Domain Age: Does it Really Matter, When it Comes to Rankings?

[David Jackson]

Depending on who you ask, you'll get different answers to this question - even from the so-called experts. Not satisfied with the conflicting information that I was getting, I decided to do my own research.

Over the last month, I've viewed hundreds and hundreds of domains in dozens of different categories...cakes, candy, balloons, fruit, cars, books, auctions, insurance, pets, stuffed animals, restaurants, seo, beaches, real estate, marketing, etc., etc., etc.

My conclusion: The age of the domain is a significant factor in the ranking of websites. Don't let anyone tell you differently. And while my research is far from scientific, I'm absolutely convinced that domains at least 3 years old generally rank higher in the search engines.

Don't take my word on this. Do your own research like I did, and get your own answers. Now are there other factors involved? For example, number of inbound links.

Yes, inbound links definitely play a significant role in the ranking of websites. That's certainly not news. However, it can take years for a domain to accrue thousands of inbound links. That's why it always seems to come back to the age of the domain.

But like I said, don't take my word on this. Do your own research, and you'll see that I'm right.

By the way, there's a myth on the Internet that registering domains for at least 3 years will give you an advantage with Google. That's absolutely not true. During my research, I didn't see any evidence that registering a domain for multiple years has any impact on rankings at all - none.

That being said, it certainly can't hurt either, if you register your domain for multiple years.

I'd also like to clear up another SEO myth, regarding inactive or parked domains. A domain that's 10 years old, which is inactive or parked does not have a significant advantage over a brand new domain that is active.

Why? Because inactive or parked domains, regardless of age, don't accrue links.

David Jackson

[Cru_jo0]

My assumption is that active aged domains (active being key of formely active domains) develop back links over time. I have held parked domains for many years and when it came to development and SEO I had no advantage in search engine ranking, but if the domains had been active building backlinks ganing page rank etc then the age would hold some value.

Just my opinion.

[David Jackson]

My assumption is that active aged domains (active being key of formely active domains) develop back links over time. I have held parked domains for many years and when it came to development and SEO I had no advantage in search engine ranking, but if the domains had been active building backlinks ganing page rank etc then the age would hold some value.

Actually, your assumption is absolutely correct. A domain that's 10 years old, which is inactive or parked does not have a significant advantage over a brand new domain that is active.

Why? Because inactive or parked domains, regardless of age, don't accrue links.

Your post made me realize I hadn't included that in my article, but should have. So I went back and put it in. thank you!

David Jackson