Time: 2024-07-23
Google SEO expert Gary Illyes recently discussed the importance of using a ccTLD and localized language on websites to improve rankings on Google 's regional versions . He emphasized that using a ccTLD like .kr for Korea and incorporating Korean text on the page can have a positive impact on SEO.
Country Code Top - Level Domains ( ccTLDs ) are specific domain names targeting individual countries , such as .de for Germany , .in for India , and .kr for Korea . Unlike targeting languages , ccTLDs aim to reach Internet users in particular countries . Some ccTLDs , like .io , are treated as Generic Top - Level Domains ( gTLDs ) by Google due to their usage patterns.
Gary Illyes highlighted the ranking benefits associated with ccTLDs during a recent SEO Office Hours podcast . He explained that having a ccTLD , such as .kr , can provide a ranking boost by signaling a focus on a specific country , enhancing visibility in local search results.
While gTLDs like .com can still perform well , ccTLDs like .kr offer additional benefits in terms of SEO rankings . Targeting a user 's language can also play a crucial role in Search engine optimization , with language alignment often carrying more weight than the domain name itself.
By leveraging ccTLDs , websites can inspire trust among users in the targeted country , potentially increasing click - through rates on search results . Users searching from Korea or Australia , for example , may be more inclined to click on domain names specific to their respective countries , such as .kr or .au.
In conclusion , Google 's emphasis on using ccTLDs and localized language for SEO optimization underscores the importance of tailoring websites to specific countries . While domain names like .com can still be successful , incorporating a ccTLD like .kr can provide a competitive edge in local search rankings . By aligning language preferences with user queries , websites can enhance their visibility and appeal to a broader audience.