SEO and Domains: Does Your URL Matter?

Does URL Affect SEO in 2025?

When it comes to SEO, most discussions focus on content, backlinks, and keywords. But what about your domain name? Can a URL actually influence your website’s search rankings?

If you're just launching a website or planning a redesign, choosing the right domain and hosting is a critical step. For instance, on HayHost.am, you can register a suitable domain name, enable an SSL certificate, and host your site on a reliable VPS or dedicated server.

1. Keyword Domains: Do They Still Work?

Then: Exact match domains (e.g., bestcheaplaptops.com) used to offer a significant advantage and helped websites quickly reach top positions for low-competition keywords.
Now: Google’s algorithms have become smarter and prioritize content quality and usefulness. Keywords in a domain can still provide a slight boost, especially when they match search queries, but the impact is far less significant than it once was.
Tip: Instead of trying to "stuff" keywords into your domain, focus on building a recognizable and trustworthy brand. Today, success depends more on user experience and on-site behavior.

2. Branding Matters More Than Keywords

A strong, memorable brand boosts authority, improves click-through rates (CTR), and builds trust.
Example: Dropbox.com - it’s short, simple, and trustworthy. A domain like OnlineFileSharingSecure.com might look like a phishing site, even if it’s completely legitimate.
Users tend to remember short, branded names, share them more often, and are more likely to return. This is especially important in a competitive landscape filled with similar websites.

3. Domain Extensions and SEO

.com remains the most recognizable and trusted domain extension, especially on the international stage. However, Google states that all TLDs (Top-Level Domains) are treated equally in terms of ranking. But user perception is a different matter entirely.
Domains like .xyz, .online, .store, and other “new extensions” are often associated with questionable use cases, which can lead to distrust-especially in B2B and financial sectors.
If you're targeting a specific market, it’s often better to choose a local domain extension, such as .am for Armenia. On HayHost.am, you can easily register .am domains and other popular extensions.

4. Subdomains vs. Subdirectories

Examples:
• Subdomain: blog.example.com
• Subdirectory: example.com/blog

SEO Fact: Subdirectories tend to pass more “authority” from the main domain. Google may treat subdomains as separate websites, especially if their content and structure differ significantly.
If you're building a blog, FAQ section, documentation, or other supporting pages, using subdirectories is generally preferred. This approach simplifies indexing and strengthens overall content cohesion.

5. Domain Age and History

A new domain isn’t a disadvantage - many successful websites started from scratch. However, an older domain with a clean history can offer an initial edge: it’s already indexed and may have existing backlinks.
Before buying a domain from a third party or at an auction, make sure to check:
• via Wayback Machine - to see what was previously hosted;
• using Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Search Console - to ensure the domain hasn’t been flagged for spam or penalized.

6. HTTPS and SSL - A Must-Have for Every Website

Google has officially confirmed that using HTTPS affects search rankings. Moreover, browsers like Chrome label websites without HTTPS as “Not Secure,” which can harm user trust and reduce click-through rates (CTR).
On HayHost.am, you can install both free SSL certificates from Let’s Encrypt and premium DV/OV/EV certificates with extended validation - ideal for corporate websites, e-commerce platforms, and government entities.

7. Best Practices for SEO-Friendly URLs

Even if you have a great domain, URL structure still matters:
• Use readable, concise URLs that reflect the page’s content
• Separate words with hyphens, not underscores
• Avoid “messy” URLs like example.com/page?id=987
• Include keywords where it makes sense, but don’t turn the URL into a spam list

Example of a good URL: site.com/how-to-choose-a-domain

How to Choose a Domain - A Practical Approach

If you're launching a website from scratch, ask yourself three key questions:

1. Is the domain easy to remember?
   If it’s easy to type on a phone and say out loud - that’s a great sign.

2. Does it violate any trademarks?
   Checking for patents and brand conflicts can save you from legal trouble.

3. Is the domain available on social media?
   Check for matching usernames across popular platforms to maintain consistent branding.

On HayHost.am, you can check and purchase your ideal domain in just minutes.

Your URL Isn’t the Only SEO Factor - But It’s an Important One

A well-chosen domain with a thoughtful URL structure can:
• Strengthen your brand
• Increase trust
• Improve user behavior signals
• Make search engine optimization easier

If you're looking for a solution to register a domain, enable SSL, and host your website on a reliable server - HayHost.am helps you do it quickly and without unnecessary stress.