I have an exact match domain for a local directory site I have started making. The domain matches an exact search that tourists use the most for my hometown when looking for things to do and places to see.

However, although I don't have the exact match domain for it, I see an opening for a general directory not only targeting tourists, but everybody in my city. How important is the exact match domain for ranking on a specific search, especially locally? Should I go broad or match the search term and stick to tourists?

I'd go for whichever one sounds the coolest, is the shortest and most memorable.

Exact match domains don't have the weight they used to.

The advice I give my clients is always register the emd as it is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

I will then tell them to register a "vanity" url, used for marketing so business cards etc. This one needs to be short and memorable. Then I just 301 the vanity url onto the emd so we get the best of both worlds!

BHD x

Originally Posted by blackhat-dudette

The advice I give my clients is always register the emd as it is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

I will then tell them to register a "vanity" url, used for marketing so business cards etc. This one needs to be short and memorable. Then I just 301 the vanity url onto the emd so we get the best of both worlds!

BHD x

Hell yes, get both if you can, it helps lock down the niche.