hyphen vs. underscore...

mauiman · 07-09-2007, 04:18 PM

I've read several times here that URLs should use hyphens rather than underscores to separate words. Example: /web-directories vs. /web_directories

If this is the case why on earth does phpLD create new URLs using underscores when using their multiple sub category add function??? Wouldn't this be an easy change for them to make? Or is the effect really inconsequential?

Also, I see a bunch of directories using the underscore vs. the hyphen so should they change to hyphens and add redirects or leave them be?

Cornbread · 07-09-2007, 05:09 PM

I don't think it really matters. Your file structure has almost zero effect on the Serps anyway. Title and key word/phrase content of your page tells Google what the page is about more that the file name. If your site/page was called red-hammers.com but the content talked about chickens and the title of the page was called chickens then it would rank for chickens and not red hammers.

chicgeek · 07-09-2007, 05:26 PM

http://www.v7n.com/forums/seo-forum/...o-v7n-way.html
John mentions it there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Scott

Folder and File Names:

Bad:

www.v7inc.com/tutorial/cpanel_xv2_POP.htm

This URL may include the word "cpanel" and "POP", but it is separated by an underscore (_) instead of a hyphen (-). Google does not parse keywords in URLs when they are run together, or when they are separated by an underscore.

Instead, use the hyphen:

www.v7inc.com/flash-tutorials.php

! Ask ! · 07-11-2007, 03:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cornbread

I don't think it really matters. Your file structure has almost zero effect on the Serps anyway. Title and key word/phrase content of your page tells Google what the page is about more that the file name. If your site/page was called red-hammers.com but the content talked about chickens and the title of the page was called chickens then it would rank for chickens and not red hammers.

Well i have to disagree with that, and i will give you an example.

Look at this search term "regional UK tourism"

links removed

Cornbread · 07-11-2007, 06:39 AM

I will concede, I think it does help in SERPS a little, but I still don't think it is a major factor. I have two NFL Draft web sites. One has the words (file structure) hyphenated and one doesn't, and the one that is hyphenated is older, but the non-hyphenated site out ranks it because it has better inbound links (I think).

mauiman · 07-11-2007, 08:37 AM

Personal msg for Cornbread - I know you believe that NFL teams sign players purely based on their football skills, but I think you're wrong. I bet if you'd shave, wash and comb your hair, and perhaps trying standing up straight like a modern man, you'd get signed!
;-)

Sorry... just had to comment on that great avatar. I chuckle every time I see it.

Cornbread · 07-11-2007, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mauiman

Personal msg for Cornbread - I know you believe that NFL teams sign players purely based on their football skills, but I think you're wrong. I bet if you'd shave, wash and comb your hair, and perhaps trying standing up straight like a modern man, you'd get signed!
;-)

Sorry... just had to comment on that great avatar. I chuckle every time I see it.

LOL..Yea I love those Geico commercials. But back on topic. I am not so sure if those hyphens do any good at all. For example the top ranked NFL Draft sites do not have hyphens, the words are just all ran together in the file name and on top of that if you use the search term NFL Draft, the "nfl" and the "draft" are highlighted within the non hyphenated file name, which means Google can separate the key words even though they are all ran together. Google can detect the key words within the file name with or without the hyphen. Plus it is easier for people to remember a non hyphenated file name than one with hyphens in it. So in summation, the hyphens are not necessary. Just call me the myth buster.

mauiman · 07-12-2007, 10:25 AM

OK myth buster. You're probably correct that it doesn't make a BIG difference one way or another. But, as I look up at the URL generated by vBseo I'll err on the side of using hyphens. Thanks for your opinions and input.

chillfire · 07-13-2007, 07:50 AM

I use the underscore and hypen system on all of my CMS sites (and most static sites actually), there seems to be no harm in using either or both at the same time.

I think the main thing is to structure the urls the same across the entire site, if nothing else it make sense to the user (and to you when you try and find a bug)

example 1
Example2

on a side note the latest G toolbar PR release has given 80 of the content pages a PR of 3, so it works (so far so good)