The Age of Your Domain Does Not Improve Your Ranking

[David Jackson]

Very interesting. I do see your point. For "virtual assistant" I see domains with high domain age and low numbers of backlinks holding the top three spots. Very interesting.

I am a little surprised by that result. I don't personally consider that conclusive, but it is sure suggestive of the importance of domain age.

You're exactly right, Mark. While I personally don't have the time, inclination or resources to do more comprehensive research. I suspect if someone did that type of research, the results would indeed be conclusive in favor of domain age.

Methinks Matt Cutts is throwing us a curveball.

David Jackson

[Lynn Terry]

Perhaps they're trying to discourage people from buying aged domains and slapping crap sites on them.

I've always heard that domain age AND the length of your registration are both factors, albeit holding little weight compared to on-page optimization & link reputation.

But again, I've had new sites on a 1-year registration rank very well very quickly for the longtail - so does this only apply for the competitive phrases (like "sandboxing")?

[David Jackson]

I've had new sites on a 1-year registration rank very well very quickly for the longtail - so does this only apply for the competitive phrases (like "sandboxing")?

That's a great question, Lynn. I wish I had a great answer for you. But I'm not an SEO expert, nor do I claim to be. I think a competent SEO expert is more qualified to answer this question than I am.

That being said, does anyone truly understand the intricacies of Google's everchanging algorithm process? I'm not so sure.

David Jackson

[Lynn Terry]

I don't see Google or their algorithm's as ever-changing, but rather as constantly evolving. Which is necessary.

The question we have to ask ourselves, as webmasters & bloggers, is:
Are we part of the problem, or part of the solution?

[David Jackson]

The question we have to ask ourselves, as webmasters & bloggers, is: Are we part of the problem, or part of the solution?

Now that question I can answer. I think far too many marketers are part of the problem. I think there are too many marketers who try to "game" the system, instead of putting in the hard work necessary to improve their ranking.

The good news is, using nefarious tactics rarely work anymore and are at best effective short-term.

David Jackson

[jkgourmet]

Now that question I can answer. I think far too many marketers are part of the problem. I think there are too many marketers who try to "game" the system, instead of putting in the hard work necessary to improve their ranking.

The good news is, using nefarious tactics rarely work anymore and are at best effective short-term.

David Jackson

well said, David. Bravo!

Interesting thread. Thanks for starting it.

[David Jackson]

well said, David. Bravo!

Interesting thread. Thanks for starting it.

Thank you, jk! I agree, it's been an interesting debate. It's so nice that we can all disagree without being disagreeable. Now, if only congress could adopt a similar adult mindset.

David Jackson