When it comes to SEO, an older domain can often be more valuable than a new domain due to several factors that contribute to its overall search engine ranking potential. Here's an explanation of why an older domain can have an edge over a new one:

1. Domain age: Search engines, such as Google, consider domain age as one of the many ranking factors. Older domains have had more time to establish their presence and build trust with search engines. This trust can contribute to better search engine rankings, as search engines tend to view older domains as more credible and authoritative sources.
2. Backlink profile: Older domains typically have a more extensive and diverse backlink profile, as they have had more time to accumulate inbound links from other websites. A strong backlink profile signals to search engines that the site is a valuable and trusted source of information, positively impacting search rankings.
3. Content and relevance: Over time, older domains have likely built up a substantial library of high-quality, relevant content that appeals to their target audience. This content can help establish the website as an authority in its niche, further improving its search engine rankings.
4. Indexed pages: Older domains generally have more indexed pages in search engines, as they have had more time to produce content and be crawled by search engine bots. A larger number of indexed pages can lead to greater visibility in search results and more opportunities to rank for various keywords.
5. Brand recognition and user engagement: An older domain may have already established a recognizable brand and a loyal user base. This can result in higher user engagement metrics, such as click-through rates, time on site, and lower bounce rates, which search engines may use as indicators of a website's quality and relevance.
6. Historical performance: The performance history of an older domain, including its past SEO efforts and search engine rankings, can be beneficial to its current SEO standing. Search engines may consider the domain's historical performance when determining its current rankings, giving it an advantage over newer domains.

However, it's important to note that while an older domain may have certain inherent advantages, its success in SEO is still largely dependent on the quality of its content, optimization efforts, and overall user experience. A new domain with a well-executed SEO strategy can still outrank an older domain if it provides more value to users and search engines. In other words, the age of a domain is just one of many factors that contribute to its SEO success.