.CO Domain Performance In Google

[visca]

This question didn't get any traction in the domain thread so I am reposing it in the SEO one.

Now that some of you have had your .co domains for a while, would you be willing to share any insights as to their SEO performance from a US based audience perspective.

My understanding is that Google Webmaster Tools allows regional control of the domain to allow it to be a US or global site, vs just the ".co"'s original intended geography.

What success have you had in using keyword rich .co domains in your SEO results? I would be very keen to hear feedback as we are in the process of launching a new online service that would utilize such a domain.

[tedster]

So we're not getting any traction about the .co TLD in this thread either. I wish I had something concrete to say. I do feel positive about the opening up of the .co TLD, but so far I'm not working with any.

Unless we hear from someone with practical experience, you may be our first intrepid explorer into this new land.

[HuskyPup]

The only comment I can make is that a squatter bought my company name presumably with the hope of type-in visitors, all I can say is they'll not have a very prosperous future based upon that!

Anyway I have far too many undeveloped sites that need completing before even considering any more new names.

[bwnbwn]

I think it is really to early to think some of the stronger keyword terms are ranking in that nitch. There maybe some but I haven't seen any.

I do have a really good one for my ecommerce nitch but haven't had the time to do a thing with it yet.

[cupid]

I've yet to see a .co site rank

[bwnbwn]

Me either really so I did a Google search ".co domain names" and see 1. :)

[tedster]

I did a [site:.co] search and got 53 million results. That doesn't mean they rank well - but they certainly are indexed.

[visca]

Alright, well, I'm taking the plunge and will have the new .co based site up and running late November. Talk about uncharted SEO territory.

Will let you guys know how it turns out. Fingers crossed and let the Google Gods look down kindly upon me :p

[walkman]

Ranking has to do with time/money you put in to get links, promote etc. so let's keep that in mind.

[dhaliwal]

i think .co should be allowed to be listed anywhere in GWT. However, i won't be surprised, if they lock it to Columbia only.

[walkman]

dhaliwal,
google should allow ALL .cctlds to be targeted as long as its done by the owner. They are too many .cctlds used for non-country specific sites.

[aristotle]

Why would Google treat .co domains any differently than .com and .net domains?

[maximillianos]

Why would Google treat .co domains any differently than .com and .net domains?

They don't. People do. That is why .com, .org and .net names get more links and more internet publicity, and hence why they rank better.

I guess the more accurate reply is, it depends. Google does take country extensions into account when you are doing country specific searches, or when they think you are.

But in general, people are more comfortable with the mainstream extensions.

Google does not care what your extension is. If you have great content and people link to you, you will get ranked.