which is easiest/best for a name...

[nwilson]

Hi I'm trying to choose a domain name for a new site and I'm having a problem working out which would be best, a '-' seperated name or not.

This is very close to my real situation.

Title of site: small home page tips

Choices: shptips.com or shp-tips.com

What are your thoughts?

Cheers

[toolman]

I've always seen an edge, although not earthshattering, using hyphenated names. INK especially will take a shine to you just for purchasing such a finely hyphenated beast. Google likes 'em too.

Get the one that you feel best about (or get them both) and then fill, fill, fill it with text (content). That's what really matters most.

[nwilson]

Well that makes sense, I just thought about word of mouth?

[Hunter]

For word of mouth you should try to avoid hyphens at all costs. Don't believe me? Try saying it on the phone a few times to potential clients or strangers.

As Toolman expertly points out, for some SE's you gain a little edge from hyphens (as long as the name is not too long and diluted).

An easy solution is to optimize your site using the hyphen domain and use the non-hyphenated domain for word of mouth, magzines etc...

[nwilson]

Hmmm... That's a good idea. Will I not get penalized for having two domain names pointing to the same site?

[ebgreen]

No penalty, as long as you are only submitting one of them to the search engines. Choose the domain that is most likely to be remembered or typed in and promote the one with the hyphens. GOOGLE loves keyword rich domain names.

[angiolo]

Have a look at what Brett suggests about domain name too:

Successful Site in 12 Months with Google Alone
[webmasterworld.com...]

[brotherhood of LAN]

as for word of mouth

the correct word is 'dash' for -

i dont think many people would have trouble with that

[Hunter]

as for word of mouth
the correct word is 'dash' for -
i dont think many people would have trouble with that

brotherhood,

It's more a matter of offline advertising. People in general will not remember a "-" in a domain if they see it offline. As far as actual word of mouth in concerned, sure some will remember, but not many :)