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Sunday, April 28, 2024

Is Domain Name a Google Ranking Factor? - Search Engine Journal

Last updated Sunday, November 7, 2021 12:00 ET , Source: NewsService

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Let’s just say it: Exact match domains should be buried in a garbage bag right next to people who talk on their speakerphone in public.

Remember when every domain used to look like www.caraccidentattorney.com or www.buydogcollars.com?

That’s what we’re referring to when we talk about an exact match domain (EMD).

EMDs are domain names that include the exact keyword phrases you want to rank for in the SERPs.

Luckily, on September 28, 2012, Google’s Matt Cutts confirmed exact match domains are not a ranking factor.

Now that we’ve settled that dispute, let’s analyze how the domain name impacts search results.

Take a deep breath and prepare to get the real story behind the SEO industry’s false claims on exact match domain names. To avoid a future crisis of your own, keep reading.

The Claim: Domain Name as a Ranking Factor

You’ve probably heard a client or someone in SEO say something like: “Exact match domains generate instant credibility.”

“It’s the best investment you could make.”

“It gives you a competitive edge.”

It was true — back in the day. The Hotels.com domain sold for $11 million in 2003, making it one of the most expensive domain name purchases of all time.

The same theory goes for keywords in your domain name. We all saw claims that having a...



Read Full Story: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/ranking-factors/domain-name/

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