Exact match domain experiment

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I recently did an experiment with one of my keywords in that I started the first site using the exact match 3 word keyword (.org) and then 1.5 months later I started another started with same keyword + another word (.com this time) in the domain. I built both sites in the exact same way using the same on page SEO and off-page SEO (same number of backlinks, from same sites, # of articles submitted, etc.).

This keyword has a 6000/mo search volume according to GAKT.

The first site (.org) started on page 10 for first week, moved to page 2 by second week, and by end of 3rd week it was on page 1. Right now it is ranking #3. This site has been up for 5 months now.

The second site has been up for 3 months now and it made it to page 4 (within the first few weeks), but now has slipped back to page 7. It never made it to page 1. It's been hovering between pages 7-10 now for the last 1 month or so.

So I'm thinking that exact match keyword domain is the factor here in ranking me for my first site since both sites have same on-page or off-SEO page.

What do you guys think?
#search engine optimization #domain #exact #experiment #match
  • I've seen "keyword domains" rank on just having the keyword in the domain alone and no pages. Once I forgot to upload a site and it ranked on Google for a short time, it was on the second page by the time I remembered. It had absolutely no pages as I was waiting for it to propagate. Another person's site did the same thing and was on Google's 1'st page for at least 3 months, just a blank domain, I posted the link in another forum.

    Yes it's a very valid technique, but it works for the keyword you're targeting (in the domain) and not the entire site. It seems to work well on minisites. Numerous IM courses uses this technique.
  • You're right on. The exact phrase domain in my opinion is the biggest factor to consider before starting a niche site.
    • [1] reply
    • Domain has zero, zip, zilch to do with whether you can take a niche
      to the top. Each and every time I reply to these threads, I will come
      up with a new example. Bottom line, you can rank for ANYTHING
      using ANY domain you wish! In fact, I'd bet the catchier domain,
      the better.

      So, here goes this example:

      Question, what keyword do the following domains appear on the first
      page of google for?

      fxcm.com (#2 actually)
      fxclub.com
      babypips.com
      dailyfx.com

      In fact, that babypips.com ranks across the board for the niche.
      The keyword? Forex. Oh one could argue fx is short for forex,
      but do a search for fx. You get the fox network, FX.

      Now, do a search for forex exchange, and what is #1?
      (quotes or not quotes)
      fxstreet.com

      Notice how neither "forex" or "exchange" is NOT in the domain?

      Once again, I guess they did not get the memo on that domain
      thing.

      Pick whatever domain looks cool and run with it.

      Paul





      Paul
      • [3] replies
  • Bingo!

    If there is a "secret" weapon in this game, EMD is a bunker busting bomb...
    • [1] reply

    • What is EMD?
      • [1] reply
  • I've got a few exact match .orgs on the first page of google right now that i have posted zero content to. The only thing on there is the skeleton and typical site pages (contact, about, etc). I've got another sitting at #3 with only a 300 word post. This site is an exact match .org. I haven't done any back linking to these domains at all.

    Anyone who tells you that it doesn't matter is providing misinformation. For micro niches it can be argued that an exact match domain is one of the most important factors get getting an initial high rank.

    The argument above saying that EMD doesn't matter uses Forex for its argument. It is my understanding that this is one of the most competitive niches, and could hardly be considered a micro niche.
  • It's a technique that appears to have a lot of impact for micro niches, as in ones that would be easy to rank for regardless, but for competitive terms, it has very little comparative significance.
    • [2] replies
    • That's an interesting experiment. I've always believed having exact match keyword in your domain is key to good search engine ranking but more so for micro niche sites as I'm seeing that too for my new niche sites. It would be interesting to know the strength of competition for this keyword too if you have it. It's the first time someone actually experimented it so thanks for sharing your test results.
      • [1] reply
    • Yes, very true, even if you want to build authority sites, the domain still plays some advantages here...

      Other factors like:

      1. Title
      2. content
      3. page name
      4. bolding the font

      All these add up to some boost for your site. The main factor is still backlinks.
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    Exact match domain experiment

    I recently did an experiment with one of my keywords in that I started the first site using the exact match 3 word keyword (.org) and then 1.5 months later I started another started with same keyword + another word (.com this time) in the domain. I built both sites in the exact same way using the same on page SEO and off-page SEO (same number of backlinks, from same sites, # of articles submitted, etc.). This keyword has a 6000/mo search volume according to GAKT.