Using Dash in Domain

[Rex]

In the perspective of an SEO, do you think it's not good to use a dash in a domain? Does the value of a domain decrease when it has a dash in it?

[marigot]

I could write a book on this subject - lol

Seriously, I really see how times have changed and I am thinking of doing a blog just to get it off my chest.

When I started back in 1996, because so many names were available, a hyphen was the kiss of death. It meant you were desperate to find a good keyword because millions of names still existed.

Then somewhere around 2002, hyphens were all the rage. They said they were better for the search engines bc the SE could spot your niche right away. Plus people could remember the names better than all mashed together.

Then when the spammers got onto the scene and realized this, they took over by trying to register every domain over again with hyphens.

And now everyone seems to be wishy-washy. Half say it is okay and half say no.

For my part, I own plenty of names with hyphens, only because those were the names I wanted and I honestly felt, the name was easier for my users. The hyphens do not seem to be a detriment in my rankings. I think because my content is good.

But I do wonder if I sell them. I think if I sold them with the site, they would be valuable bc the site is worthwhile but on their own, I am not sure.

[Rex]

Wow! I bet you really can write a book about hyphens in domains. All these stories about spammers and hyphens are new to me. Thanks for sharing...

Anyway, for me, I don't think it really matters a lot if your domain has a hyphen or not. It's really about the content of your site.