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Generic Site vs. a Branded Site?

by Robscom
11 replies
I searched but didn't find this exact topic, so if there is one I missed, please point it out.

What is better, long term?

I have an idea for a niche site. Is it better to go with:

1. Keyword-rich URL (like BestWidgets.com)

or

2. a branded site (like JohnsWidgetWorld.com)?

Or does it even matter?
#branded #generic #niche #site
  • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
    EMD's no longer hold the strength they used to.

    I say go branding with a keyword mixed in.
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    "May I have ten thousand marbles, please?"

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    • Profile picture of the author Robscom
      Originally Posted by Jill Carpenter View Post

      EMD's no longer hold the strength they used to.

      I say go branding with a keyword mixed in.
      Thank you. (I have no idea what an EMD is, but I'm assuming that relates to Option #1. LOL)

      edited to add: I found out what EMD means.
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      "Do. Or do not. There is no 'try.'" -- Yoda
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      • Profile picture of the author Ralph83
        Originally Posted by Robscom View Post

        I have no idea what an EMD is...
        edited to add: I found out what EMD means.
        For the sake of future reference:

        EMD = Exact Match Domain

        In my experience EMD's lost their advantage (pretty much instantaneous and easy high ranking in the SERPs) years ago. So I'd go for the branding + keyword combo too. As it enables you to build an actual brand... which nowadays has more value than a keyword-rich domain.
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    • Profile picture of the author Hunter MI
      I agree with everyone else, using the branded site URL is that better choice.
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  • Profile picture of the author discrat
    Back in the day MFA ( made for Adsense) Sites were all the rave. Stuffing as much KYs as you could. Anymore long term with Branding is the way you should go.

    Definitely !!


    - Robert Andrew
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  • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
    A keyword-rich name and a brandable name aren't mutually exclusive. It's possible to come up with a name that serves both purposes.

    Also bear in mind that if you choose a name that's personal to you (such as your example in option 2) that might become an issue if/when you decide to sell the site.

    But all things being equal, I'd go for an obviously brandable name.
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  • Profile picture of the author trobo
    Yeah, as everyone else said, branding is the way to go.

    If you are able to put a keyword in your domain, that's great, but it's much more important to build brand awareness so you can build authority.

    If you've done a good job, people will begin to think of your site as the "go to" place to get the info they're looking for.
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Hi Rob,

    Depends what you're clear on.

    Both can succeed but for me, when I went branded, my site grew fast.

    Think of memorable websites; sure if they serve a purpose or solve a prob they stick out for the short and long haul.

    But if they are branded skillfully you'll remember them forever.

    I intend to make a powerful impact on my blog. When ya visit, you'll step inside the tropics, into a Blogging From Paradise brand.

    I intend for you to experience a fun, freeing feeling. Not like just visiting a website. More like, coming to Fiji or Bali with me.

    Brands make you remember them, because you see and feel the brand standing out.

    I'd go for the branded site RC.

    Signing off from sunny NYC.

    Ryan
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    Ryan Biddulph helps you to be a successful blogger with his courses, manuals and blog at Blogging From Paradise
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    • Profile picture of the author Robscom
      Thanks for all the advice!

      Originally Posted by ryanbiddulph View Post

      Hi Rob,

      Depends what you're clear on.

      Both can succeed but for me, when I went branded, my site grew fast.

      Think of memorable websites; sure if they serve a purpose or solve a prob they stick out for the short and long haul.

      But if they are branded skillfully you'll remember them forever.

      I intend to make a powerful impact on my blog. When ya visit, you'll step inside the tropics, into a Blogging From Paradise brand.

      I intend for you to experience a fun, freeing feeling. Not like just visiting a website. More like, coming to Fiji or Bali with me.

      Brands make you remember them, because you see and feel the brand standing out.

      I'd go for the branded site RC.

      Signing off from sunny NYC.

      Ryan
      Holy cow! Your site is amazing, and I really can feel the "personality" of it. It's an awesome example, thank you.
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      "Do. Or do not. There is no 'try.'" -- Yoda
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  • Profile picture of the author jazbo
    Always build a brand if you want to make a business of it.
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    CONTENT WRITER. Reliable, UK-Based, 6 Years Experience - ANY NICHE
    Click Here For Writing Samples & Online Ordering
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  • Profile picture of the author chrisjohn93
    EMD's no longer hold the strength they used to. Read Google's Update about EMD's, It will be better you add your keyword in your url or domain name..
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