First a quick overview of what exactly Google means by a “Site Name”.
When Google displays a webpage in its search results, it includes the name of the website from which the page originates. This is referred to as the site name. It’s important to distinguish that the site name is distinct from the per-page title links, which are unique to each individual web page, while the site name represents the entire website.
Google’s generation of site names on the Google Search results page is entirely automated and considers the content found on a website’s homepage as well as references to that website from across the web. The primary objective of the site name in Google Search is to accurately and effectively represent the source of each search result, providing users with a clear and descriptive identifier for the origin of the information.
Using Structured Data for a Site Name
Utilizing structured data can enhance the presentation and visibility of your site name in search results, providing users with more informative and engaging information about your website.
<html>
<head>
<title>Example: A Site about Examples</title>
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "WebSite",
"name" : "Example",
"url" : "https://example.com/"
}
</script>
</head>
<body>
</body>
</html>Users can also employ an alternative site name in the structured data using “alternateName”:
How to Choose a Site Name
- Relevance: Ensure your site name is relevant to the content or purpose of your website. It should give visitors a clear idea of what to expect.
- Memorability: Opt for a name that is easy to remember. Short, catchy, and unique names tend to leave a lasting impression.
- Brand Consistency: If applicable, align your site name with your brand. Consistency across your branding materials helps build recognition.
- Domain Availability: Check the availability of the domain name (URL) that corresponds with your site name. Having a matching domain simplifies navigation.
- Avoid Hyphens and Numbers: Ideally, steer clear of hyphens and numbers, which can be confusing and less memorable.
- Keyword Consideration: If relevant, include a relevant keyword in your site name. This can aid in search engine optimization.
- Legalities: Ensure your chosen site name does not infringe on trademarks or copyrights.
- Future Expansion: Think about the potential for growth. A name that accommodates future content or product offerings is beneficial.
- User-Friendly: Prioritize a user-friendly site name that is easy to spell and pronounce.
- Feedback: Gather feedback from peers or target audience to gauge the initial reactions to your chosen site name.
Now that you know what a Site Name is and how to implement it, you can base your Site Name on your geographic region using your language of choice.
Last October Site Names were first introduced on mobile results for only certain languages, this was expanded to desktop in March of this year. With the most recent update Site Names are now available in all languages where Google Search is available. This includes both desktop and mobile search results.
If you need help determining a Site Name or ensuring your website shows correctly in the Google index contact our expert Organic Website Optimization Company today!
