Exact match .ORG/.INFO vs. all query terms .COM - proof?
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Hello world
I have searched among tons of quality articles here on forums, but surprisingly I haven't found topic that goes into the deep water when it comes to a specific KW rich domain problem.
Let me first state that I'm mainly based this topic on the information found in following blog posts by randfish (that guru with the beard).
http://www.seomoz.org/blog/exact-match-domains-are-far-too-powerful-is-their-time-limited
and
http://www.seomoz.org/blog/google-vs-bing-correlation-analysis-of-ranking-elements
My questions is only related to RANKING aspect of the domains - NOT how is sounds, smell or dance.
As all good simple .COM KW domain combinations are already taken, only thing that is left is to be a bit creative using non .COMs exact match, hyphens .COM exact match, all query terms .COM with a letter or word added etc.
QUESTION and case study
I found a good keyword phrase, let us called it 'super domain' with low competition & high monthly searches and great revenue possibilities.
Naturally, first step is to acquire a exact match .COM domain (EMD).
But, of course, that is not possible because 'superdomain.com' and super-domain.com has already been taken by some greedy domain broker waiting someone to pay $1.000.000 for it. Not an option.
What options do I got?
OPT1) superdomainA.COM (keyword phrase with added 'A' at the end)
OR
OPT2) superdomain.ORG/NET/INFO (keyword phrase on non .COM TLD)
I couldn't find any studies with test and clear results regarding this subject.
This is VERY important because, regarding to the links I posted, there is a 0.10 better correlation if choosing OPT1) superdomainA.COM, even if using exact match domain OPT2) superdomain.ORG/NET.
But they haven't been cross tested in that results in the same post. So it's big '?' sign to me.
As SEO market is getting more and more competitive, it is important to not leave anything to chance. I would appreciate if randfish, or anybody else could give some inputs about this.
Thanks in advance!
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i'd agree with Klarke, the first choice should be .com because people just assume that extension with domain names so you might miss out on traffic If the domain is not available, then you can choose either the .net or .org .
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Hello,
Thanks for your response. This is a bit controversial, as many research shows that choosing 'correct' key phrase TLD will have significant impact on ranking.
But imagine scenario where even OPT2 can only be achieved with hyphens!?
Do you still recommend using OPT2 in such case?
Please let me know.
Thanks.
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It really does not matter. But if given the choice, I would go with either the .net or .org. And keep an eye on the .com in case it drops.
Or better yet, I'd try to pick a brandable domain where I can register all the TLDs to secure it. Having all the keywords in your domain isn't worth much these days. Once users start to associate your unique name to "super domain", the benefits will be multi-fold.
I would avoid the .info and the OPT1 for the same reason. Marketers abuse them.
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