Is there a correlation between ranking and different TLD

[MalcolmGibb]

I've been thinking about buying some domains recently with some different extensions. In particular domains with country specific TLD's such as .in and .be etc.. But my question is has anyone had experience ranking domains like these in the UK market.

Is there a correlation between ranking and a country specific domain to rank in the UK market? I know I can target these domains at the UK market in GWMT, but is there a negative factor in trying to rank say a .in the UK?

[mrdavidingram]

Hi Malcolm,

It's not impossible to get a non-UK TLD ranking in the UK results, but it is difficult and I'm yet to see a case where it makes sense for a Webmaster to use an international TLD to target the UK SERP's.

The whole purpose of an international TLD is to deliver a website intended for a specific region, therefore it wouldn't make sense for Google to fill the UK results with sites that are intended for other countries.

The odd ones do make their way in there, but it wouldn't be an advisable business model.

What would be your reason behind wanting to use an internation domain to target the UK?

Thanks

David

[MalcolmGibb]

Thanks for the reply. I understand business implications and why it's not a good strategy as have been there many times.

The reason I ask is for gimmicky brand domain names that use the .in, .im extensions etc.. and even .net in that sense as well. I've always stuck with .com/.co.uk but have seen some good domains that could be used with other extensions.

[mrdavidingram]

Ah, I see where you are coming from.

There is room to manoeuvre with multi-national domains (.net etc), however it's when you go into specific country TLD's that you will struggle to pull UK rank.

I guess it depends how big a part of your marketing plan SEO is. Like I mentioned, it's certainly possible to rank one of these domains, but it is a uphill battle and if you're relying on SEO for income then I'd  recommend against.

From a branding perspective, I can see the potential benefit of one of these domains.

Thanks,

David