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Also a quick win (ironically), don't use the .io extension unless you're actively targeting the indian ocean territory because Google doesn't include it in it's
by joelrunyon 14y ago
Also a quick win (ironically), don't use the .io extension unless you're actively targeting the indian ocean territory because Google doesn't include it in it's list of Generic TLDs.
See http://support.google.com/webmasters/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1347922 http://support.google.com/webmasters/bin/answer.py?hl=en&...
- udfalkso 14y agoIs this actually an issue? I'm very doubtful.
- walshemj 14y agoYep and the physical location of the ip counts I had the devil of a time getting a .ie site to rank in google uk a while back.
- butler14 14y agoThe physical location of a server is increasingly less and less of an issue (see: CDNs). As you mention, though, ccTLD choice is another story entirely.
- joelrunyon 14y agoIt actually is a real issue. Google says it themselves - they give priority to gTLDs.
- halcyondaze 14y agoHahaha, too true
- ianstormtaylor 14y agoGood point, although I assume this will be fixed by Google pretty soon. I visit lots of .io sites every day and I don't think I've ever hit one that was indian ocean territory specific. Seeing as it's all the rage with developer-focused projects, it makes sense that it will join the ranks of .me and .co
- joelrunyon 14y agoThat's the point - there's almost none pointed to .io. That said, I think it's pretty dangerous to create an SEO strategy around speculation that google "might" change the rules around something as big as a gTLD. I'm not saying it won't happen, but if you're specifically hoping to gain traction via SEO efforts, using a ccTLD that Google hasn't explicitly mentioned as ranking like a normal gLTD I think you're taking a big unnecessary risk.
- lubos 14y agoThis is no longer true. I have .IO domain for more than 2 years. 2 years ago, I remember the country for domain on Google Webmaster Tools has been "locked" to Indian Ocean Territory. But at least for last 6 months, I'm now able to change it to any country or leave it unspecified which indicates that .IO is now treated as generic TLD by google. The article you have quoted is simply out of date.
- joelrunyon 14y agoHave you noticed the reflections in your U.S. rankings?
- graeme 14y agoHow does this affect .ca domains that are relevant in the United States?
- joelrunyon 14y agoI believe they're targeted towards canada.