What the New gTLDs mean for Search Engine Optimization

With the launch of several new Top Level Domains (TLDs), SEO managers are grappling with multiple questions. Will it affect prevalent SEO mechanisms? Do SEO managers need to get ready with new skillsets? Should SEO managers create a new website? This blog attempts to answer a few of such queries

 What do the new gTLDs mean?     

 Till now, you must be surely aware of some of the Top Level Domain Names, i.e. .com, .net and .org. People other than SEO and online marketers; have most probably seen those three TLDs, as well as .info, .biz, and .tv. Additionally, the country code Top Level Domain names, including, co.uk(United Kingdom), .com.au(Australia), .es(Spain), .ca(Canada), and .it(Italy), are widely accepted now.

Depending on the geographic location of your business, a ccTLD makes perfect sense as an alternative to .com domain. In the forthcoming time, there will be hundreds of new generic Top Level Domain names (gTLDs) available for registration, affirmed by ICANN. In order to throw a beam of light on this concept, I am going to introduce the new gTLDs concept in tandem to SEO.

List of new gTLD’s reserved by many domain name investors and trademark owners

Will new gTLDs rank in the Search Engines?

With the launch of new gTLDs, there comes myriad of branding opportunities for online marketers as they can now choose a web address that best represents their business identity. By keeping SEO trend in mind, I am explaining what really matters. According to Matt Cutts and Duane Forrester of Google, any TLD, whether it’s an old or a new one, can rank in the search results. This proclamation implies that there is no extra search engine ranking weight given to a specific domain name, whether it is a TLD or gTLD.  With all marketing efforts, it is expected that they will rank well. But, whatever they stated, the main thing is you and I completely believe on the proof.  Right…?

If I were selling diamond jewelry online, there are several options available here:

www. diamondjewelry.com
www. diamond. jewelry
www.yourbrand.com/ diamond jewelry /

In this scenario, one of the most valued ranking factors still exists in links. If considering the link parameter to gain search engine ranking, then it is better to go with www.diamond.jewelry since each keyword is technically “separated” and doesn’t run as a whole. As you put glance over the two address diamondjewelry.com and diamond. Jewelry, you would get a better chance to get a “keyword” anchor text link directly to the home page. Apparently, it is the same reason why all SEO and online marketers tend to see companies rank for their brand name. Most of the links pointing to their website include the brand name (primary keyword), and in fact, it is natural to do so.

Significance of new gTLDs on your SEO rankings

• With a choice of new gTLD, every character in your brand url adds coherence and add to search engine ranking value
• With the help of contextual new gTLD, urls can now be shorter without losing the sense of your business identity

Here is a compilation of some domain names that comes under the ICANN approved new gTLDs implementation program and have good Alexa Ranking as well.

This table indicates that new gTLDs not only steadily but significantly gaining momentum in the internet industry. However, this table and Google’s statement clearly signify that while a domain name extension alone cannot do wonders for a website search engine ranking, if confined by relevant content, excellent on-page and off-page optimization efforts can definitely help in ranking a website high on the search engine ranking.

If you are seeking to buy and move your business website to a new gTLD, it becomes inevitable to opt for a right hosting platform among VPS Hosting, dedicated server, and cloud hosting supported by astute SEO practices for expected results.

Whether or not businesses should adopt new gTLDs – is still a question that is highly debatable. However, the emergence of new gTLDs is transforming the way marketers represent their business on the World Wide Web.  Apparently, it will definitely boost the search engine rankings with impending Google algorithm updates.

About Taiba Fatima (151 Posts)

Taiba Fatima is a Delhi, India based content writer with a knack for technical writing. Her alacrity to explore new horizons and learn technological advancements add piquancy to her writing profession. Apart from technology, she is a passionate blogger and loves to write about other verticals including: BPO sector, Travel, Art & Culture.