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The URL itself (including just the doamin name) has little value unless this is how searchers actually look for you (e.g. amazon.com or IBM.com). If the branding value is there then the domain name in the link anchor text has much value.
In most case though, the search is not directly associated with a specific domain name (hence the rise of keyword rich domains) allowing the limited weight associated with URL to be superimposed onto the link and anchor text "weight and providing an extra boost".
The inherent disadvantage of "keyword" rich domain names is that they are unlikely to ever become a "brand name" with much brand recognition. like -- e.g. amazon.com or IBM.com)
They (the web site owner) will always be stuck looking for the first time SE visitor, and never reaping the rewards of return visitors and return customers. (too difficult to remember).
The other way of looking at this is "the more text in the link anchor text" the less power it has.
So... keyword or keyphrase plus domain name equals less weight for each individual text piece by searched query... unless the search query is actually "keyword or keyphrase plus domain name"
Ok. While working on my link building campaign, sometimes webmasters request me to change their description or the url of their link in my site. If it goes within the protocols of my site, I make adjustments.
Recently someone requested me to include his url within the link text. Example:
"Example Web Designs - www.examplewebdesigns.com"
(this is just an example url)
He requested me to make the entire text within quotes a hyperlink to his site. He told me url within the link text helps in SEO and asked my opinion.
My personal opinion is that it won't help but won't harm as well. So it is upto a person whether he keeps or not.
Please let me have your opinion.
[edited by: Marcia at 8:08 am (utc) on Oct. 26, 2002]
[edited by: engine at 8:09 am (utc) on Oct. 26, 2002]
[edit reason] example URL correction [/edit]
Rubbish!
[added]
"Example Web Designs - www.examplewebdesigns.com" [examplewebdesigns.com]
The only real value here is giving more weight to "Example Web Designs - www.examplewebdesigns.com" if ever typed in as a query.
Example Web Designs delutes www.examplewebdesigns.com and www.examplewebdesigns.com delutes Example Web Designs so that the link is less relevant if only part of the link is used as a query.[/added]
[edited by: fathom at 9:46 am (utc) on Oct. 26, 2002]
"They (the web site owner) will always be stuck looking for the first time SE visitor, and never reaping the rewards of return visitors and return customers. (too difficult to remember). "
Allways?
"Nicewidgets.com" can be easier to remember than "Isobeltracker.com" (made up name). So if you also have "nice-widgets.com" you get plenty of advantages.
I think achieving 'branding' is a fantasy for many sites, most people 'search'. If you get most of your referals from direct requests, then you are not getting it right on the search engines!...... unless you are a household name of course.
Re: keyword domain......
"They (the web site owner) will always be stuck looking for the first time SE visitor, and never reaping the rewards of return visitors and return customers. (too difficult to remember). "Allways?
"Nicewidgets.com" can be easier to remember than "Isobeltracker.com" (made up name). So if you also have "nice-widgets.com" you get plenty of advantages.
I should sometimes be more precise. If you have both Nicewidgets.com and nice-widgets.com then I would tend to think no problem. It is when you have nice-widgets.com (hyphenated) without the other that online users think they remember your domain but don't -- and then go to your competitor (who doesn't have the hyphen).
I think achieving 'branding' is a fantasy for many sites, most people 'search'. If you get most of your referals from direct requests, then you are not getting it right on the search engines!...... unless you are a household name of course.
No fantasy here... Normally when I start with a new client they tend to say "we're at #1" .... come to pass they are; for their precise domain name.
Becoming synonymous with a specific topic isn't that difficult. But you do need to establish "precisely" what you want to be known for and stick with it.
It all comes down to return customers/visitors and their satisfaction.
Excluding the dot.bomb's most major corporations that you can rythme off the top of your head... all started with nothing more than what you and I have and a belief.
Brand doesn't need alot of money, it's a perspective.