What is better for SEO: .com or country domain?

by Tom E
13 replies
  • SEO
  • |
I'm setting up a web-site for a high-search, low-competition keyword in Denmark. The top level domain name for the exact keyword is available. Am I better off making this domain a .com, or a .dk (which is what most people use in Denmark). Both are available. Which one will Google give me the best ranking for?

Example: I'm in Denmark and the keyword is "applesauce"

Do I get applesauce.com or will Google favor applesauce.dk better?

Any input is appreciated!
#country #domain #seo
  • Profile picture of the author Revolves
    If your target audience is from Denmark then the .dk extension should do fine. However, a .com will have no difficulties ranking. If you use google webmaster tools you can specify which country you want to target.

    Get a .com will be my suggestion.

    Revolves
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  • Profile picture of the author lockwood77
    Hmm, recent changes to Google's algorithm have let a slew of .coms into country-specific results, but even so, if you're only targeting the one country, I would go for that country's domain. Also remember to make sure it is hosted in the target country, the IP address of the server is one of the main ways Google knows where the site is aimed at!

    The Webmaster Tools setting generally doesn't seem to have much effect.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tom E
      Originally Posted by lockwood77 View Post

      Hmm, recent changes to Google's algorithm have let a slew of .coms into country-specific results, but even so, if you're only targeting the one country, I would go for that country's domain. Also remember to make sure it is hosted in the target country, the IP address of the server is one of the main ways Google knows where the site is aimed at!

      The Webmaster Tools setting generally doesn't seem to have much effect.
      Well, it's hosted in the US...should I still go for the country domain in that case?
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  • Profile picture of the author TomBond
    Get a .com and use Webmaster Toolkit to tell Google your targeting Denmark
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    • Profile picture of the author lockwood77
      Originally Posted by distinctly_digital View Post

      Get a .com and use Webmaster Toolkit to tell Google your targeting Denmark
      That'll work if the site is hosted in Denmark, but I've seen examples in the UK where it has no effect whatsoever because the site is hosted abroad. You can't rely on GWT for geo-targeting.
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  • Profile picture of the author untreatableonline
    I have always stuck with the .com as it tends to be the most universally accepted although if I could target a specific country and all of the SEO leads to that particular part of the world maybe their would be a benefit to using a specific country ender
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  • Profile picture of the author health259
    for getting ranking in your country then country domain is good choice but i prefer .com domain its best
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  • Profile picture of the author worcaz
    yes, prefer with .com
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  • Profile picture of the author oleic23
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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  • Profile picture of the author Solidsnake
    Banned
    Go with country's domain...

    I am always outranked by .ph domains...
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  • Profile picture of the author David Ogden
    I live in Malaysia but prefer to use .com rather .my and still rank well in county specific searches above other .my sites, I also host in USA as servers are more reliable.
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    David Ogden an Entrepreneur at Markethive which uses a suite of free marketing tools to promote his opportunity. Contact:- Telegram @davidogden

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  • Profile picture of the author Solidsnake
    Banned
    if you are targetting google result it is necessary to use dk domain...

    Because google in your country automatically turn to google.dk and local websites are always in priority...

    I have a very competitive keyword and is ranking 3rd on international search but ranking in 15 on local search.. and I am using .com..
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