"and" in a domain name

[roydovaston]

Can anyone advise about the word "and" in the middle of a domain name...

Let's say I wanted "handles and hinges" to do well as a phrase in google, would the "and" in the domain help?

This question is based on the domain handlesandhinges.co.uk which I do not own and only using for th example!!!

I guess I should also be asking whether you think it's detrimental to the cause as well in terms of seo

 

[viceroy]

I was wondering this exact thing the other day! Couldn't find a definitive answer on the net either...
Like you say, which would be best to develop out: handlesandhinges.co.uk, handles-hinges.co.uk, handleshinges.co.uk, handlesnhinges.co.uk? Anyone have an idea?

 

[The Ferryman]

I have one or two sites with "and" in the name but I have never done any detailed research comparing them with other sites. I have not noticed any difference really.

Regards

Bruce

 

[seemly]

I'm pretty sure search engines "ignore" quite a range of search terms (known as stop words), especially "and", as this particular word can be used to refine your search results (if using all caps 'AND').

http://www.webconfs.com/stop-words.php

With this in mind, I'm not sure how it would help with regards to EMD bonus, but if it helps make a domain name read properly (radio test), then imo, I think I would include it.

 

[viceroy]

Great list!
So would there be an emd bonus for say, 'handleshinges' when trying to rank for both 'handles' and 'hinges'?
Think i'm going to have to try this out eventually...

 

[seemly]

Great list!
So would there be an emd bonus for say, 'handleshinges' when trying to rank for both 'handles' and 'hinges'?
Think i'm going to have to try this out eventually...

I think this would be a great experiment! Though you would have to find a pretty competitive term that has a stop word, and also reg the non stop-word version of the domain name and compare results.

But in reality, the power of EMD with regards to a ranking boost doesn't truly exist anymore, does it? (genuine question from someone who may have more evidence for this).

So the "only" benefit to an exact match domain is CTR (due to user mind-set of being more relevant) and if you were to be using PPC as a promotion method which again, adds a little something to the trust value to users.

 

[Blossom]

But in reality, the power of EMD with regards to a ranking boost doesn't truly exist anymore, does it? (genuine question from someone who may have more evidence for this).

Yes it does. More so in Bing and Yahoo than Google, but is still the case in Google.

 

[gordi555]

Was going to mention the stop words but looks like someone already did!

Personally I would have the "and" present in the domain. I've done experiments using a "-" to replace the word "and" and not had much joy.

 

[seemly]

Yes it does. More so in Bing and Yahoo than Google, but is still the case in Google.

thanks for getting back about this Blossom. Much appreciated.