what is better, hyphens or no hyphens?

11 replies
  • SEO
  • |
For Seo purposes, does it matter if I use hyphens in domain name? Example how-to-something d0t com or howtosomthing d0t com? Does it make a difference for ranking?

Thanks in advance
#hyphens
  • Profile picture of the author nossie
    With hyphens looks more like spam, the domain itself is worth less.

    But, in terms of google rankings using 1 or 2 hyphens does not matter anything. Though personally I only go for domains without a hyphen
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2509084].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author IMNewbieBlog
    You should go for no hyphens if you can.

    I don't agree with nossie that if you are using 1 or 2 hyphens it has no effect. I think it does and you should go for a domain with no hyphens in my opinion.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2509331].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author pettforest
    In my experience, it is more better to have no hyphens than to have it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2512187].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author deloriagod
    From my experience, hyphens don't effect SEO. I've had domains with and without hyphens rank well.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2512383].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author redlevi
    I get turned off when I see hyphens - in - a - domain.

    Very spammy in my opinion.

    Search engines seem to be ok with them right now...i just don't think they look very great to humans.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2512800].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author james7
      Search engine consider the hyphen as a space, so when you want two keywords in a domain, you can use hyphen in a domain.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2514159].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author johntli
    If you will use - symbol in domains then your visitors will find difficulties in remembering your URL and when they will visit your website next time, they may open your competitors websites.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2514184].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author darthtoon
    I haven't noticed any negative impact from using hyphens.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2514265].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author clark.angus
    i preffer no hyphens it has more worth then hyphens
    Signature
    Find People in USA
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2514273].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author HorseStall
    The hyphens help search engines to see keywords in the domain. I'm a fan of hyphens.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2514500].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author webdango
    I dont' use hyphens (anymore) in domain names. But there are sites out there that do and seem to rank just fine.

    I think one hyphen, from a human engineering standpoint, is probably OK, but more than that and it looks spammy.
    Signature
    I make $2,000 - $3,000 a month and YOU CAN TOO
    Get the exact methods I use in my No Joke Guides:
    How to Build Income Earning Websites
    Search Psychology and Keyword Brainstorming
    How to Find a Profitable Niche
    Read more tips at my NoJokeGuide blog
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2514873].message }}

Trending Topics