I was accused.
And, I am guilty.
The question is, what am I guilty of?
I’m guilty of choosing a domain name. I know, that’s nothing big. There isn’t a site on the Web that didn’t have to do the same thing.
The difference between me and them is the amount of words within the URL. In total, there are 6 words, which makes my domain name a very long one.
Why Opt into A Long Domain Name?
Well, the reason certainly isn’t so that I can rank better on the search engines.
Google no longer pays attention to the long domain name strategy. At one time this would have been an excellent strategy for rankings but not today.
It should be noted that when I selected the domain name that I have, I did so at least in part for the pure sake of a challenge. I wanted to prove that Google still ranks long domain name properties. And guess what, I’m right.
But that is hardly reason to choose a long domain name.
Live Thesis Statements
One of the first reasons I proceed per an unusual process with my domain name choice is because it gives viewers the ability to know what the site is about even before they ever visit.
This lets them know if my content will be of interest to them.
Knowing what my site is about before they ever arrive cuts down on the percentage of “just looking” type traffic while being laser targeted for success with securing the right audience.
That in turn decreases bounce rate (good) and increases time on site (great).
Google Search Results
Another psychologically focused reason for a long domain name is that it stands out on search engine results.
I love catching people’s eyes in unexpected ways and building synergy around the moment.
This is the stuff that increased site traffic is made of. That is the case if your audience realizes that you are not simply trying to cram a sale down their throat.
However, they will never know you unless you find ways to stand out in positive ways.
Upsetting Google Algorithm’s
It should be noted that this process does fight a bit of an uphill battle.
Google did at one time factor the domain name into your keyword ranking strategy. Not, any more.
Today, having keywords in you’re a URL is a likely strategy for not gaining the rankings in organic search results that you desire.
So why would I play such a card?
Aren’t I hurting my own chance of success that way?
Strategical Branding
Yes, that would be the case if all I did was build a Website with a long keyword phrase and expect Google to reward me nicely.
It simply won’t happen.
Unless, you build the keyword into a branding strategy.
Are your social media properties setup with the same domain name where possible?
Do you have classified ads and social bookmarking sites with the same name?
Once Google realizes that you aren’t trying to game the system, they will respond accordingly by allowing you the ability to take the rankings you deserve within their search engine.
A Secret That Still Works Today
If you want to put a memorable domain name on a business card or share it as part of a complete strategy, then consider this option.
Build your actual domain name with the long name. This will be what shows up in search and amongst other places on the Web.
Purchase a secondary domain which is much shorter and catchy. This can be put on business cards and shared in public gatherings.
Redirect the shorter domain to the longer one. You now have the best of both worlds.
There is a likely possibility that doing things this way could cause rankings to struggle a bit, so you need to know that this is the best plan for you before implementing.
Concluding Thoughts About Long Domain Names
As you can see, there are some seriously good reasons to have a long domain name. Just remember that you need to take a bit of time to convince Google that you are real deal and not simply trying to follow an old keyword optimization strategy.
What is your favorite domain name that you have ever had? Why was it your favorite?
What is the word experience that you have ever had with domain name? What happened?
If you could choose any domain name (no matter if already taken) what would it be?
Leave your thoughts, comments and questions in the comments below and let’s take are understanding of domain name selections to an entirely new level.
Guy Siverson
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