Does Google Parse and Count URL Anchors ?

[Sebastian]

Hey,

They probably have the technology to do so , but say the link is:

"bestonlinepokersites.xyz"

Do you think Google only counts that link for brand value in their algorithm ? So, assuming the host website passes value, you would get Pagerank and Brand Value points, without any anchor text benefit (perhaps just fot the exact string : bestonlinepokersites.xyz)

Or does the robot also parse it and count it.

Finds [best online poker sites][.][org] and give out points for "best online poker sites" anchor and variations.

If so, that's another advantage of exact match domains.

By building links with your brand, you increase brand value signals (which a lot think counts in the algorithm), and at the same time get keyword benefit.

What do you guys think ?

Thanks,
Seb

[GFPC]

I think it does increase brand signals with google. So essentially owning such a domain you have a double positive by linking to it with the straight up domain name. Is that your domain? If so worth a test - :-). Or you call sell it to me and I will.... haha

[Sebastian]

Nah, I'm not competing in the best/top poker site niche at the moment.

I've already been doing this type of linking, just wondering if that added benefit is actually valid.

[Mr-AJ]

I think thats the biggest advantage of exact match domains. Links are placed with the exact match anchor text and it looks more natural to Google. I don't think there's exact match value without those links.

[GFPC]

yeah i was playing around :-) - pretty sure it does though based on my tests over the years. Mind you im a small timer :-)

[pokeraussie]

My understanding is that you would not get anchor text benefits from that link, but since your brand and keyword anchor text is the same when you have an EMD, there is a higher threshold for anchor text links, since its natural for people to link using your website name.

[Sebastian]

Agree with the latter part of your post PokerAussie. So I guess you're not sure about the anchor text benefit then, because you say "from my understanding" ... Do you have an article or something to back that up ? Or is it just a hunch. Thanks

[Michael Martinez]

This question was asked years ago at an SEO conference. The answer boiled down to something like, "We'll give it our best shot".

[parttimepoker]

Give that google parses and counts words in domain names, I don't see why they wouldn't for links as well.

If you believe (as I think you say in the OP) that brand trumps keyword, then it doesn't really matter - the brand value encompasses the keyword value. You wouldn't be able to get brand value and NOT keyword value.

[Sebastian]

This question was asked years ago at an SEO conference. The answer boiled down to something like, "We'll give it our best shot".

Sorry, but what does this mean exactly ? Or were they making a joke.