really?
Your domain name says a lot about your business – and even more about your SEO. The name you choose will become a part of your corporate identity and branding efforts, while also helping you rank higher in the search engines. In other words, the domain name you choose can enhance – or detract – from your online success.
While Google does give preference to Web domain names that include keywords, this shouldn’t be your only consideration. URLs should be unique, while also being easy to remember. Additionally, they should be descriptive of your products and services. Domains such as CareerBuilder.com and AutoTrader.com are great examples of short, effective and easy-to-remember domain names.
If you choose a URL that is not descriptive of your business, it may take a while to gain brand recognition. When now popular sites such as Amazon.com, Hulu.com and Kayak.com first launched their online businesses, they had to overcome the “what is this site about?” factor. Having a more obvious domain name, such as Cars.com or Travelocity.com is far easier from a branding perspective.
If at all possible, we suggest avoiding using hyphens in the domain name. They’re difficult for people to remember and can make it awkward to verbally tell someone your URL. Above all, the key is to keep it short and simple. If you choose a domain name that accurately describes your business in as few words as possible – especially when one of those words is a keyword – you’ll be setting up your website for success.
As always, please feel free to contact us at 1-877-Rank-321 if you have any questions.
Tags: Domain Name Optimization
