Hyphens in domain? What's the latest consensus?

8 replies
  • SEO
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I've been in maintenance mode for several months now, so I've decided to start building out some new sites. I already have my niche topics in mind, completed my keyword research, etc. Now I need to find a domain.

I'd like to have my keyword in the domain, but obviously finding an EMD is trickier these days, so I'm torn between a number of possibilities. I've planned out my next five topics. Most of these are 3 keyword phrase, ex. "one two three" and some are two word phrases, ex. "one two".

My niche is an information-type topic.

Here are some possibilities for domain names:

onetwo-three.org (or .com in come cases, I don't like .nets)

one-twothree.com

one-two.org

onetwothreeguide.com

onetwothreez.com

onetwoguide.com

onetwoz.com



I wasn't really a fan of hyphenated domains, but I'd heard it's not too big a deal when you only have one. I've also see a few of the two word domains like "one-two.com", ranking #1 or top 5. Then again, I've heard that G doesn't like hyphens as much since Panda. If you had a choice between these variations, which option do you feel would serve you best in trying to rank your site at the top of the SE's?

Thanks,
S
#consensus #domain #hyphens #latest
  • Profile picture of the author Steve23
    Anyone able to chime in here?
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    • From my experience, there is no difference. If I am targeting a keyword and I want that keyword in the domain I will see if the .com, .net or .org is available. If not, then I go to the hyphenated version of the keyword and will buy it if it is available. I only use .com, .net or .org though.

      I've had no issues ranking them and/or selling them on Flippa later down the road.

      Hope this helps.

      -Brad
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      • Profile picture of the author ExploringInfinity
        Originally Posted by nichewebstrategies View Post

        From my experience, there is no difference. If I am targeting a keyword and I want that keyword in the domain I will see if the .com, .net or .org is available. If not, then I go to the hyphenated version of the keyword and will buy it if it is available. I only use .com, .net or .org though.

        I've had no issues ranking them and/or selling them on Flippa later down the road.

        Hope this helps.

        -Brad
        Yeah, there is not too much of a difference. I do both and all my sites rank about the same.
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        • Profile picture of the author atomasini
          I have a hyphenate domain that is climbing in the SERPs, slowly, but climbing. Doesn't seem to make any difference.
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  • Profile picture of the author gtk29
    I think it does not matter any more. Google looks at the content now and not at the link like before.
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  • Profile picture of the author 36burrows
    Only difference is if you'll be telling people your site, it makes it a pain trying to explain it to them.

    Imagine if a radio ad was like "visit www.your-site-is-cool.com!"

    You'd be like.....huh?
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    • Profile picture of the author Bulldozer
      Yeah, a dash in the domain name makes things hard to spread by word of mouth.
      Other than that, there is no difference for ranking a site in Google.

      It would become a problem if you try to sell your site on Flippa.
      I believe that most people stay away from sites with dashes in their domain. Most people still think a hyphen in the URL f*cks up their ranking or something.
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  • Profile picture of the author AprilCT
    I don't like hyphenated domains. My feeling is that there is way too big a chance someone (actually a large bunch of someones) will forget to put them in and end up somewhere else.
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