Domain with or without hyphen

[hurricane_sh]

If a domain name is combined with two popular words, I think it's not big difference on Google's part.

For example: when user search "DVD software", Google give same link power for the two links: dvdsoftware.com and dvd-software.com, how do you think?

You know what I mean, can't make up a good expression.

[Shawn]

Myself, if the dvdsoftware (no hyphen) was available I would get that one.

[RonHollingsworth]

get both and redirect one to the other.

[awall19]

i usually stay away from hyphens whenever possible.

[hurricane_sh]

Let put aside how visitors think about it, are they similar when building links?

[awall19]

Originally Posted by hurricane_sh

Let put aside how visitors think about it, are they similar when building links?

yes, other than it might be a slight bit harder to get links into the dashed domain from some people if your site is a bit sketchy.

[hurricane_sh]

Originally Posted by awall19

yes, other than it might be a slight bit harder to get links into the dashed domain from some people if your site is a bit sketchy.

Sorry, I didn't make it clear, many people like to link other website with domain name as anchor text, for this case, do they get the same link power for keyword "dvd software"?

[awall19]

Originally Posted by hurricane_sh

Sorry, I didn't make it clear, many people like to link other website with domain name as anchor text, for this case, do they get the same link power for keyword "dvd software"?

most poeple link with the words in the domain as the text link.

some people use the exact domain name as the text links, and in those cases the - version will get credit for the words and the non hyphen version will not since search engines do not parse the words apart into their pieces.

[hurricane_sh]

Originally Posted by awall19

most poeple link with the words in the domain as the text link.

some people use the exact domain name as the text links, and in those cases the - version will get credit for the words and the non hyphen version will not since search engines do not parse the words apart into their pieces.

But I often see Google highlight a part of a word(without -) in url, expescially when the word is combined by two popular words, maybe it parse body text and url differently.

[awall19]

Originally Posted by hurricane_sh

But I often see Google highlight a part of a word(without -) in url, expescially when the word is combined by two popular words, maybe it parse body text and url differently.

the hightlighting program is a program external to the search algorithm and has nothing to do with relevancy.

[nandini]

Originally Posted by awall19

the hightlighting program is a program external to the search algorithm and has nothing to do with relevancy.

Yeah agree iwth awall, and if you want to do some research.. go to google and serach for any keyword as allinurl:keyword

You will get the results and the answer.

But one important point is missing is about the brand name. IMr changed to V7n on the lines of same philosphy. And I do believe in same. You want keywords in URL, go name a directory or a html file with it.. But name your domain with what you identify with.

-- just my opinion ---

[FGTH]

There are different schools of thought regarding the use of hyphens, underscores, and concatenating different words together.

In programming, file naming conventions should allow easy interpretation/understanding of files and directories at a high level without forcing the reader to delve into the files/folders. Underscores and dashes have been used interchangeably in programming without negative impact. Spaces have always been frowned upon and should be avoided. We can thank Microsoft for propagating the use of spaces in naming files and folders.

Almost the same can be said of naming conventions for domain names and search engines. Let me stress again the "almost".

Google treats hyphens like spaces. Search for "new-york" and "new york" in Google and you'll get the same results. Search for "newyork" and "new york" and you'll get completely different results.

The "V7N" name is to establish a brand. "Internet-Marketing-Research.net" was used to aggregate visits/users. Once the site achieved a high level of popularity and SERP, switching to a new domain name has little or no negative impact on the site's rankings.

[Buskerdoo]

Branding takes a lot of time and money. I don't see DVD Software as something to brand so I would go with dvd-software and get the text link advantage.

Getting both names is also a good idea if you can afford it.

[Buskerdoo]

I would also take a look at

http://www.v7n.com/keyword-descriptive-domains.php

[cltwebs]

This topic always brings lots of good debate.

I think really comes down cercumstance to what domain you choose.

I have had success with hyphens and without hyphens.

I do tend to find hyphen keyword domain names are easier to get ranked for keyword placement.

[kiwidesigner]

Hi - I'd go with the "no" Hyphen - never have liked my myself.

Karen

[jacksdad]

As long as we're throwing out opinions, I think the no hypen url looks much more professional. My 2 cents.

[brickred]

i think there are some website which are on the top of google using hyphens in there domain name

e.g on keyword "offshore development" the site which is on the top haveing domain name with hyphens