EMD and partial match

[HDPHNS]

Hi guys,

let's say we are looking to become the number one authority in widgets. We therefore want to acquire the domain widgets.com for rebranding and SEO purposes. I know the upside of this in terms of SEO is getting smaller, but it's still there.

So we get a small boost when people search for "widgets", but would a domain like this also contribute to ranking for terms like "blue widgets" and "brandname widgets"? If so, would somethings like widgets.com/blue-widget.html be optimal?

Thanks!

[DavidKonigsberg]

The emd update did hurt partial matches also but as stated by Antony Wilson users do prefer them. Just make sure the emd is brandable and not spammy seo sounding.

[Ant71]

yes definitely. If a human is looking on Google and sees a widgets domain name then they know its related. If they are looking for a widget website and see pufferfish.com (i made that up) then it could be for anything (in my eyes). I find even a partial match helps from humans and Google. People keep talking about how exact match wont be so effective, but so far ive seen no evidence and its related to the product so I cant see why it would be a problem later!?!

I remember Rand did a whiteboard friday (I think) that covered domains and terms after the / but I cant see it, but im sure someone will remember it and link.