How do Google calculate spaces between keywords

[peterds]

This post is deleted!

[Cyle]

In general for a root domain I wouldn't use more than one hyphen.  The more hyphens you use the more spammer your domain looks to Google & to users.  Plus the more hyphens you have the less likely people will remember it, which will hurt your branding.  So if I had to pick between number 1 or 2, I would go with number 1.

[peterds]

Hi Cyle

If content and back links are reasonable good when compared to other URL's in this google space (for those keywords) surly that would over ride any negative view by google. The URL would not be branded, its main purpose would be to achieve a high SERP for a not to competitive keyword..

I would go for a single hyphen if they were available.

Peter

[RyanKent]

There are over 100 factors involved with determining a page's placement in SERP. The URL is one factor. It is not even a top factor. In my opinion you are over-emphasizing it's value, and what you are considering would be a mistake.

I will presume your keyword is a two word phrase since you are using "widget-widget" as an example. There are numerous ways to optimize your SERP for the term, but since you are focusing on the URL I would recommend using your page name instead of the domain name, i.e. www.mysite.com/widget-widget.

This method offers a couple advantages:

• you can acquire a decent .com name without any dashes.

• you can hit your exact keyword phrase

• your keyword match would be deeper in the URL. The deeper your keyword, the higher it is scored by Google.

[peterds]

Thanks Ryan