Using prefixes as opposed to suffixes for EMDs?

RonnyRaygun · 09-03-2011, 11:27 PM

Ok, I found a keyword which I think I can rank for. I am currently looking for a domain to use for that keyword. I currently am considering the following types of options:

wwwbluewidget.com
blue-widget.com
bluewidgetx.com
bluewidgets.com

Any particular favorites amongst the SEO crowd?

dburk · 09-05-2011, 06:38 AM

Hi RonnyRaygun,

By "EMD" I assume you mean "Exact Match Domain", right? Just as that label implies, "exact match" means just that, "exact". Otherwise, it is just a domain that contains the keyword, not an "EMD". If the keyword you are targeting is two or more words then you can use hyphens between words and it is just as effective as an EMD.

It is beneficial to have the keyword in the domain, the fewer extra characters the better, and it is better to begin the domain name with the keyword (keyword+suffix). Before going with suffixes, or prefixes, consider alternative TLDs (.org, .net, .info). If alternate TLDs are not available check for variants that contain the keyword (including plurals), or with an extra word, that has decent search volume. This will help you optimize for both keywords simultaneously.

bhuff85 · 09-05-2011, 07:18 AM

I've used both prefix's and suffix's around specific keywords in some of my domains. One of them is currently ranking #1 for a keyword that gets around 40,500 exact searches per month, so going this route can be beneficial if you're not able to find another TLD for your exact keyword phrase.

The domain with your keyword in it will help, but remember other elements of both on-page and off-page SEO as well. Build a diversified link portfolio, make sure you've got top quality content and give it some time. Of course, you'll have to factor in your 1st page competition as well before you can nab that top spot.

09-05-2011, 06:38 AM	#2
dburk Senior Warrior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 4,645 Thanks: 162 Thanked 672 Times in 582 Posts Contact Info	Re: Using prefixes as opposed to suffixes for EMDs? Hi RonnyRaygun, By "EMD" I assume you mean "Exact Match Domain", right? Just as that label implies, "exact match" means just that, "exact". Otherwise, it is just a domain that contains the keyword, not an "EMD". If the keyword you are targeting is two or more words then you can use hyphens between words and it is just as effective as an EMD. It is beneficial to have the keyword in the domain, the fewer extra characters the better, and it is better to begin the domain name with the keyword (keyword+suffix). Before going with suffixes, or prefixes, consider alternative TLDs (.org, .net, .info). If alternate TLDs are not available check for variants that contain the keyword (including plurals), or with an extra word, that has decent search volume. This will help you optimize for both keywords simultaneously.
	Don Burk * Get Results - Outsource Your PPC Management * Get a Keyword Domain Name - www.SeriousNames.com

09-05-2011, 07:18 AM	#3
bhuff85 Your Next Writer War Room Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,382 Thanks: 63 Thanked 308 Times in 164 Posts Social Networking	Re: Using prefixes as opposed to suffixes for EMDs? I've used both prefix's and suffix's around specific keywords in some of my domains. One of them is currently ranking #1 for a keyword that gets around 40,500 exact searches per month, so going this route can be beneficial if you're not able to find another TLD for your exact keyword phrase. The domain with your keyword in it will help, but remember other elements of both on-page and off-page SEO as well. Build a diversified link portfolio, make sure you've got top quality content and give it some time. Of course, you'll have to factor in your 1st page competition as well before you can nab that top spot.
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09-03-2011, 11:27 PM	#1
RonnyRaygun HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: NYC Posts: 153 Thanks: 25 Thanked 21 Times in 13 Posts Contact Info	Using prefixes as opposed to suffixes for EMDs? Ok, I found a keyword which I think I can rank for. I am currently looking for a domain to use for that keyword. I currently am considering the following types of options: wwwbluewidget.com blue-widget.com bluewidgetx.com bluewidgets.com Any particular favorites amongst the SEO crowd?