SEO benefit of including keywords in your domain name

SEO benefit of including keywords in your domain name
Photo by Justin Morgan / Unsplash

In the good ol' days, SEO was as simple as registering the perfect keyword-filled domain name and letting the traffic flood in.

Today, including keywords in your domain name can have some SEO benefits, but their impact has diminished over time due mostly to Google’s algorithm updates.

Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and drawbacks:


✅ Potential SEO Benefits of Keywords in Domain Names

  1. Slight Ranking Boost for Relevant Searches
    • Having a keyword in your domain may help Google understand what your site is about.
    • Example: A domain like SydneyPlumbers.com.au might perform slightly better for searches related to "plumbers in Sydney."
    • However, if the search engines are dependent on your domain name for working this out, your content probably needs looking at!
  2. Higher Click-Through Rates (CTR) in Search Results
    • Users searching for a service might click on a domain with matching keywords because it looks more relevant.
    • Example: MelbourneElectricians.com.au might get a higher CTR than a generic, non-geographic brand like ZentixServices.com.
    • Note that CTR has never been confirmed by Google as a ranking factor for SEO.
  3. Easier Backlink Acquisition
    • Some websites might be more inclined to link to a domain that clearly describes its service.
    • Example: If a home improvement blog is linking to a local plumber, they might prefer linking to PlumbingExperts.com.au over a less descriptive name.

❌ Reasons Why Keywords in Domains Have Less SEO Impact Today

  1. Exact Match Domains (EMDs) No Longer Provide a Strong Ranking Boost
    • In the past, "Exact Match Domains" (EMDs) (e.g., BestCarLoans.com) had a huge SEO advantage.
    • Google reduced their influence in its EMD Update (2012) to prevent spammy keyword-stuffed domains from ranking unfairly.
  2. Branding Matters More for SEO & Trust
    • Google prioritizes brands over generic keyword domains.
    • A strong brand name (e.g., Tesla.com) can outperform a keyword-based domain (e.g., BestElectricCars.com).
    • Short, unique domains are considered more memorable and credible (and are therefore more valuable).
  3. Overuse Can Look Spammy
    • Google may flag low-quality, keyword-heavy domains as spammy (e.g., BuyCheapShoesOnline.com).
    • Many users associate keyword-stuffed domains with low-trust websites.

🔹 Best Practices: When to Use Keywords in Domains

✅ Mix a Brand Name with Keywords (Best for Local Businesses)

  • Example: Instead of PlumberSydney.com, use FlowFixPlumbing.com.au.
  • This keeps it brandable while still hinting at the service.

Use Keywords If They Naturally Fit

  • If the keyword is a natural part of your business name, it makes sense to include it.
  • Example: GreenEnergySolutions.com.au is good, but BestGreenEnergySolarPanelsAustralia.com is overkill.

Prioritize Branding if Expanding Long-Term

  • If you plan to expand services in the future, a keyword-based domain could be limiting.
  • Example: MelbournePlumbers.com.au won’t work well if you expand to Sydney.

🔹 Final Verdict: Should You Include Keywords in Your Domain Name?

  • 👍 Good Idea: If it naturally fits & supports branding (FlowFixPlumbing.com.au).
  • ⚠️ Avoid: If it's too generic, long, or spammy (BestCheapCarLoansSydney.com.au).
  • ✅ Branding Wins in the Long Run: A strong brand with great content & backlinks will always outrank a weak keyword-stuffed domain.

💡 Best strategy: Balance branding + relevance while keeping your domain short, memorable, and professional.

The experts at DOMAINSAFE have over 20 years experience helping Australian businesses find the perfect domain names. Let us know if we can help you! 🚀