In Search Engine Optimisation, every tiny detail matters, and if you are pondering the question, “Do domain names help with SEO?” The answer will be yes! Domain names play a crucial role in SEO as they can leave an impact on the visibility of a website and help in ranking on SERPs.
However, it does not mean that domain name is the only factor impacting search engine rankings. However, they are still helpful in building the credibility of the website.
Here in this blog, we will go through what a domain name is. How it is helpful in SEO and a few tips and practices for choosing the best domain name for your website. So let’s get started!
What is a domain name?
Domain name is a vital part that indicates your online presence. It is an exclusive name dedicated to identifying websites on the internet. Simply put, it is a website address that users type in the search browser and access the site.
A domain name is structured in two main parts
- TLD – Top Level Domain and
- SLD – Second Level Domain
TLD is used at the end of the name after “.” For instance, .org, .edu, .com, or .net can have country-based endings like .uk, .ae, .au, .pk, etc. Likewise, the SLD – the second level domain- is the name of your website and can be anything of your choice (however, it depends on availability).
Do Domain Names Help with SEO?
A domain name might not be the only factor that helps in the search engine optimisation of a website. Still, it can leave a significant effect on SEO efforts, specifically when you are targeting specific keywords to rank. Therefore, you are missing a great opportunity if you are not considering a domain name as a ranking element.
How Domain Name Helps?
So here we are with a list of reasons how domain names can help in SEO
Add Keywords:
Keyword-rich domain names have more chances to boost the visibility of any website in SERPs. When users search for specific queries related to their service or business, having keywords in their domain name can increase the chances of website visibility in the search results. For instance, if you are running an accounting firm and the domain name is like “affordableaccountants.com” or “cheapaccountingservice.com”, the website gets more chances of visibility in SERPs.
Boost Brand Credibility:
If a domain name is solid and memorable, it can be helpful in establishing brand credibility and boosting its authority in the industry. Visitors are more likely to trust the website and click, which gives a professional and relevant vibe to their domain name.
Helps in Brand Recognition:
A memorable and unique name is helpful in distinguishing the business from competitors in the market, and people tend to remember the site name. Therefore, it increases the chances of revisiting the website. The practice is helpful in gaining more organic traffic and getting loyal customers. Hence, it has a positive impact on search engine optimisation efforts.
Rich anchor text:
Backlinks are one of the crucial steps of SEO; when other web pages link back to your site, the domain name is often used as the anchor text for the link. Having a keyword-rich name for the domain can help improve the authority and relevance of the backlinks.
Tips to choose the best domain name:
As we already know now, choosing the right domain name is important for any online business. It is a way for visitors to find your website and remember you while typing relevant queries. Here are a few tips on choosing the best domain name for online ventures. Let’s have a look!
Use popular TLD:
It is better to choose the most relevant, easier or popular Top Level Domain (TLD). If available, select .com, as it is the easiest one to remember. Likewise, you can use .org or .net as an alternative if .com is unavailable.
Avoid numbers or hyphens:
Adding numbers, hyphens, and double letters can create confusion, and these elements often create issues for users, such as typos. When the visitor cannot remember the name or redirects to the wrong page for a simple typo, they quickly choose an alternative website. Therefore, a straightforward and clean domain name is considered user-friendly.
Consider Length:
Prefer to use a short, precise and simple domain name; try to choose around six to fourteen characters in length. Short names are easier to remember, and there are less chances of errors and mistakes. Moreover, ensure you are not using any words that are hard to spell or complex names.
Keyword-rich domain name:
As we said earlier, a keyword in a domain name increases the chance of website visibility in SERPs. It is not a direct ranking factor but helps in boosting it. It is pertinent to note that you must balance your brand with keyword relevance for the best results.
Choose multiple names:
The availability of domain names is a significant factor in finalising the website address. Therefore, brainstorm various versions of domain names related to the business. It will help you choose the best name, and once it is available, register it for your site.
Conclusion:
So now you have a well-informed answer to ‘Do domain names help with SEO?’ The name of the domain plays a crucial role in SEO. It might not be the most critical factor. Still, it is one of the factors that boost the credibility and visibility of a website online.
You can use a proper strategy to make a domain name helpful in SEO, such as a keyword domain name, while keeping it short, precise and easy. These tips can help in making your website memorable and increase organic traffic.
Moreover, a strong keyword-rich domain name is helpful as anchor texts for backlinks, leading to boosting website authority. Remember, a domain name is important to increase business credibility and reliability, so whatever name you choose takes time and then finalise!
