How relevant is the domain name today?

[RKramkowski]

[angienewton]

[Oregon Coast Guy]

Here are my 1-2-3 check-offs for registering a domain. I keep both the SE's and the human visitor in mind.

I tend to believe that the domain name should contain your core, themed keyword:

uniquely-portland-oregon.com
romantic-oregon-coast.com

My rules for registering a domain is:

Anything with 3 words or more, use hyphens...two words, do not, although, I do protect my brand by registering that same domain in different variations:

romanticoregoncoast.com, net, org
romantic-oregon-coast.com, net, org

One reason for that is when I tell someone to hit up my site, I don't have to worry about telling them, "hyphen, hyphen, hyphen."

Also, when it comes to hyphens and why and when to use them, here is a post that I found in the SiteSell forums that really brings that rule home. hehe.

These are not made up. Check them out yourself!

1. Who Represents is where you can find the name of the agent that
represents any celebrity. Their Web site is www.whorepresents.com

2. Experts Exchange is a knowledge base where programmers can
exchange advice and views at www.expertsexchange.com

3. Looking for a pen? Look no further than Pen Island at www.penisland.net

4. Need a therapist? Try Therapist Finder at www.therapistfinder.com

5. There's the Italian Power Generator company, www.powergenitalia.com

6. And don't forget the Mole Station Native Nursery in New South Wales ,
www.molestationnursery.com

7. If you're looking for IP computer software, there's always
www.ipanywhere.com

8. The First Cumming Methodist Church Web site is www.cummingfirst.com

9. And the designers at Speed of Art await you at their wacky Web site,
www.speedofart.com

Regards,

Tony

[tknoppe]

LOL I'm sorry - I know this wasn't meant to be funny, but seriously, did these folks not write down these domain names and LOOK at them before they bought them? An aptly placed hyphen would have definitely been appropriate in these cases. Yikes!

I agree, using a main keyword phrase within your domain name is good; but won't be a deal breaker if you can't find a domain name that works. Short is good, but SEO friendly, niche relevant and memorable is better; just try not to make it a mile-long mouthful.

[terrapin719]

I love that list, cracks me up every time I see it!

[onlineleben]