Generic domain names = better CTR

[jasdon]

Study shows that generic domain names attract higher CTR;

Generic Domain Name Doubles Traffic From Pay-Per-Click Search Engine Ad Campaign

[Radix]

Originally Posted by jasdon

Study shows that generic domain names attract higher CTR;

Generic Domain Name Doubles Traffic From Pay-Per-Click Search Engine Ad Campaign

I've seen this go both ways, but it just doesn't make sense unless your content is really broad. Someone coming to a site for cotton ball reviews probably isn't looking for a Mesothelioma lawyer yet I have seen that precise combo before.

I'd think ad placement has a huge roll in this as well.

[imventures]

The article itself gives some reason why generic domain names attract better CTR - the domain name matching the keyword and bolding of the url which will attract the eye.

[intelinside]

Yes, it does help but content is equally important.

Generic domains can be misleading at times. It is important for you to judge the intention of the visitor coming to your page using a particular keyword. If you are able to do that then you stand with a better chance to increase your CTR.

For example, take a keyword 'digitalcameras'. This keyword can have multiple intentions from user point of view.

1. Is s/he looking to buy a digital camera
2. Is s/he looking for general digital camera guide
3. Is s/he looking to sell digital camera online
4. Is s/he looking to compare different digital cameras available
etc

This goes on to suggest that the more generic keyword you have, the more difficult is to judge the intention of the visitor.

This thing is pretty much aligned with Adsense Ads because the Ads are served the same way.

That is, if your site is about selling digital cameras, Adsense will display ads of similar niche but that might not improve your CTR and it also pays less on each click.

So, the essence is, Generic domains are NOT a sure shot to better CTR. But, this is my personal opinion.

[jasdon]

Originally Posted by intelinside

Yes, it does help but content is equally important.

Generic domains can be misleading at times. It is important for you to judge the intention of the visitor coming to your page using a particular keyword. If you are able to do that then you stand with a better chance to increase your CTR.

For example, take a keyword 'digitalcameras'. This keyword can have multiple intentions from user point of view.

1. Is s/he looking to buy a digital camera
2. Is s/he looking for general digital camera guide
3. Is s/he looking to sell digital camera online
4. Is s/he looking to compare different digital cameras available
etc

This goes on to suggest that the more generic keyword you have, the more difficult is to judge the intention of the visitor.

This thing is pretty much aligned with Adsense Ads because the Ads are served the same way.

That is, if your site is about selling digital cameras, Adsense will display ads of similar niche but that might not improve your CTR and it also pays less on each click.

So, the essence is, Generic domains are NOT a sure shot to better CTR. But, this is my personal opinion.

The point of this research, was to find whether a targeted generic domain would attract a higher ctr when using say, Adwords, to drive traffic, compared to a lesser quality domain. Nothing to do with ctr once on the site.

If you get a higher ctr with Adwords, it can lead to a better qs, and lower cpc.

[Gene Pimentel]

great domain + poor content = bad results
poor domain + great content = great results
great domain + great content = woohoo!

Very broad and general formula, but usually accurate.

[moneytize]

Originally Posted by Gene Pimentel

great domain + poor content = bad results
poor domain + great content = great results
great domain + great content = woohoo!

Very broad and general formula, but usually accurate.

exactly.

heres a link to the actual report:
memorabledomains(dot)co(dot)uk/ppcanalysis(dot)pdf