Gain an edge in Google Searches with ccTLDs

We all want to be at the top of the game, right? We want to be the first thing customers think of when they want something. If we can’t do that, we could at least be on top of search results. Thus we turn to SEO.

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, has recently emerged as a potent weapon. Whoever stays on top of Google wins the game. But SEO is not that easy, especially if you’re fighting for competitor-rich keywords.Which is why we’re turning to local markets.

You see, Google and other search engines now have a localized counterpart. For example, Google has google.com.ph and Yahoo has yahoo.com.ph. And these local counterparts give different search results from the international (or US) version. In fact, Google’s engineers say this so nicely:

Google considers both the IP address and the top-level domain (e.g. .com, .co.uk). Because we attempt to serve geographically relevant content, we factor domains that have a regional significance. For example, “.co.uk ” domains are likely very relevant for user queries originating from the UK. In the absence of a significant top-level domain, we often use the web server’s IP address as an added hint in our understanding of content.

In a nutshell: if you’re a local company, you want more local customers to check out your website. Google will consider these factors when churning out search results:

• The GeoIP location of the search engine user
• The GeoIP location of the server your website
• Your website’s ccTLD

Take note that .com is considered a US domain. So if you want to get an edge over the competition, get your local ccTLD. I’m not saying that this is going to improve your site’s SEO off the bat, nor am I going to ask you people to switch to a local webhost; hey, it’s your prerogative and it won’t affect branding that much anyway. But if you want to make an impression right away while giving you a better chance with your seach results, I suggest getting your local domain.

Go Local!

People try to go on the web and go global. There isn’t wrong with that, but think of the opportunities you’re missing for the local market. Now, I wouldn’t be one to preach which market is better. It’s your business, right? But if you ever want togo local with your website, here are a few tips so you don’t get lost in the noise.

If you’re going local, drop the .com. No, seriously. Okay, .com domains are reasonably priced and abundant, but to get the domain you want, it’s impossible. They’re everywhere, and they won’t let people remember your brand easily. Also, this applies to .net and .org too.

Same goes for .info, .biz, and all those other domains. Can we not get those domains, please? Honestly, there’s nothing wrong with those domains per se, but spammers have overrun those TLDs. And those domains are going out for pretty cheap.Do you want your business to look cheap and be associated with spammers? I didn’t think so.

Get the ccTLD. Most ccTLDs aren’t as crowded as .coms, and they let you stand out. And they will appeal more to the local market. But don’t worry, getting the local ccTLD doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck in the local market. A website can be seen and accessed internationally of course, but getting a local domain will help you access the local market easier.

Also, ccTLDs have an edge over other TLDs in Google searches, but that’s something I’ll discuss next time.