"-" In Domain or no?

Discussion in 'Search Engine Optimization' started by mtime88, May 26, 2008.

  1. #1
    Is it better for seo to use say:
    mensclothes.com
    or
    mens-clothes.com ?
     
    mtime88, May 26, 2008 IP
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  2. JessieJames27

    JessieJames27 Active Member

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    #2
    They are equal! Most of the members here say that separators are not relevant. But Search Engines are not that wise. They can't recognized keywords on very long domain names. Hyphens are important and the best keyword delimiter in your URL.
     
    JessieJames27, May 26, 2008 IP
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  3. Nystul

    Nystul Well-Known Member

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    #3
    It doesnt matter. so stick with menclothes.com
     
    Nystul, May 26, 2008 IP
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  4. Dan Schulz

    Dan Schulz Peon

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    #4
    In your case, mensclothes.com would be better. If your domain name contained multiple keywords that could be mixed up, as is the case of Experts Exchange, then you'd want to go with the dash in the domain name. For an example of what I'm talking about, look at experts-exchange.com and expertsexchange.com - the first one is VERY easy to identify since you know what the keywords are (Experts Exchange). However, the second one can cause confusion - are the keywords "Experts Exchange" or "Expert Sex Change" - see what I mean? ;)
     
    Dan Schulz, May 26, 2008 IP
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  5. FPForum

    FPForum Notable Member

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    #5
    I agree mensclothes would be better. They are equal and mensclothes is obviously easier to remember. As Dan said, for something like experts exchange the - may be needed
     
    FPForum, May 26, 2008 IP
  6. vickyseo

    vickyseo Banned

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    #6
    Hi,
    i think mensclothes is better then mans-cloths, both are same i think not meen of "-"
     
    vickyseo, May 26, 2008 IP
  7. JohnChan80

    JohnChan80 Peon

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    #7
    i agree. Dont used hypen in your case.
     
    JohnChan80, May 27, 2008 IP
  8. aira

    aira Active Member

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    #8
    It wouldn't matter to search engines either you use a dash or not in URL, just keep it simple and easy to figure out for the convenience of both the search engines and users.

    On my personal view, you may omit the dash on your URL since it only contains two short words.. :)
     
    aira, May 27, 2008 IP
  9. Farmer77

    Farmer77 Peon

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    #9
    I would go with the non hyphen one first if you can get it, especially if it is a .com domain. Having those two things plus decent and relevant content should make it much easier for you to get on the first page for your keywords.

    I have seen websites that are crap but are able rank on page one for very competitive keywords because the owner was the first to snag the complete keyword without hyphens in the domain along with the .com. I seen this far too many times for it to be a mere coincidence.
     
    Farmer77, May 27, 2008 IP
  10. johnenderson

    johnenderson Peon

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    #10
    Exactly Dan, Superb explanation.

    Thanks
    John
     
    johnenderson, May 27, 2008 IP
  11. mixke

    mixke Prominent Member

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    #11
    Just loved it!! I always find your posts very useful. Good Luck ;) :)
     
    mixke, May 27, 2008 IP
  12. Telent04

    Telent04 Peon

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    #12
    The hyphen seems kind of spammy, for lack of a better word.

    How about mens-clothes.com vs. mensclothes.net? That's the dilemma people probably encounter most often.
     
    Telent04, Jun 16, 2008 IP
  13. professionalseo

    professionalseo Banned

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    #13
    The hyphen does act as a delimiter, however the benefits are not nearly as substantial as they used to be due to the search engine algo's getting better so unless they are very competitive keywords you are trying to rank high for you should just go with the non-hyphenated.
     
    professionalseo, Jun 16, 2008 IP
  14. hstmov

    hstmov Peon

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    #14
    It is better to not to sure "-" if without "-" domain is available
     
    hstmov, Jun 16, 2008 IP