Domains with hyphens vs without

[Xander]

I know hyphens are generally not liked but how do they relate to terms of searching? Also for the new domain I'm thinking of, I'm leaning for one with a hyphen(one without is still available) as it is easier to remember I think.

My main question though is how does it relate in terms of search engine rankings/readability? I.e. can for instance google know key1key2 are two keywords or is key1-key2 better/easier?

[tomek]

I prefer key1-key2 over key1_key2 and key1key2

[James]

Use hyphens. Googleguy said so.

[MSJA]

Register both.

Hyphenated domains do well in SE if they are linked to using the domain as the anchor text. 301 redirect the un-hyphenated to the hyphenated just in case people inadvertently forget the hyphen when linking to the domain or typing in browser.

Also, save yourself the trouble of explaining what hyphens are to people you encounter - you'd be surprised. If you don't register the un-hyphenated version, your competitor would be happy to.

[James]

Oh yeah well, of course if you're registering the domain name get both. I was speaking strictly about optimization.

[s2kinteg916]

Its up to u... chris has a great article on it ... i prefer usability over a couple points with se's do u really want to type in key1-key2-key3.com everytime u visit a site ?

imagine if u had to type in web-site-publisher.net everytime u came here..

[moonshield]

i think it matters how long the domain would be with hypthens included. say key1-key2.com is not that bad but when you have like 10 words, then its a bit crazy.