Keyword Formatting for URL

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I just bought a partial match domain that I plan on developing into an authority site and was wondering about keywords and URL formats.

Prob overanalyzing a bit here, but has anyone noticed a disconnect between the keywords before the domain suffix and the keywords afterward?

For example, which of the following URL formats would rank better for the search term 'car insurance for gorillas', assuming they were the only ranking factors in play?

carinsurancefor.com/gorillas/

vs.

carinsurancefor.com/car-insurance-for-gorillas/

The focus niche keyword phrases all have the same three words as a prefix ([blank] [blank] for), with a good number of topics for the fourth word, so I registered a domain with just blank blank for before the suffix, and I plan on targeting a page for each topic.
#search engine optimization #formatting #keyword #url
  • Your best option is to get the exact keyword in the domain, but if that is impossible, I believe an exact match of the blog post url will be much more effective.
  • I think you're better off focusing your attention on things that matter way more than the specific keyword phrases in the URL. Like the quality of your content or the backlink strategy.

    IMO the words in your URL count for a fraction of a percent of what actually makes a difference.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • Interesting,

      In my experience, the domain name rules, so having your main keyword in domain is more important than content to start, but of course, content has to be solid if you want any chance of getting on top of search engines. Then comes aging, new sites are not going to get on top as easily as we would all like, it takes a balanced approach, no one thing is magic.

      Success to all,
      • [1] reply
  • I think that good, relavent content, a good product and fantastic service outweighs doamin names every time. The shorter the domain name the better. Long domains are easily miss spelled and harder to remember. Try a catchy name or something funny people will remember. ApeInc.com, SafeMunk.com, ect...
    • [1] reply
    • Thanks for the replies, but you guys kinda sound like Matt Cutts. :rolleyes: I know the effect formatting and placement of keywords in the URL is largely overshadowed by good content and other ranking factors, but if there is a tangible benefit to doing it one way or the other it's worth it. It takes about two seconds.

      Does anyone here have first-hand experience in whether formatting the domain as follows: keyword1keyword2keyword3.com/keyword4 will give a boost in rankings for the search term 'keyword1 keyword2 keyword3 keyword4' similar to the effect of an exact match domain, or should I just go with domain.com/keyword1-keyword2-keyword3-keyword4/
  • Go for the latter. I have had success ranking sites with the exact match keyword after the main url
  • If you have the keyword in the URL you're already ahead of the game. The second example you gave is a bit spammy. You're better off going with what looks natural and makes the most sense. Don't try and stuff as many keywords as you can in the URL - go with the 1st option. Everyone was beating around the bush with their answers so there you go.
    • [1] reply
    • That's what I was leaning toward. Thanks.
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    Keyword Formatting for URL

    I just bought a partial match domain that I plan on developing into an authority site and was wondering about keywords and URL formats. Prob overanalyzing a bit here, but has anyone noticed a disconnect between the keywords before the domain suffix and the keywords afterward?