Getting the Right Domain Name for Local Search

While many of us already have long established business names and a domain name (your URL, or web site address) if you have the opportunity you should consider creating one friendlier for search engines (including local search).

For example in Bellevue WA where I live using the search term “bellevue auto repair” shows the number two listing as Ali’s Bellevue Auto Repair. Instead of alisautorepair.com he uses bellevueautorepair.com which helps his search results.

Now creating a domain name close to the search terms you potential customers and clients use is not going to change things overnight as far as search results are concerned. However, when it comes to optimizing anything on the web the more often Google, or any other search engine sees a consistent message of content the better your ultimate ranking will be.

Spend some doing doing keyword and keyword phrase research. To the right of this post (and on every page) is a list of useful keyword research tools. For the most part use the main Google Keyword Research Tool. Find what terms are being searched the most and then combine them with your primary geographical location search target. Or in other words auto repair in Bellevue WA becomes www.bellevueautorepair.com.

Sometimes you’ll end up with a pretty long domain name. I created a site just for research purposes called www.seattleaffordablehealthcaresolutions.com. It was used to generate leads for a friend who sold health insurance. You’re not likely to want this on your business card but for search purposes when interested parties simply click on a link it’s not a big deal.

If you have an existing domain name that’s not all that helpful then simply create a new domain name along these lines and forward your current domain name to the new one (it’s called a 301 redirect, any web master knows what this is). This means you don’t have to change printed matter (such as business cards) or worry about back links. They will all forward to your new keyword rich domain name.

In local search and overall site optimization every little bit helps.