Best Understanding Why Domain Age Matters For SEO
It's the simple answer is no. Domain age does not contribute to seo. Google, one of the most influential search engines, stated that it has nothing to do with domain age in SEO or SERP analysis of websites. John Mueller also confirms it
Google did not consider domain age as a factor for SEO when ranking websites. Source: Google Search Central
But there is a twist in reality. Indeed, domain age is not a factor of SEO, but it contributes indirectly to enhancing the website's reliability and trustworthiness.
If you are confused by the above statement, let's understand first what a domain and domain age are and why domain age is important for SEO—myths about the domain age and much more. By the end of this article, you will understand why domain age is essential for seo and what type of role it plays in seo and ranking of the website on google serp pages.
What is domain?
Domain is the specific address that people type on web browsers like Chrome when using the internet. For the instance when people type urwatools.com, it comes with the website name and domain. There are different types of domains that can be used for various purposes.
TOOL: DOMAIN AGE CHECKER TOOL
Types of Domain
| .com: Commercial businesses |
| .org: organizations, typically nonprofits. |
| .gov: Government agencies. |
| .edu: Educational institutions. |
| .net: Network technology organizations. |
| .mil: Military organizations. |
| .int: Intergovernmental organizations. |
For more details on domain types, you can refer to ICANN's official website.
Definition of Domain Age
Domain age refers to the time period when someone registered their domain for their website. Or it’s the time zone started from when a search engine indexed or found a website for serp analysis with the specific addresses like .com, .org, etc for the very first time.
For example, if a website registered with a domain like .com in 2015 and it is still active, then its domain age will be nine years now.
Benefits of Having an Old Domain
Domain age is not a new concept in the field of seo( search engine optimization), but it has an earlier history. In the early days, search engines relied on the older domain age.
The older the domain age, the higher the authority of a website. But then search engine algorithms evolved and changed, and the domain age became irrelevant for SEO.
Old Domain Meant For Trust & Reliability
Like in the past, the domain age is still considered as a signal of trust and authority. Moreover, search engine trust for older domains. And the logic behind it is very simple and straightforward. The older the domain age, the more legalized online activities the website has, which ensures reliable intent and source for the users.
The plus point is that now search engines prefer the websites which have an old domain age because of their legal and reliable content. Moreover, domain authority increases over time, which influences search engine optimization.
Domain Age and Backlinks Profile
Domain age is not a supportive factor in seo, but backlinks are very crucial for ranking. And most interestingly, domain age plays a significant role in acquiring good backlinks over time. Older domains automatically gain backlinks or outbound links that increase website traffic and authority. However, newer or newly registered domains can gain this advantage in a short time.
Domain Age and Content Development
The domain life of a website also signifies the content of a website. Generally, a domain with an older life ensures that the website is producing a high quality and quantity of content for the audience. So, in this way, the domain age plays a very indirect role in the very important factor of seo, which is content. Content is the king of all search engines now.
For more on content development, refer to HubSpot's Content Marketing Guide.
Myths about Domain Age and SEO
There are some myths about the domain age in people that must be debunked now.
Domain Age as A Ranking Factor
From its history, domain age is still considered very important for SEO. But it is the biggest myth or disbelief about it. Now it is very important to reveal the truth that domain age is not a factor for seo any-longer. No matter whether your domain is old or new, you have a chance to improve your website through essential ranking factors like content development, backlink profiles, and more.
For more on backlinks, check out Ahrefs' Guide to Backlinks.
Older domains vs newer domains in search ranking
There is always a compression between the older domain and the newer domain. And an older domain is considered more authoritative and potent for search ranking. But it is only a myth now that must be erased from the internet.
New Domains Are Less Likely To Rank Higher
This is another great misconception related to domain age. What if you have a new website? It does not mean that you have to wait to get your domain old and get backlinks and all that. The only way to rank your website with a new domain implies various steps like
Generate highly quality content for a website
- Improve website speed
- Build a strong relationship with your audience, social media influencers, and bloggers.
- Make a good backlinks profile, but do not purchase any backlinks
- Make website mobile friendly
- Optimize website tags and content semantically
- Fix index issues
- Do consistent work
Domains with old age also have to create good content and keep updating their content and existing data for new trends.
Conclusion
When you start your website for ranking, your domain life starts. It is clear from the above discussion that domain age is no longer a factor for seo. Still, it plays a critical role indirectly for acquiring backlinks and making a value of your site in the audience's eyes.
An old domain brings some benefits and has plus points for the website ranking, but it does not mean that a website with a new domain cannot rank well. It always works for your website despite having an old domain.
Faqs
How important is domain age in seo?
It has no direct importance in SEO but indirectly creates vast opportunities for website ranking. Old domain can give good backlinks, trust and authority, and brand recognition in search engines and the audience’s eye.
Is a domain necessary for a website?
No, you can have a website even without a domain. But it will not be easy to rank your website or for people to remember your website IP address.
How long can a domain exist or last?
Age of a domain is typically ten years. After ten years, you can purchase the same domain to increase or add the age of a domain that brings good opportunities for website ranking.
