Hyphen domain effect SEO?

[GAZ09]

Hi Guys,

I am looking to buy some domain that have the keyword I want in - but my question is;

Does using hypehns in a domain effect your SEO?

Thanks

Gareth

[GAZ09]

Hi

Great thanks

Do you think that using the UK.NET domain will effect SEO rankings??

[xoffie]

Hi

We've been using all kinds of domain endings including .co.uk, .uk.net and even .co, it doesn't seem to hurt ctr massively, what it can hurt is people coming back to site, people will forget a domain ending and, if you're uk based, assume it was .co.uk or .com. This is what happens in my experience.

[GAZ09]

Hi Matt

Thank you for your answer..

Glad to hear that using 1 hyphen wont make much difference..

Do you think it matters if I use the  UK.NET domain if I am using the website for the UK??

[GAZ09]

Hi Matt

Thank you for your answer..

Glad to hear that using 1 hyphen wont make much difference..

Do you think it matters if I use the  UK.NET domain if I am using the website for the UK??

[matbennett]

There is no penalty as such for having a single hyphen in a domain.  There are some related considerations though:

Is the domain likely to cause any confusion? Depending on how you are marketing the site a hyphenated domain can be a pain. Trust me: The main domain I have used for the last 16 years has a hyphen. I get very bored of spelling it out and having the whole "Dash.. no dash - a hypen. Like a minus sign... no that's an underscore" conversation on the phone.

If the non hypenated version of the same is being used for anything similar that can present bigger issues.

Also, hyphenated domains can look more spammy or "low rent", although that isn't usually a big issue with a single hyphen in the name. However it could potentially have a small impact on click through rates in some sectors.

However, short answer is "not really".