This was a recent question submitted by a reader:
Q: Will Google split the non-hyphenated keywords in domain name?
A: Yes, Google was actually one of the first search engines to do this. Now Bing and Yahoo also have the ability recognize separate keywords in a non-hyphenated domain name.
With that being said, I still purchase numerous hyphenated domains each year for various reasons:
- A hyphenated domain is great for display URLs and pay per click advertising.
- A hyphenated domain can rank just as well as a non hyphenated domain name. (The major consideration is whether or not you are targeting search traffic or type-in traffic.)
- Hyphenated domains are easier to read and can give you an extra advertising line when used as your display URL in your PPC advertising