Domain Name Search - with the extension at #1, but without at #40

[stevelibby]

if i search domain.co.uk i come in 1st yet if i just search domain oi come in at 40 odd does this mean i am being penalised for something?
if so what should i do?

[tedster]

No, that is not necessarily an indication of a penalty. The fact that you come in at #1 for the full domain name is the healthy sign you are looking for. The search without the TLD shows that you're not as strong as would be best. There's a small chance that the #40 may be because of a penalty, but it is much more likely because other algorithm factors are in play. Study those who outrank you to understand better.

If you have any reason you know of that you may be penalised (intentionally not following Google's guidelines in some way), then definitely back off on whatever that is. Also, check in Webmaster Tools for clues, if you have an account.

[stevelibby]

i got told by an seo company that because i was not in 1st for domain that i was being penalised by G?

[callivert]

The more competitive the term, the harder it is to rank.
How many competitors are there for your exact domain name, including extension? None. You're it. So it's easy to rank number 1.
How many competitors are there for the phrase or phrases in your domain without the extension? It seems that there's at least 39.
This is not an unusual situation. Just signs of a regular website in a moderately competitive field.