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Table of Contents

What is an exact match domain (EMD)?
What were EMDs used for in the past?
Examples of exact match domains
What are the advantages of exact match domains?
How do exact match domains help me with my SEO strategy?

What is an Exact Match Domain (EMD)?

Akeyword domainisa URL that consists of the keyword or keyword combination for which the page is to be optimized.

An exact match domain (EMD), on the other hand, is a domain whoseURL contains theexactmain keywordof thewebsite's topic. 

The goal of an exact match domain is to increase relevance in relation to specific search terms and therebyimprovevisibility insearch engine results. This type of domain name is often used to create an immediate association with a particular topic or product, which can be particularly advantageous for marketing purposes.

What were EMDs used for in the past?

The use of keywords in domain names has traditionally played a crucial role in search engine rankings. Exact match domains have significantly improved the visibility of websites in search engines and increased their popularity.

However, theeffectivenessofEMDs for ranking websites in Google's search engine ranking index (SERP) hasdeclined over the past year. Despite Google's decision not to penalize all websites with exact match domains across the board, Google hasdowngraded the rankings for EMDs thatcontainspammycontent.

Examples of exact match domains

Examples of exact match domains are particularly meaningful when they represent frequently searched products or services. Domain names such as"carrental.com,""cheapflights.com,"or"online-marketing.com"are concise examples where the domain directly contains the main keywords that potential customers might search for. Keywords in the domain name are important for ranking in search engine results. These domains are usually highly sought after because they contain the exact terms that users enter into search engines.

What are the advantages of exact match domains?

Exact match domains offer several advantages for SEO. Their influence on search engine rankings has beenweakened byGoogle's EMD update,but high-quality content now has a greater impact on SERP positioning. Another advantage of keyword domains is that the searched keyword is displayed in bold in the domain, which can increase theclick-through rate (CTR)fromsearch results.

In search engine optimization, EMDs remain relevant, especially when combined with high-quality content, even though the EMD update has reduced their ranking advantage. In addition, EMDs cansupportbranding by conveying a clear, memorable image of the service or product offered. They can also contribute to a website's authority in a particular area by signaling relevance and specialization in a topic.

How do exact match domains help me with my SEO strategy?

Exact match domains canbea useful tool in anSEO strategy by improving relevance and ranking for specific search terms, especially whenusedin combination withWDF*IDF optimization.

However, the Google update in 2012reduced theinfluence of EMDsonrankings. Google and other search engines tend to view domains that exactly match a search term as particularly relevant to that topic, which can improve the website's positioning in search results.

EMD's can also influence search and generate direct type-in traffic. Historically, EMD's have been very effective, and keyword domains continue to play an important role in link building and direct type-in traffic. However, it is important to note thatusing an EMD alone is not enough. The website must alsoofferhigh-qualitycontent andensurea gooduser experience in order to be rated positively by search engines.