My problem is:
An institution's official name is keyword1 keyword2, and consequently their domain is keyword1-keyword2. Keyword2 names a type of institution found in many towns, and very often there's more than one institution like that in town. keyword1 is just a name, also very common.
A lot of users don't know the correct notation keyword1 keyword2. So even if they are searching exactly for my client's site, they search for the composite keyword1keyword2 which is a common notation in my country, too.
Unfortunately according to Overture the composite (387) is more frequent than the hyphenated (79).
My thoughts so far:
1. I go with the hyphenated domain, and add a page optimized for the composite. - I doubt if that's enough to rank well because there are a lot of other sites with that notation, belonging to institutions with exactly that composite name in other towns.
2. I buy a second domain containing the composite e.g. keyword1keyword2-cityname. But:
2.1 Composite domain just pointing to hyphenated domain will not help, because Google will only index one domain (likely the hyphenated one).
2.2 Building a site for the composite domain is either in danger of dupe content, or it's a lot of work.
2.3 I make a site for the composite domain, but with only one optimized page where I tell the users about the different notations, and link that page to the hyphenated domain.
How do other members handle this not so uncommon situation? Your input is appreciated!
Albert.
IMHO, most respectful SEOs here will suggest that you move forward with a domain that coincides with your top target keyword phrase (the composite) due to the defacto benefit of anchor text and brand.
That being said, and due to the fact that your site has already been created, I personally would go with:
>>1. I go with the hyphenated domain, and add a page optimized for the composite.
It is quite natural to create additional pages on a site to optimize for additional target keyword phrases. In fact, I wouldn't differentiate your issue from the oft cited Singular/Plural issue for example.
The fact of the matter is that you need to optimize for the composite and the hyphen. IMO your biggest challenge is to mix up your back links and anchor text between two to adequately rank well for both. Presuming your on-site optimization is adequate for both targets.
If you do not achieve your ranking requirements by adding the additional page, I would then change up my tactics with a focus on the composite for the primary URL, and then reverse my approach by adding an additional page for the hyphen.
I hope this helps a little:)
This thread was first closed / than moved when I tried to response. So typing in again ... hi mods :)
What you say: adding pages to the hyphenated domain is suboptimal because having the composite domain would be better. Anyway I can't change to the composite - the institution's name is more similar to the hyphenated.
I hoped there were other options available, because this situation is not so rare in Germany.
Albert.
That way, if your users remember and type in keyword1keyword2 they get to your site, while you continue to gain whatever benefits a hyphenated keyword-laden domain may give you in the search engines.
Therefore I guess I should have some additional pages optimized for the composite, anyway.
I tried to avoid that, but it seems to be the only solution.
