One of the most often asked topics by webmasters and SEOs is if domain age affects Google ranking.
Some think that older domains have a competitive edge over newer ones, while others argue that domain age is unimportant and that other variables are more essential.
To put these uncertainties to rest once and for all, let’s look at the evidence for and against domain age as a ranking issue, as well as some practical advice for optimizing your domain for SEO, regardless of its age.
What is domain age?
Domain age consists of two critical dimensions related to a domain name: the initial registration date and the date when the domain was first crawled or linked to by Google.
For instance, if a domain was registered in 2010 but only actively used in 2020, its age would be a decade based on the registration date, but merely a few months based on the crawl of the link date.
Assessing the domain age of any website is facilitated by tools like Domain Age Checker by SmallSEOTools, which offers detailed information on creation, last update, expiration dates, IP addresses, name servers, and historical data.
Google’s Stance on Domain Age and the True Drivers of SEO Success
Contrary to common misconceptions, domain age itself is not a direct ranking factor, according to Google’s explicit statements. In a 2010 video, Matt Cutts, former head of Google’s web spam team, clarified that the difference between a six-month-old domain and a one-year-old domain is negligible in terms of impact on search rankings.
Google disregards the registration date due to its inaccessibility and unreliability, opting instead to use the date of the first crawl or link as a proxy for domain age.
Cutts emphasized that the quantity of content and the associated links play crucial roles in determining search engine rankings. While domain age does not directly influence rankings, older domains often possess more content, links, and authority, indirectly affecting SEO. Therefore, the focus for SEO optimization should be on creating high-quality, original content and building authoritative links, irrespective of the domain’s age.
To optimize a domain for SEO, practitioners should adhere to best practices:
Choose a relevant and memorable domain name:
Selecting an appropriate and memorable domain name is vital for effective branding. It should reflect the essence of the brand and its niche. It is advisable to avoid the use of hyphens, numbers, or misspellings, ensuring clarity and easy recall for users.
Register the domain for a longer period:
Opting for a longer registration period serves as an indicator of commitment. It conveys a long-term perspective and helps dispel perceptions of spam. This practice not only enhances the website’s credibility but also signals dedication to maintaining a consistent online presence.
Secure the domain with HTTPS:
Implementing HTTPS is more than just a security measure; it’s a crucial ranking signal. This protocol establishes trust with users and search engines alike by encrypting data exchanged between the website and visitors. A secure connection is fundamental for safeguarding user information and protecting against potential cyber threats.
Create high-quality and original content.
At the heart of successful SEO lies the creation of high-quality and original content. This content not only serves to inform and engage the audience but also addresses their queries effectively. Search engines prioritize valuable content.
Build relevant and authoritative links.
Link-building is a cornerstone of establishing domain authority and trustworthiness. By cultivating relevant and authoritative links from reputable websites within the niche, a website strengthens its credibility in the eyes of search engines.
This practice contributes significantly to enhanced SEO performance.
Monitor domain performance:
Using tools like Google Search Console will provide insights into various aspects of website health, helping identify and rectify potential SEO issues such as duplicate content, broken links, and crawl errors.
Conclusion
While domain age does not directly impact SEO rankings, its indirect influence stems from the associated factors of content, links, and authority that often accumulate over time. Optimizing a domain for SEO involves prioritizing content quality, link building, and adherence to best practices, regardless of the age of the domain.
By focusing on these fundamental aspects, webmasters can enhance their website’s overall SEO performance and visibility.
