Any SEO problems with Domain Name keywords in wrong order?

[Keith]

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Question for the SEO people regarding domain names.

I'm looking for a domain name for a new project, big list of possible keyword rich domains already taken however several are available if I choose to pick a domain with the words in the wrong order.

For example say I wanted RedWidgets.com but could only get WidgetsRed.com would this have a major detrimental effect on SEO?

[tbp]

The domain name plays a big part in SEO, if your domain name matches the key phrase exactly, it can give you a big boost up the rankings.

Unfortunately, having the keywords in a different order doesn't give you the big boost you get if it matched exactly. I`ve noticed that even the difference between singular and plural eg redwidget.co.uk and redwidgets.co.uk can have an effect. For example on the search phrase red widget, redwidget.co.uk could be number 1, but if the browser searched for red widgets, then redwidget.co.uk could be position 4 / 5.

If theres really nothing else available then having the keywords in the wrong order is better than nothing, but you really want to get them in the same order if you can, although it may mean you concentrate on a different keyphrase instead.

[Keith]

Thanks Gareth

Will list all my available options and sleep on it

In the meantime I'll keep researching

[purple]

What about if you register theredwidget.co.uk or redwiget1.co.uk would this work?

[cclayton]

What about if you register theredwidget.co.uk or redwiget1.co.uk would this work?

I think this helps... but its not perfect as its still diluted. I can also confirm that the wrong order isnt the same as those in the right order from an SEO perspective. But I would say, if you build good strong back links and have the content then it doesnt matter about domain name.

[tbp]

But I would say, if you build good strong back links and have the content then it doesnt matter about domain name.

This is true, although it can take time to build these up. If you go for a domain matching the primary keyphrase it has the advantage you should get a good ranking from the start, and then you can reinforce that with the content and links.