Is there implicit keyword search affinity to domain names?

[Loot_Skyparker]

I'm wondering, if I have a domain name like "GreenCar.com" (I don't, but if I did), would that name in and of itself give it a special edge or advantage for showing up at the top of search results for "Green Car", or is the rank/positioning solely up to other factors like meta tags, content, backlinks, etc...?



If it does get an advantage that implies that the search engines actually parse the name and try to guess it's component keywords (and I'd imagine they'd take a hint from the meta tags to figure out how to split the words in certain cases).

[tres]

From my experience, G does give preference to domain keywords but it's not the most important factor. Content and back-links provide real context but it seems a lot easier when starting with a good domain name.

[Loot_Skyparker]

The thing is I registered a domain name that fits a keyword niche exactly. Currently it is a competitive area and various other sites are filling the results, but there is nothing about those names or URLs that seems like they should have an advantage, or would be getting backlinks substantially.

So if I taylor my content, and have a few pages that target the hell out of it, can I win out over numerous other pages that are currently filling that slot? Is it a good bet? How do I find out before I go to *too* much trouble. What are the best steps to ensure the quickest results for that?

[tres]

Yes but don't over optimize. I'd skip the adsense until the website is established. If you don't mind, PM me the name.

[Loot_Skyparker]

Why would you skip the adsense?

And by over-optimize do you mean like excessive keyword repetition and the sneaky games?
I mean I should have meta tags, and they should conform to the title, H1 tags and somewhat relate to the body, right?

Do you think the number of pages matter? Is 5 good?

[tres]

Don't keyword stuff your content. I'd skip adsense until the domain was established. G will black-list made for adsense websites. 5 pages should be good.

[copper]

Keyword/keywords within domain name is important.
I did exact test of this thing.

Domain:MindOrgasm (dot)com
Keyword:mind orgasm
My domain is shown at top 3 on Google, Yahoo and MSN

This domain do not even have full page content.
It just have very few words.
It doesn't even have correct html code.

So, only reason it's on top 3 for all three major SE is the domain name itself.
No meta tags.

[djriel]

Keywords in the domain name is what it's all about

it's not the only thing counted, you'll need some back links too ... but for sure, the domain name is heavily weighted in the equation.

You can read my report on "Bait Sites" which is basically what we're talking about here

http://baitsites.com/

[south]

Keywords in the domain name is what it's all about

Yes, or there would be no value in generic names, and most of us wouldn't be on the forum, or this forum would be pointless for that matter

Of course, optimizing, content, backlinks, meta tags, etc all add to it.

[Loot_Skyparker]

Yes, or there would be no value in generic names, and most of us wouldn't be on the forum, or this forum would be pointless for that matter

Of course, optimizing, content, backlinks, meta tags, etc all add to it.

It makes sense that it would and should work that way, but as I'm about to develop a site that has some potential based on keywords, but a fair amount of work, I wanted to just double-check that my odds of success are good. It's all for naught if I can't get the ranking in that category. But all indications are that I can.

[grace5]

Lots of backlinks pointed to a keyword .com domain will blow by 90% or more of the competition out of the way,but it depends on how tough the other 5% is.

They may be a major player with thousands of backlinks,and thousands of $$ to spent to stay on top.

[sashas]

I think its very, very important.

My Rappers.org was able to get on the first page of G within a month, and with very, very little backlinking effort.

[godolphin]

I agree with the majority here!

[uclaboyz]

I'm wondering, if I have a domain name like "GreenCar.com" (I don't, but if I did), would that name in and of itself give it a special edge or advantage for showing up at the top of search results for "Green Car", or is the rank/positioning solely up to other factors like meta tags, content, backlinks, etc...?



If it does get an advantage that implies that the search engines actually parse the name and try to guess it's component keywords (and I'd imagine they'd take a hint from the meta tags to figure out how to split the words in certain cases).

Yes, domain name plays a factor. That being said, if you don't have the keyword(s) as your domain (ie. GreenCar.com), you could still outrank GreenCar.com by scoring high on other factors (on-page, off-page factors)