Is it a good idea to purchase multiple domain names, and have them point to one website?
This is a question we often get asked at Engage Web. SEO (search engine optimisation) best practices have changed significantly over the years, and this is one tactic that has been heavily debated.
Purchasing multiple domain names and pointing them to a single site can have both positive and negative implications with regards to SEO. If you’re considering doing so, there are some factors to consider.
Acquiring domain names that are closely linked to your brand can help protect brand authority and identity online. In doing so, you’re minimising the risk of competitors obtaining domain names similar to yours and deceiving visitors.
Purchasing multiple domain names can have its downfalls, however – including running the risk of duplicating content. Duplicate content can confuse search engines as they struggle to determine which website is the most relevant or authoritative. This can be detrimental to search engine rankings or even confuse visitors looking for your website.
It is a common misconception that keywords in domain names are a ranking factor on Google. John Mueller, Google’s Search Engine Advocate, advised that:
“Just because a website has a keyword in its domain name, doesn’t mean that it’s more relevant than others for that keyword”.
So, the next time you’re thinking of buying that extra domain to try and take the top spot on Google, keep that in mind. Wouldn’t your time (and money!) be better spent creating content on your original website?
If you need help with the SEO performance of your website, get in touch with our friendly team at Engage Web today.
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