Is a micro site the way to go?

[mblsolutions]

Hello, a client has asked us today to quote for how much it would cost them to get a micro site built. A Google employee has told them that because their current URL doesn't include .co.uk or.com it is simply: brandname.word that it will be harder for them to get their website to rank.

My understanding is that micro sites aren't a good solution for any problem as Google doesn't like them. Would it be better for them to buy a .co.uk (they are a UK company) url and then redirect the url to their current website or is there a better solution?

Many thanks

[StelinSEO]

You shouldn't have an issue with the TLD.

Ensure that their Webmaster Tools is set to the UK, not Worldwide (Search Traffic > International Targeting > Country tab), NAP (name, address, phone number) are on every page (pref in the header) and get directories or links that are in the UK built to the site.

You can use Majestic's topical trust flow to find sites that have Regional relevance to the UK if you're outreaching to sites, or scrape a competitors backlink profile.

Feel free to Tweet me at @StelinSEO if you have any further issues

Stel

[max.favilli]

Matt Cutts repeatedly said many ccTLD are recognized by google algo as a country specific signal, while few ccTLD and generic TLD are just... generic and treat as such.

I don't think the TLD of your customer is the real issue.