Definition
An Exact Match Domain (EMD) is a domain name that precisely matches a search query, typically with the intention of ranking higher in search results for that specific term.
Other Names
- Keyword Domain
- Keyword Match Domain
Related Topics
- Domain Name
- Keywords
What Is An Exact Match Domain?
When a website’s address, or domain name, is exactly the same as a word or phrase that people might type into Google, it’s called an Exact Match Domain. For example, if you sell blue widgets and your website is BlueWidgets[dot]com, that’s an exact match domain because it matches the search term “blue widgets” exactly.
In the past, having an exact match domain was believed to have a strong effect on ranking higher in search results, as it was believed to provide a clear indication of the website’s content. However, Google has since updated its algorithms to give less importance to this factor and focus more on the quality of the content and the overall user experience provided by the website.
While having an exact match domain might still offer some advantages, like clarity and memorability, it is no longer a shortcut to high rankings. Websites with EMDs still need to offer valuable, relevant content and a good user experience to perform well in search results.
It’s crucial for businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones, to understand that while an exact match domain can be helpful, it is not a silver bullet, and the emphasis should be on developing high-quality content and a user-friendly website.
