Domain Format for SEO, with "-" or Without

Discussion in 'Search Engine Optimization' started by gamefray, Oct 27, 2007.

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  1. #1
    Hey guys,

    I was just wondering what domain name format is better for SEO.

    Would, for example, The-Best-Guide.com or TheBestGuide.com be better for SEO purposes only.

    Or would it not matter?
     
    gamefray, Oct 27, 2007 IP
  2. Shimonenator

    Shimonenator Peon

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    #2
    For main search egines it doesn't matter, however for people it's more common to use domains without dashes.
     
    Shimonenator, Oct 27, 2007 IP
  3. astup1didiot

    astup1didiot Notable Member

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    #3
    It really doesn't matter, I'd go with no dash if possible.
     
    astup1didiot, Oct 28, 2007 IP
  4. cybotrix

    cybotrix Peon

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    #4
    Going without dash is always more advisable because dashes increase the characters in the keyword.

    Cheers.. :)
     
    cybotrix, Oct 28, 2007 IP
  5. Dan Schulz

    Dan Schulz Peon

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    #5
    They don't increase the characters in the keyword, they separate them. Most of the time though they are not necessary; however in some instances using dashes are critical.

    Take Experts Exchange for example. Their site, www.experts-exchange.com, uses a dash to separate the two keywords (in this case, the site title) from each other. If the separator wasn't there, a search engine would have to figure out what keywords were in expertsexchange.com - is it "Experts Exchange" or is it "Expert Sex Change" instead? Of course we know the answer (the former) but a search engine might not, and thus could mistake it for the latter.
     
    Dan Schulz, Oct 29, 2007 IP