WHOIS effect on Google

[Manpasand]

I have few questions about Google and its reslationship with WHOIS.

1) Did Google searches 'WHOIS' database regularly to check who owns what and how many domain names they own?

2) Is Google also see how many years you've registered each domain name?

Thanks

[wrmineo]

Originally Posted by Manpasand

I have few questions about Google and its reslationship with WHOIS.

1) Did Google searches 'WHOIS' database regularly to check who owns what and how many domain names they own?

2) Is Google also see how many years you've registered each domain name?

Thanks

I don't know where per se Google gets their information, but I've no doubt that their algo's are able to determine these data facts that you're inquiring about.

Google does check for inter-linking to see if I have mulitple sites with similar content. I know for two reasons: 1. They readily admit it in their webmaster help sections. 2. I've gotten my hand slapped for this when I started out first building sites; ignorance is no excuse and it took many months of "lessons learned" to begin to get more likeable to the Big G.

Longevity counts! Again, not sure that they're tapping whois.sc or whomever, but they do know how long site's have been live, active, etc. This is what leads to the so called sandbox affect for starters. Also, it seems that Google PR is somewhat weighted for sites that have been online longer; in that, they don't "give away" high PRs to new sites - who says it'll be there in six months is the rationale I believe. Just like in the real world, people like doing business with someone they feel will be there down the road.

Hope this helps some, just remember, my opinions only. I suggest you do some more research directly with Google Webmaster Guidelines yourself before taking mine, or anyone's, advice at will.

~ Good Luck and Happy Ranking ~
w®m

[Manpasand]

Is Longevity counts for new domain also? (e.g. if abc.com register for ONE yr. and xyz.com register for THREE yrs.)

What would be the implications as far as "sandbox" concern?

[activeco]

Since the beginning of this year Google IS domain registrar self, with no intention of selling domains' registrations.
http://www.iana.org/assignments/registrar-ids
See #895.

Guess why they did it.

[wrmineo]

Originally Posted by Manpasand

Is Longevity counts for new domain also? (e.g. if abc.com register for ONE yr. and xyz.com register for THREE yrs.)

What would be the implications as far as "sandbox" concern?

Longevity referring to how long the site has been actively live, not necessarily how long the domain's been registered nor how long from today it will expire.

[jacobwissler]

It only costs $80 to register your domaion for 10 years, and it shows the world that you plan (or hope) to keep the page up for a long time. Google knows this, and we can only assume they factor it into the algo.

[bhartzer]

jacobwissler is right. If you have a site that expires in less than one year and I have a site that expires in 5 years then I have made more of a commitment to that site than you have. And Google takes that into account when ranking sites.

By the way, I believe Network Solutions will allow you to register a domain name for 100 years.

[cspelts]

Originally Posted by bhartzer

If you have a site that expires in less than one year and I have a site that expires in 5 years then I have made more of a commitment to that site than you have. And Google takes that into account when ranking sites.

Is this documented somewhere trustworthy?

None of my domains is registered for more than a year, but I've owned some of them for nearly 10 years. It seems really odd to me that Google would care when the next registration fee is due - but if that's the case, I may change my ways.

[activeco]

Originally Posted by cspelts

None of my domains is registered for more than a year, but I've owned some of them for nearly 10 years.

It seems Google takes it into account too.
If you own your domain for a long time you get some credits. It usually means the domain is surely not used for spam.

[Jade456]

We have had ours for five years. Longevity definitely helps. Does anyone know for sure how long the sandbox lasts? I have heard six months and up to a year, depending on the market.

[wrmineo]

Site-Reference recently "analyzed" the Google Patent application and here is a synopsis that I received just today, pertaining to domain registration and whois information:

Google’s Looking at Your Domain

In a new twist, Google claims that it analyzes the number of years of domain registration as part of the ranking process. The application suggests that domains that are registered for longer periods of time are given more value because such a commitment shows the site is not a fly-by-night jump page. It is recommended that you extend all domain registrations for as long as possible as part of your search engine optimization efforts. It is difficult to tell how much the registration process impacts the ranking process, but every little bit helps.

Google claims that it also digs deeper into domain names to evaluate the legitimacy of the site. Factors in the evaluation include the web host and the “who is” information. According to the patent application, Google maintains a database of hosts that facilitate spamming of the Google search engine. While such hosts are not detailed in the application, pray to God that you are not using one. You should evaluate your host if your optimization efforts are not producing results.

[DMC_34]

This discussion about domain name registration and the length of time of time it has been secured.

PROOF for this? I have never seen anything about that and although it would make sense doesnt mean it is so.

[wrmineo]

Originally Posted by cspelts

.. None of my domains is registered for more than a year, but I've owned some of them for nearly 10 years. It seems really odd to me that Google would care when the next registration fee is due - but if that's the case, I may change my ways.

I too will be adding to my more important domain registration lengths ... it can't hurt, and since I love to procrastinate, it'll take one more thing off my plate to do later :)

[DMC_34]

Originally Posted by wrmineo

Site-Reference recently "analyzed" the Google Patent application and here is a synopsis that I received just today, pertaining to domain registration and whois information:

Google’s Looking at Your Domain

In a new twist, Google claims that it analyzes the number of years of domain registration as part of the ranking process. The application suggests that domains that are registered for longer periods of time are given more value because such a commitment shows the site is not a fly-by-night jump page. It is recommended that you extend all domain registrations for as long as possible as part of your search engine optimization efforts. It is difficult to tell how much the registration process impacts the ranking process, but every little bit helps.

Google claims that it also digs deeper into domain names to evaluate the legitimacy of the site. Factors in the evaluation include the web host and the “who is” information. According to the patent application, Google maintains a database of hosts that facilitate spamming of the Google search engine. While such hosts are not detailed in the application, pray to God that you are not using one. You should evaluate your host if your optimization efforts are not producing results.

Another patent to add to the stack of "Is this implemented?" list. :)

[DMC_34]

If this is implemented I take it DomainsByProxy would be bad idea, especially if Google is viewing the WHOIS data?

Does anyone have a site registered by them which was launched late last year and is doing well in G?