Domain age versus local domain versus hyphens

[Buckley]

Hi crew,

In regards to ranking in Google, I have a client that has a domain that is www.green-pro(insert his trade type).com

The domain is 5 years old but has never been developed and doesn't have backlinks or traffic but has been online. The business is a local one operating within a region of one city in one state of Australia.

I discovered that the .com.au domain name for him without the hyphen was available which would make it www.greenpro(insert trade type).com.au I even got him the .com domain without the hyphen in it so I have no idea why they went with this terrible set-up with one word then a hyphen and then two words joined together and then the .com

My question is, we are about to start promoting the business properly online for the first time and I'm wondering if i should ditch the current domain and redirect it to the local .com.au domain and start optimising that one or do i stick with the established 5 year old ugly .com domain.

How much difference does the fact the domain has been being registered for 5 years make?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[engine]

It used to make a difference to having a registered domain for a long [period, but that's not worth much these days.

I'd suggest hanging onto the hyphenated domain and develop the easier domain, which would be a choice of the .com or .au If you're international definitely go for the .com
You want easy type-ins, or voice search. Try saying the hyphenated one vs the two-word domain and you'll see which is easiest.

I would redirect all the other domains. including the hyphenated domain, to the chosen domain and would keep the registrations for all those going.

[not2easy]

I would suggest the same, but there is currently no advantage in using.com if a business is only available locally. It may pay to own the .com and redirect it due to human habits but if it is local, go with the .com.au domain.

[RedBar]

I agree, if you're only doing local business within Oz go with the .com.au and point everything else you have at it. Why? Bear in mind that for the last few years G has been making its SERPs about the localisation of results to suit the local / national / country audience plus avoiding their neccessity to incorporate it into the international index.

You may also find that using exactly the same site with a .com.au may possibly outrank your .com very quickly, no promises however do not be surprised.

[Buckley]

Great answers thank you. About what i was thinking i just wasn't sure how much domain age was worth when it hadn't be very active.

Thanks again for the solid advice, much appreciated.