web hosting

The Pros and Cons of Keyword-Rich Domains

When it comes to choosing a domain name, there are numerous strategies one can employ to ensure they make the best selection possible.  One strategy that is often recommended is the implementation of a popular keyword relative to your niche.  While there are obvious advantages to such a move, there are also instances where it could work to your disadvantage.  This article will go over both sides of the spectrum.

The Bright Side

The way some explain it, you might believe that incorporating a keyword into your domain will automatically result in high search engine rankings for that particular term.  This might be the case in an uncompetitive market but let’s face it, those fields are far and few these days.  In fact, it is quite debatable how much search engines take your domain URL into account.  Be that as it may, every step helps in the battle to increase search engine visibility.  A good keyword-rich domain will definitely come in handy when submitting your site to directories and participating in link exchange programs.  It will also allow you to have your domain name become bolded in the search engine results, putting emphasis on what your site is all about.  Therefore, even if its only a small boost, it goes a long way in achieving those quality rankings you desire.

The Downside

The main disadvantage to keyword implementation is the likelihood that your domain will be similar to the competition’s.  Just think about how many URLs have the terms “web hosting” in them.  In such a highly competitive niche, your domain will be strikingly similar to the next, a factor that might lead potential clients to believe they have already paid you a visit.  Trying to leverage a popular keyword or phrase could also lead to a domain name that is too long, difficult to remember and doesn’t necessarily apply to your specialties.  This could end up limiting both your click-through and conversion rates.  If this is the road you decide to take, keep in mind that people are more likely to associate you with generic keywords rather than the actual name of your business.

Search Engine Rankings vs. Brand Awareness

Before registering a domain name, you must make the difficult decision of what is the most important: achieving high search engine rankings or establishing brand awareness.  Now let’s clear the air here – just because you choose to focus on your brand doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t get search engine rankings.  That goal just might take a bit longer to achieve.  If the name of your business is highly marketable, you probably want it to be well known throughout your niche.  Remember that this is no overnight thing as it could take months and possibly years to accomplish.  The rewards however, are worth the wait.  Just imagine having the name of your business come up whenever some mentions that particular niche.  On the other hand, if your company name is less marketable, establishing a brand name may not be as important.  In this case, you might be satisfied with getting good search engine rankings.  There is really no right or wrong here.  It’s all about what determining what works best for your website.

Should You Consider a Premium Domain?

Times are certainly tough these days.  Because every dollar counts, it is vital to get significant value on every penny you spend.  Although the economic situation has left most consumers with tighter budgets, there may be a few investments that warrant a top dollar price.  This article will introduce you to one of them, the premium domain name.

What are Premium Domain Names?

Often referred to as simple domain names, premium domains are basically those that were once registered and now available on the market again.  While ambitious internet entrepreneurs snatched up names like trucks.com and tools.com long ago, these domain owners are now willing to let them go for the right price.  Premium domains typically sale for anywhere between hundreds and thousands of dollars but some of them have gone for millions.

Sure, you probably don’t want to roll out a 7-figure budget for a domain name, but here are a few reasons why you may want to consider spending more than usual.

Instant Branding – When using a premium domain, you are instantly branding your online presence.  Your domain name will likely be easy to remember and cause visitors to immediately associate it with your business.  If you’re lucky enough to snatch up baseball.com, it won’t take potential customers too long to grasp the nature of your business.

Increased Search Engine Visibility – Search engine algorithms consider the relevance of your domain to the content on your website.  This in turn, makes it easier to associate your domain name with your particular product or service, giving you the ability to increase your visibility through the search engines.

Increased Traffic – Although most web surfers rely on search engines, others simply type keywords directly into their browser address bar.  If someone types in “baseball”, there is a great chance that your baseball related URL will come up and direct them right to your site.  Direct traffic is one of the biggest advantages to having a premium domain name.

You don’t have to be a large corporation to secure a premium domain name.  To figure out the budget you need to set aside, visit register.com and find out if there are any available domain names relevant to your business.  You may also want to consult an internet marketing expert to better determine if a premium domain name can really give you a worthwhile return on your investment.  A professional can also help you get your hands on special search tools that will reveal what domains serve the most benefits.

Think About It

On the surface, buying a premium domain name seems like a huge investment and possibly one you can do without.  However, it can also increase visibility and play a major role in the success of your online business.  Though it will be more expensive than the standard rate of $9.99, it will help you save on marketing, enhance your search engine rankings and help potential customers better identify your business.  Who knows?  This is one substantial investment that could be worth your while.