Hi there, as a newcomer to SEO, I'm trying to understand how having a hyphen in the domain name will impact an online store.
Here's the issue: the store in question is named "Shop-77". It's already created on a free domain, but I'm wondering which domain name is superior - "Shop-77" or "Shop77"? The latter is more user-friendly, but lacks a hyphen.

My concern is how this difference will affect copyright, clones, and so on from a legal standpoint, as well as how it will affect the store's promotion on the web.

It is advisable to avoid using a hyphen whenever possible, but in some cases, such as with "Manchester-united," it is better to use one.

The presence of a hyphen in the name of the site, that is, in the domain, does not affect SEO promotion at all. Optimizers have repeatedly conducted research on this topic and came to the conclusion that with and without a hyphen, the principle of website promotion, and in your case, an online store, is the same. And to put a hyphen in the domain or not, this is your personal choice.

The usage of a hyphen in a domain name can be seen as either beneficial or disadvantageous. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of using hyphens in website domain names.

The use of hyphens in domain names has been debated for quite some time. While it is believed by some people that hyphenated names are advantageous, others disagree. The popularity of domain names with hyphens increased when internet resource promotion specialists noticed that search engines took into account individual keywords in domain names. However, whether such domains have any effect on promotion is still a debatable issue.

WHEN SHOULD YOU USE HYPHENS IN A DOMAIN NAME:

- If the language rules require the use of a hyphen.
- If the domain name consists of several long words, the hyphen improves readability.
- When you use a hyphen, search engines will locate your site faster based on user queries.
- When you register a company and the required domain name is taken, registering a domain name with a hyphen becomes a good option to solve this issue.
- When registering a domain consisting of several words, it is advisable to register a couple of its variants, including domains with a hyphen, to prevent errors when typing the website name and avoid allowing your competitors to make a profit from a popular domain name.
- For many sites, domain registration with a hyphen is the only option to choose a memorable name for the website.
- A hyphen in the domain name can assist in creating an interesting wording for the website name.

However, do not use another company's name for your web site and violate intellectual property rights. The internet is full of examples of two web services offering almost identical services and having very similar domain names.

WHEN SHOULD YOU NOT USE HYPHENS IN A DOMAIN NAME:

- If the words in the domain name are short. A hyphen reduces their value and the name will not look very attractive, including for search engines.
- Very often, domain names that use one or more hyphens appear unprofessional and repel users.
- If it is difficult to pronounce, because you should always remember to include the voice of the hyphen sign between words.
- Often, domain names with hyphens are used by phishing and online cаsino sites, causing distrust among users.

It is recommended that you register domain names with and without hyphens when registering domain names consisting of two or three keywords. This helps to prevent user errors and to redirect visitors from one domain name to another, and to avoid giving others the opportunity to use your domain name for fraudulent purposes.

In conclusion, it is up to you to decide whether or not to use a hyphen in your website's domain name. If a hyphenated domain name looks harmonious, is easy to remember, and serves the purpose, then go for it. Furthermore, many popular sites use this sign in their domain name and succeed.

Choice between "Shop-77" and "Shop77" can have several implications for your online store. From a user experience perspective, "Shop77" is often easier to remember and type, which can lead to more direct traffic. People tend to forget hyphens when typing URLs, so a simpler domain like "Shop77" might reduce the risk of losing potential visitors due to typos.

In terms of SEO, search engines don't really differentiate much between domains with or without hyphens. However, user perception can play a role; a cleaner, hyphen-free domain might be perceived as more professional or trustworthy by some users. From a branding standpoint, consistency is key. If your store is branded as "Shop-77," then having a domain that matches exactly might be beneficial for brand recognition.

Regarding legal issues like copyright or clones, the presence or absence of a hyphen in a domain name usually doesn't have a significant impact. What matters more is the trademark of your brand name. If "Shop-77" is a registered trademark, it provides you with legal protection against clones or similar names, regardless of the domain format. However, it's always a good idea to consult with a legal expert on intellectual property to ensure you're covered.

Promotion-wise, both domains can be effectively marketed, but you might find that "Shop77" is easier to promote simply because it's more straightforward. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your branding strategy and how you want your audience to perceive your store.