Greetings.

I would like to inquire whether having keywords in the domain name affects a website's search engine ranking when the language of the query matches that of the website. Do these keywords only serve to enhance the readability and memorability of the domain name, or do they actually contribute to the website's position in the search results?

I appreciate any detailed responses you may have on the subject.

Having a short and memorable domain name is visually appealing and easier to recall, but it does not necessarily influence a website's ranking. An example of this can be seen with Puzata Hata, who started with a non-thematic domain name and only changed it once they had established their website's potential through indexing and maintenance of its content.

Thus, the length and sound of a domain name is more of a personal preference rather than a contributing factor to a website's success. It's akin to having a flashy car with beautiful numbers - it may make an impression, but it doesn't necessarily guarantee success.

From the perspective of many years of observation and experimentation, I believe that the content of the domain name is what truly matters in terms of website promotion, regardless of its length or use of hyphens.

Although no official confirmation has been given by Google or other search engines, it has been observed that having a keyword in the website's name can positively impact its SEO and ranking. An example of this is seen with doors.nyc, where the name directly reflects what the company sells and its location. However, it's important to avoid creating spammy domain names like buy-doors.nyc, which can lead to sanctions and exclusion from search results.

Having a search query in the website's address indicates the relevance of its content, which can increase its chances of appearing in the top 10 search results for low-competition queries. To further enhance the influence of the domain name on website promotion, it's recommended to include relevant keywords and phrases in the pages being promoted.

It's worth noting that while having a keyword in the domain name can be beneficial, it's not the only factor that determines a website's success. Quality content, backlinks, user experience, and other factors also play important roles in SEO and ranking.

Having keywords in the domain name can have some impact on a website's search engine ranking, but it is just one of many factors that search engines consider. In the past, having exact match keywords in the domain name tended to have a stronger influence on search rankings. However, search engines have evolved and now prioritize the overall relevance, quality, and authority of a website's content.

Having keywords in the domain name can still provide a slight advantage, especially when the language of the query matches that of the website. It can help search engines understand the topic or theme of the website more easily. Additionally, if the keywords in the domain name are relevant and aligned with the content on the website, it may make it easier for users to remember and find the site.

However, it's important to note that simply having keywords in the domain name is not enough. The overall quality and relevance of the content on the website, along with other SEO factors, such as backlinks, user experience, and site speed, play crucial roles in determining the position of a website in search results.

impact of keywords in domain names on search engine rankings:

1. Relevance and User Intent: When the language of a user's search query matches the domain name, it can signal to search engines that the website is highly relevant to that specific query. This alignment between the search query and the domain name can potentially help improve the website's visibility in search results.

2. Click-Through Rates: Having keywords in the domain name can also influence click-through rates (CTR) from search engine results pages (SERPs). Users may be more likely to click on a domain name that includes the keywords they searched for, as it appears to be more relevant to their query. Higher CTR signals to search engines that the website is providing valuable content, which can positively impact its search engine ranking.

3. Anchor Text: When other websites link to your site, they often use anchor text (the visible, clickable text in a hyperlink). Having keywords in the domain name makes it more likely that other websites will naturally include those keywords in the anchor text when linking to your site. This can enhance your site's visibility and relevance in search results.

4. Branding and Memorability: Keywords in a domain name can also make it easier for users to remember and understand what the website is about. This can lead to increased direct traffic and repeat visitors, which can indirectly influence search engine ranking. Additionally, having keywords in the domain name can contribute to brand building if it aligns well with the overall branding strategy of the website.

It's important to note that while having keywords in the domain name can provide certain advantages, it is not a guarantee of high search engine rankings. The overall quality, relevance, and popularity of the website's content, along with other SEO factors, remain fundamental for achieving and maintaining a strong search engine position.