Hi there! As you may know, the domain zones .com, .net, and .org are currently the most popular. However, it's no secret that most good options within these domains are already taken. I'm in the process of selecting a domain name for my online store and have considered using less popular domain zones like .store or .shop. One example is phones.shop.

But what about search engine optimization with these domain options? Are little known domains like this poorly indexed by search engines? Of course, there are no issues with the highly popular .com and .net domains. But I am unsure about the prospects for SEO promotion with less popular domains. Do you think it's worth buying domain names from providers who specialize in less popular domains? Though I'm not an expert, I appreciate any thoughts or advice you may have. Thanks in advance!

Search engines may not be concerned about domain zones such as shop and store, however, there could be useful SEO tools that might not work with these zones, or might not even work at all.

Furthermore, third-party domains might not pass validation on forms in many plugins for popular engines or frameworks.

It's important to consider the potential limitations of using non-traditional domain zones and how they may affect the functionality of various tools and plugins.

It varies for Google. If an uncommon domain has weak representation in the local market, it will not perform as well against similar sites on popular domains. However, there is an exception if the domain is installed on a well-established and popular site.
A domain that is too obscure may struggle to compete with more commonly used domains, while a domain that is too generic may be lost in a sea of similar sites. It is crucial to find a balance and ensure proper representation on the local market.

What search engine robots take into account:
The past of the domain plays a significant role. If the website was once employed for selling links but now cleaned up, it is challenging to rank high in the search results. A change in site topic will also reset the domain history.
Age is a vital factor; older websites are preferred by search engines compared to younger ones. Google and Yandex algorithms acknowledge websites over 1-3 years old. Newer sites have to build the confidence of search engines first.
Having the main keyword in the domain name can be advantageous. However, using a three-word or longer keyword in the name may lead to search engines flagging it for over-optimization.
It's best to avoid choosing domains from other countries, like .us or .uk, if you're promoting your website in France. Moreover, free third-level domains like .narod.biz, which contain low-quality sites, should also be avoided since search engines don't trust them.

It is crucial to understand how search engines work before registering a domain. The factors mentioned above may influence a website's position in search results.

Google, Bing, and other prominent search engines don't discriminate against these TLDs. In fact, Google's official stance is that TLDs don't affect a website's ranking. What matters most is the quality of your content, relevance to search queries, and overall user experience.

That being said, there are some nuances to consider when opting for a lesser-known TLD. For instance, some users might be less familiar with these domains, which could lead to a slight decrease in credibility or trust. However, this can be mitigated by having a strong brand identity and a professional-looking website.

Now, about the SEO prospects for these domains. In theory, a well-optimized website with high-quality content and a solid link profile can rank just as well on a .store or .shop domain as it would on a .com or .net domain. The key is to focus on creating a solid SEO foundation, including:

Keyword research and optimization
High-quality, engaging content
Mobile-friendliness and page speed optimization
Technical SEO (meta tags, header tags, etc.)
Building a strong backlink profile
That being said, it's essential to be aware of the potential drawbacks of using a lesser-known TLD. For example, some users might be more likely to typo or misremember your domain name, which could lead to lost traffic. Additionally, some older browsers or systems might not recognize these TLDs, which could result in connectivity issues.

As for buying domain names from providers who specialize in less popular domains, it's a mixed bag. On one hand, these providers often offer more affordable options and a wider range of available domain names. On the other hand, you might need to be more vigilant about ensuring the domain's legitimacy and avoiding potential scams.
While there are some considerations to keep in mind when using a lesser-known TLD, it's not necessarily a deal-breaker for SEO. Focus on building a solid online presence, and the TLD will become less of an issue. As a webmaster, I'd recommend exploring options like .store or .shop, especially if you can snag a memorable and brandable domain name.

Using less popular domains like.store or.shop is a misguided approach. While it's true that some domains may be available, it's not worth the potential risks and drawbacks. For one, search engines may not prioritize these domains, which can lead to lower visibility and decreased credibility. Additionally, many domain registrars and hosting providers may not offer the same level of support and optimization for these domains.

Using a less popular domain can also affect your website's security and stability. In short, unless you're willing to invest significant time and resources into optimizing and promoting your website, using a less popular domain like.store or.shop is not worth the risk.