setzer - 4:59 am on Aug 18, 2010 (gmt 0)

If you've ever tried to rank a keyword-match domain in a competitive market, you know it takes more than just the domain.

This is true. However, one reason I'd give the edge to keyword rich domains is that the URL itself effectively serves as anchor text when linked. I figure it has to be a valuable asset when users are sharing your link across forums and such.

IMO there is much more that goes into rankings these days than simply the link count... I think looking and thinking 'I have the most links, so I should rank better' are either over on definitely on their way out...

I've considered many other factors but as far as I can see it comes down to the domain name on this one. I've noticed other competitors in a similar situation have trouble ranking against these keyword domains as well. I suppose it's possible that Google weighs certain keywords or niches differently, perhaps based on popularity of a given term.

2. Domain with hyphens between words doesn't have the same effect.

I've noticed this too.