Blog — SEO

Google keeps the exact search results algorithm rather secret. Many try to guess and claim to know how to work Google and guarantee web site owners top ranking for the search words of their choice.

The truth is no-one can guarantee this. With an ever changing list of do’s and don’ts and potentially thousands of other like-minded business owners vying for the same Google top 10 in search results, it’s a tough challenge.

One area of contention is the expiry date of your sites domain name. It’s been thought for some time that Google (and other relevant search engines) place ‘some’ weight on how long the sites domain name is registered. This is based on the simple premise that if the domain is registered for 3/4+ years, then the site owner is serious about their business and likely to be more committed to the site – giving more relevance to it. Domains registered for a year at a time present a less committed presence. This makes sense.

Although Google denies the use of the domains expiry date in the search results algorithm, it has in fact filed a patent (in 2003) for the use of a domains expiry for this purpose!

Make your own conclusions from this. But one thing we can tell you is if you’re a serious online business and plan to be around for years to come, it makes sense to register your domain for an extended period of time. It might just contribute to your SEO, which is always a welcome benefit!

Aside from search engines, savvy potential clients who use due diligence might pick up on this and it could contribute to clinching your next contract. It doesn’t hurt to have that covered. After all, who would you choose between a temporary looking market stall and an established high street store? I know my answer.

How to easily extend your domains expiry date

If you want to extend your domains expiry date, (and your domain doesn’t need to be due for renewal now, expiry can be exended anytime) you can do this easily in your Customer Control Panel:

• Login here: https://www.varihost.net/CustomerControlLogin/
• Once logged in, near the bottom of the left menu, click ‘Manage Domain Names’
• Now you’ll see a list of your registered domains with the current expiry date and a ‘Renew’ link next to each.
• To extend a domains expiry, click ‘Renew’ next to the domain.  In the box that appears, select how many years to extend the expiry date from the drop down and click the ‘Renew’ button.
• You’ll then be taken to checkout to make payment.

Any questions or problems with extending your domains expiry, please contact support for friendly help.