Forum Moderators: martinibuster
Is there a noticeable difference in CTR for websites that match keyword domains with domain specific content when compared to your sites that don't have the added benefit of a keyword or "filtering" domain?
Do you get a better CTR or show evidence of any smart pricing benefit based upon a perceived or measured boost from your "better domain" addresses?
In my case, at the moment, the vast majority of my domains are parked with a PPC "landing page" service. When someone types in the domain a 1 or 2 tier landing page system is launched with those 2 pages offering domain specific links. The PPC service offers an interface that enables me to "optimize" the landing pages.
Optimization means that instead of launching a "generic links" landing page (all topics links) I can have their ad server produce pages that have upwards of 21 domain specific links, with generic links at the bottom of the landing page. Thus, if the domain is GreenWidgets.tld the landing page will have links at the top for "Buy Green Widgets", "Green Widget Manufacturer", "Wholesale Green Widgets", etc. In a 2-tier system clicking on the Widget Manufacturer link on the initial landing page will take the visitor to a second page populated with links to Widget Manufacturers websites.
Some of the domains yield CTRs in excess of 50%. Why?
Short version: People who engage in direct navigation are often quite focused on "getting to the result they want". Want green widgets? Type GreenWidgets.com. If the owner of GreenWidgets.com has half a brain he/she will be certain the landing page is spot on for green widgets.
So, anyone have experience moving nice type-in domains from straight PPC landers to AdSense based content sites or microsites?
I'm guessing that development will result in an increase in traffic with a decrease in CTR, since the new traffic will be SE or link based, and the SE may not offer the same level of filtering as direct navigation affords.
On the other hand, what I might see - if the sites are well designed - is an "extra boost" - keeping the benefits of the direct navigators (with higher motivation and higher CTR) plus the benefits of a higher CTR based upon my ability to "get specific" with the keyword domain related webpages. (Plus hopefully some small measure of added CTR based upon some degree of "perceived authority" arising form the URL itself, which perceived authority can be squandered by lousy design or content.)
1. Long URLs are increasingly popular. People are willing to type-in longer URLs in an effort to find specific info AND domainers - seeing this trend - are working on proving the benefits of such practices to searchers by creating custom links pages that are on target for such precise searching by long URL practices.
So, my advice: Think of some long URLs that are relevant to your specialty: CityProfession, CityRealEstateWhatever, etc.
2. The more filtered the traffic the higher the CTR and likely the better smart pricing effect.
3. Domains are cheap, as low as $7 or less "on special". IF the type-in trend continues then the traffic-additive effect of topic specific long URLs will result in traffic that will more than pay for the additonal domains.
Folks, you need to think about the economics of adding such URLs/domains to your strategy. How many clicks will it take to pay for the added domain and hosting? If you run a dedicated server the added cost is only the domain and bandwidth. Bandwidth is cheap and added bandwidth is usually not a bad thing since it means more visitors.
You all are always asking about "how to get more traffic" and "how to get targeted traffic". Do a little research on long URLs. Don't register every one that comes to mind, but do look into the practice.
Even short URLs work. ;)
