How important is it to have keywords in a domain name?

How would you explain "The Power of Keyword Domains" to someone looking to take a decision what kind of domain to go for?" McDot, Berlin

Russian subtitles provided by Mike Shakin.

[monere]

Matt my friend, you always answer around the questions people ask, not right to the question, as it would be fair. For example, what McDot asked was whether or not Google actually ranks higher a keyword rich domain or a non keyworded domain (assuming that both domains are about the same topic and have all other factors pretty much identical) . It's as simple as that. You don't need to tell us what you like.. Tell us what Google - the program wants to find so that we know how to optimize our site

[graphicartdude]

I am a graphic designer and noticed when I typed in "Nashville graphic design", that an old logo design contest site that has very little context and hadn't been updated in years, was showing on the top of search results simply because it had the words "Nashville and design" in it's domain. I think that's a perfect example of a keyword rich domain receiving way more pull than it deserves.

[biznick]

One note I'd add to Matt's comments is to be careful what domain you buy to brand. For instance if you buy a word that is slightly misspelled, Google will initially show users the correct spelling results and you will not get the correct placement in searches for your domain until you become more established.

Long term branding is better, but be careful of the word you choose to brand with.

[Uniqueseotips]

The keywords in a domain name is a great factor in describing the total content of your page. Thanks for sharing the video.

[RodLewis]

Thanks for the video. I've always been critical of the power of keyword domains, as most reputable companies are going to be trying to further their brand using their brand name as the domain name. Good to hear that this is going to become less of a ranking factor. Better if it wasn't a ranking factor at all, but then I'd have more difficulty selling some of my domains :-0

[computerguy]

I agree with Mitchell that keywords should count in a domain name and it can be factor in remembering the domain as well as describing the content.

[sebaelkan]

Nice explanation! We would also need also to cover other neuromarketing and marketing ROI concepts when it comes to remember who you are and what you do in a single domain name. Brandables may be great to clearly differenciate, but a user and business should be very engaging and successful to be at the top of mind of a consumer. On the other side, Keyword domains have a direct industry and business understading, within 1 second brain recognition.

[costaric]

Thank you Mark for sharing your advice with us. My site went from 0 to 4 in three months. I have followed your advice from all your videos and it has worked for me.
Great advice!

[ludojo]

Matt Cutt Kafali, You give great value to %4-5 keyword stuffing and it really turns my contents to "you know". Stop acting like genius and find a solution to give value to real, natural and informative contents that make the keyword domains more valuable and natural.

[AnujBiswas]

Whatever Google says I still believe keywords in the domain name gives 50% advantage. I have experienced it. I booked a domain (not including the name here but it is true) with a targeted micro niche that got some sudden high search volume. I published only 2 articles there and the very next day it appeared in the search result. Though it was not huge(just 50+ visitors) but think of it.

[ChrisTomlinsonPastor]

Did you hear that last part of that video? "We are thinking about changing up the algorithm" Well, they did. And for good reason. Keyword rich domain names have plummeted. If yours hasn't then just wait b/c it will. Be organic, do it right and brand and Google will reward you. They will eventually catch all the tricks that SEO guys do b/c they want it organic. As it should be.

[biznick]

If I were Google I would look at keyword search history and domain registration history.

For instance if someone registers CheapHosting.co you could look at the history of searches related to "Cheap Hosting". If the search count is unchanged, and the domain was registered after the keyword growth, less keyword weight should be given.

However, in the case of something like Twitter, the keyword searches have increased after the registration, so more weight should be given to its domain name.

[VeronicaBrasten]

I can see why this video was so popular. Great stuff!

[TheDomainBroker]

Too often key word urls are purchased by companies who's sole intent is to use them in spam like ways to get traffic to their sites. This can often affect searches and how the consumer finds a reliable website for the product or service they are interested in. The best option for your business is a brandable domain name.

[phily]

I think it should be given weight if the domain owner shows long term dedication to helping the user understand a particular niche - with in depth understanding and knowledge that a big brand might not be capable of delivering. It would be horrible to see the big branded companies completely dominate all the search engines...

[KBCAppStore]

Hi Matt, Great advice. I have been developing iPhone/iPad apps for more than 2 years. My biggest challenge has not been the technical aspect but the marketing aspect. Have websites for promoting/supporting the apps with minimum activity. Experimenting with YouTube and adding ad words that will grab the market's attention. Thanks and keep uploading to YouTube. It helps! KBCAppstore

[stanleycrox]

Giants not always have got a brandable domain, examples: webmaster tools, site explorer, search engine land. it seems that now is a trend to use more and more brands, as Matt have said. Let's say that using keyword in domain is a kind of "old school SEO" seonauta.com

[spookseo]

The thing with keywords on domain names especially with EMD is that you tend to be locked on a specific niche. This isn't advantageous for you in the long run since you cannot really add other niches that migh tinterest you in the future on this specific blog to make it an authority. Your site almost always ends up like a micro site.

[LondonLocks]

Keywords in a domain always help but keep it short and sweet. ;)

[effendi]

Keywords is like a brand name that make you easy to remember