.ME Domain Names Can Now Be Geo Targetted In Google Webmaster Tools

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August 28, 2009

.ME Domain Names Can Now Be Geo Targetted In Google Webmaster Tools

Two threads at Google Webmaster Help report that .ME ccTLDs (domain names) can now be geo targeted in Google Webmaster Tools.

Typically, Google doesn't allow you to geo-target a ccTLD (country specific top level domain). Google assumes that if you register a country specific TLD, you want to rank well in that country. They made an exception for a few ccTLDs including .TV domains a while back, but the .ME domains were not included in that exception.

That has changed as of August 17th. In fact, this blog has a screen shot proving it. But there are other various reports of this actually working. .ME is a natural ccTLD for this exception.

Forum discussion at Google Webmaster Help.

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posted rustybrick in Google Optimization at August 28, 2009 8:23 AM Comments (5)

Comments

I think this is great! I never in a million imagined Google would figure out how to target sites for Middle-earth!

Posted by Michael Martinez at August 28, 2009 11:44

.GS should be as well because there are no permanent residents in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

Posted by No Name at August 28, 2009 18:43

DotmMe domains are really getting hot:
Hollywood Universal Studios is using DOTME on the new big movie Despicable.me coming out 2010. This is certainly a BIG boost for the .ME domains. Woordpress have also juts started use ME domains allot . WordPress launches WP.me URL shortener

Posted by Joe at August 29, 2009 05:55

The Google links you posted dont have any info about the .ME geo target changing. I did post this link however on another board so it would be fair to include it.
http://www.namemon.com/news/43-search-engines/64-google-permits-geo-target-of-me-domains

Posted by Ed at August 29, 2009 06:12

Sorry posted the wrong link. This is the thread in webmaster tools where much of the discussion started:
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Webmasters/thread?tid=68b276634193b9bf&fid=68b276634193b9bf00045dc2e2893053&hl=en

Posted by Ed at August 29, 2009 17:49