WHOIS-info a ranking factor?

[Resultify]

Hi

How important is it to configure your domain info in the same way as the contact info of your website? I heard having a long expiry date on the domain and having proper contact info helps create domain trust?

Any tips on this? Info on how to set this up in an optimal way?

Thanks in advance

Fredrik

[csfarnsworth]

Ardmar first the Domain age surely have some Impact on ranking for sure in my experience.

Domain Registration yup also play its role a bit in an inch ranking better.Most of the guys register domain for one year.Search engines can not trust them as much as they are here today may not be here tomorrow.Domain Registration for longer period is a bonus but these are factors that push up your rank an inch.Very small change/benefit you got.

What matter these days is how much value your content provide to your users.

[matbennett]

I don't think that the who-is information has a direct effect as such.

Who-is records would very likely be something that could use to corroborate spam signals. However I don't think that is what you are referring to.

There is certainly a strong correlation between domain age and rankings, however I don't believe that either the length of time a domain has been registered or the registration length (future) are direct factors.

1 year registrations are pretty common is legitimate sites. Many tlds in fact only offer one period of registration. 2 years is quite common on that respect.

Domain age most likely correlates for 2 reasons: Firstly old domains that don't do well are less likely to be around.  Secondly they have had time to do well and pick up real quality signals such as authoritative links.

[Resultify]

Thanks for great input.

What about the ownership info? I heard that its a plus if contact details and info match that of the website. Any ideas on that?

Fredrik

[matbennett]

As a ranking factor?  I'd be very surprised if it did.  What would be the benefit of that?

[Resultify]

Having the same WHOIS info as contact info on the site would possible be a sign of authenticity i guess? More on topic here:

http://www.searchenginejournal.com/seo-question-do-whois-privacy-services-harm-seo/5874/

[Craigseo]

I rent websites out to some companies, i have sites that are in good positions and have designed and ranked for clients who pay me monthly. These domains are in my name, the website has their address details on it and doesnt harm our rankings.

And what about those websites who hide their whois details ? Will they not rank ?

I have to say i dont think that will ever be the case as there must be a huge amount of people who own websites who have their whois details hidden for one reason or another.

[ColinWhite]

I don't believe there is any ranking benefit at all. The only benefits are as stated above the ability to corroborate spam signals and or verify ownership info. As a general rule I would make sure that all info anywhere on the web regarding you has consistency and an established NAP (Name,Address, Phone) format. My grandfather told me to always where a belt and suspenders if you want to be prepared for anything. And I apply that to my views on consistency.