I have a number of questions on the domain name. As we all know the domain name can have an affect on SEO, but:

 

1. does a longer domain carry less weight (eg. is a 15 character domain, better than a 30 character domain, even if it has less keywords in?)

 

2. does it make much difference if the main keywords are at the begining of the domain?

 

3. and is it worth changing your domain with a 301 redirect to improve your SEO, or will this do more harm than good?

you're on the right track, the shorter the domain name the better...

 

as for 301 redired old name to new name - that can hurt your SEO, so choose wisely in the first place..

you're on the right track, the shorter the domain name the better...

 

as for 301 redired old name to new name - that can hurt your SEO, so choose wisely in the first place..

 

Thanks Martin.

 

What do you think about domain age. My site is 1 year and 4 months old, will this make a difference?

 

I have heard that it is backlink age that is far more important.

Hi,

 

A shorter domain name targeting your top keyword phrase is much better. Your domain could get classed as SPAM if the domain name is too long, plus it's not very good for re-memorability.

 

Put your keywords in the order your targeting them. Makes sense really.

 

A permanent re-direct won't hurt your SEO, if you're linking the new domain to your old one for SEO purposes.

 

I did find some evidence a while back, that Google puts a minor penalty on young domains but this can be overcome with a well structured and implemented SEO campaign, so it's not really a major factor.

I have never seen any penalty for young domains. Just add great content and build the right links and you will soon be on page 1 . But to climb to the top takes just more time and links.

I would say that having a exact match domain to the keyword phrase can work to great effect if the conpition is less than 1million. Then jsut redirect that domain to your main site.

Short domain name is better than long domain name. The main keyword, at the beginning of the domain name is more helpful for better SERP. Using 301 may affect your serp.

 

Thanks

Franky

Yea, I don't think there is a penalty for younger domains but some people do think there is and there is a lot of debate on the subject.

 

http://www.searchenginejournal.com/domain-age-how-important-is-it-for-seo/7296/

 

http://forums.searchenginewatch.com/showthread.php?t=22875

 

 

I think it's based on the assumption that older, more established domains will have better quality content and that spammers regularly register new domains that drop off the radar very quickly but I don't think that's necessarily the case.