When choosing between a domain with a hyphen or without

[megri]

When choosing between a domain with a hyphen or without, here are some key points to consider: 1. Branding & Memorability:

• Without Hyphen: Easier to remember, type, and share verbally. It looks cleaner and more professional.
  • Example: bestdeals.com
• With Hyphen: Can make the domain clearer if your keywords might be confusing when combined.
  • Example: best-deals.com (useful if bestdeals.com looks like bestde als.com)

2. SEO Impact:

• Without Hyphen: Generally preferred by search engines and users alike. Google doesn’t penalize hyphenated domains, but non-hyphenated ones tend to perform better because they are more user-friendly.
• With Hyphen: No significant SEO benefit. Excessive hyphens can make a site look spammy.

3. User Experience:

• Without Hyphen: Users are more likely to type domains without hyphens. If someone hears your domain spoken aloud, they probably won’t think to add a hyphen.
• With Hyphen: More prone to user error if people forget to type the hyphen.

4. Availability:

• Without Hyphen: Often already taken, especially for popular keywords.
• With Hyphen: Easier to find available options if your desired domain without hyphens is unavailable.

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Final Recommendation:

• Go for a domain without hyphens if it’s available—it’s better for branding, easier to remember, and generally preferred by both users and search engines.
• Consider a hyphenated domain only if:
  • The non-hyphenated version is unavailable.
  • The hyphen significantly improves readability.
  • It’s part of a niche where hyphens are common.