Keywords in Your Domain Name

Although by itself not a real important factor, Google currently does look to see if your keywords are used in the actual domain name of your site.

Given that you can register domain names for as cheap as $6.95 per year (see Hostway.com for details), it might make sense to register your Primary Keyword Phrase for use as the domain name of your website. If the .com version of a domain name is taken, try the .net version or the .cc version. It doesn’t matter to Google.

When registering a domain name, separate each word in the domain name with a hyphen, otherwise Google will not be able to recognize the phrase and will think it is a single (usually nonexistent) word. Here is the correct format to use for domain names:

http://www.primary-keyword-phrase.com

As a general rule of thumb, don’t use more than two hyphens, it looks spammy and Google may take a closer look at your site for other possible issues.

Note: Don’t go overboard with this – by itself, it is not an important factor. There IS something to be said about having a branded, easily recognizable name that coincides with your business name however. This is more of a suggestion to include a keyword or two in your branded domain name. For example, if your business name is Blue Moose Web, register and use

www.bluemoose-web-design.com

instead of www.best-web-design.com.