I got a new blog, which I'm using quite random domain with. It doesn't have any keywords or anything. Just like a random brandable domain kind of thing.

I was wondering how important is having keywords in your domain in terms of SEO. Like in realistically is it really that important?

Any advice from SEO experts?

Keywords in the domain name are VERY important. You will rank much better for a keyword if it is in the domain.

The challenge is that you can only have one or two keywords in a domain, since you will get dinged if you try to stuff it full of keywords. Another challenge is that all the good domains are taken.

I don't want to say much... just go thru below site and you will know how important is selecting a right domain?

http://www.domaininform.net/importance.html

I agree strongly that keywords in the domain name are important - try to refrain from using hyphens too. Although I have no proof, I am sure that .com does make a difference!

I'm not an SEO expert, but I can give you some feedback from a user standpoint. If that mean really has nothing to do with your blog, then it can send a mixed message to the user, unintentionally of course. I mean, if your names is CarPlace and you write about flowers, that can't be good for your site. On the other hand, if it is unique enough (like Google or Flickr)...then it can work out well for you.

But just something to consider, tie the name into the theme of your site somehow.

I believe that they are so important that we always recommend that the client get a new domain with the primary keyword phrase in the url. Then redirect the old url,s to the new domain.

SEO point of view the impact of keywords in your domain will be negligible, IMO.

I strongly recommend that but this not impossible but very tough to get keyword domain.

Hello Bobchrist, could you please explain, how it will be negligible?

It's better to have your primary keyword in your domain name. I believe it makes it easy for you to rank well if you have the main keyword in it. If you don't have the keyword in domain, I believe, it takes more SEO to rank the site well for that keyword than if it is in the domain.