Domain Name, Keyword Rich - does that help ranking?

[F_Rose]

Having your main keyword in your domain name, does that help your ranking for that particular keyword?

[tedster]

It seems to help a little bit - but how much changes all the time. I think it can also be problematic and lead to a flag for keyword stuffing, when the domain name is mentioned in the text and anchor tags a lot.

[beren]

Seems to help on MSN. A little effect in Google, maybe.

[F_Rose]

Is a branding domain more effective than mykeyword.com in a domain name?

[netmeg]

I don't know if it specifically helps in ranking, cause I don't have any domain names that *don't* have major keywords in them. I think it does help in drawing attention, because Google displays the keyword(s) in bold, even when it's part of the domain name.

[trinorthlighting]

It helps you out a lot as long as the content is applicable.

[tedster]

For me, a branded domain is the best long-term business model. There are other "seize the moment" approaches that can make good money too, but that's just not what I do. I prefer a long-term sustainable domain that builds repeat business and good "word of mouth".

One of the nice things about a branded domain is you don't bang smack into keyword stuffing issues as easily, just by mentioning the domain name too often in your copy.

[stever]

Tedster, I see this repeated time and again as if the two were exclusive. But in many cases, brand or vertical are synonymous or complementary.

To take an example, what about a hotel in Elbonia?

Who is going to get more from their domain name, all other things remaining equal?
www.elbonia-hotel.el
or
www.gourmetresidence-paradiso.el