Domain Name for SEO use

Discussion in 'Search Engine Optimization' started by RFKSolutions, Apr 20, 2009.

  1. #1
    Hi

    I have a quick question , i know that if you have your main keyword on your actual domain name, this does have good SEO benefits, for example

    www.sportscars.com

    However if you didnt have the domain name in a whole word, is there any benefit whats so ever you where to have

    www.sports-cars.com with a dash in between

    These domain names I dont own, this is just an example
     
    RFKSolutions, Apr 20, 2009 IP
  2. benjF

    benjF Peon

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    #2
    I remember watching a video presentation by a guy who works at Google. He said that in terms of SEO dash/no dash makes no difference.

    Although generally, it is argued that dashes are bad because people tend to remember the words in the domain name, but forget about the dashes.
     
    benjF, Apr 20, 2009 IP
  3. blackberryseo

    blackberryseo Well-Known Member

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    #3
    It will help hyphenated or not. I have used both variations in the past and not noticed much difference between them. On some occasions the hyphenated domain has performed better although more factors like links and quality of content make it difficult to determine if the domain name itself played a part.
     
    blackberryseo, Apr 20, 2009 IP
  4. vansterdam

    vansterdam Notable Member

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    #4
    I agree that it does not matter if you have a hyphen in your domain name or not. You can get rankings just as easily with either domain name. Either way, your keywords will be in most of your backlinks. The only downside is that it is slightly tougher for visitors to remember, but really how often will they be actually typing your url. They are far more likely to just bookmark it, or copy & paste it.
     
    vansterdam, Apr 20, 2009 IP
  5. 5593907

    5593907 Active Member

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    #5
    While both work well, I actually prefer the hyphenated version; as long as you don't use more than 2 hyphens in the URL. For example, www.pretty-blue-bikini-bathing-suits.com wouldn't do very well. That's just my .02 worth.
     
    5593907, Apr 20, 2009 IP
  6. kiduka

    kiduka Peon

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    #6
    It really makes no difference the main thing that matters is that you have the keyword in the domain, but I would use hyphens if I had long words so that I can seperate them for better understanding for my visitors.
     
    kiduka, Apr 20, 2009 IP
  7. TheBrainchildGroup

    TheBrainchildGroup Peon

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    #7
    I've found through research, mainly with e-commerce sites that have 1,000+ products, that customized URL keys that match the intended keywords does in fact help.

    Good luck with everything~! :)

    -AS
     
    TheBrainchildGroup, Apr 20, 2009 IP
  8. Komicwords

    Komicwords Well-Known Member

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    #8
    I think the problem is not just the keywords gathered inside the problem is also the indexing periode,if the dashed website having less link pointing I think the rank will not be that good
     
    Komicwords, Apr 20, 2009 IP
  9. edgray

    edgray Peon

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    #9
    I agree with benjF on this - hyphens are easily forgettable. It's always best to use the "radio test". Would the domain name be memorable on a radio advert? Hyphens certainly ruin how that would sound:

    sunriseproperties dot com or

    sun hyphen rise hyphen properties dot com

    the first wins hands down in my mind.
     
    edgray, Apr 21, 2009 IP
  10. akki123

    akki123 Peon

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    #10
    wether you have dash in domain name or not it doesnt make any impact at SEO level. and yes forget about the term "people cant remember" as we are talking about search engines and if people are remembering the URls they are not coming to search engines. :)
     
    akki123, Apr 21, 2009 IP
  11. edgray

    edgray Peon

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    #11
    You should never forget about any potential customer, web or not. Search engines provide the bulk of traffic for a lot of people but so does word of mouth. It helps to take this into consideration.
     
    edgray, Apr 21, 2009 IP