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Generic domain names = better CTR

by jasdon
6 replies
  • SEO
    • |
Study shows that generic domain names attract higher CTR;

Generic Domain Name Doubles Traffic From Pay-Per-Click Search Engine Ad Campaign
#ctr #domain #generic #generic domain names #names
  • Profile picture of the author Radix
    Originally Posted by jasdon View Post

    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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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    • Profile picture of the author jasdon
      Originally Posted by intelinside View Post

      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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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    • Profile picture of the author moneytize
      Originally Posted by Gene Pimentel View Post

      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
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