domain name (dash, rename)

I'm interested in making a website to get used to the flow of how SEO, keywords etc work..
I am able to upload site and add in good content. I'm stuck on 1 problem.. the domain name..

The site mentioned will be following an up and coming english sportsperson who I follow. I'd have an interest in updating the site regularly.. (the sportsperson currently has no site of his own, and there is 1 fan site only new but not listed on google 1st few pages)

The problem I have is all the TLD names are taken..
the site mentioned above has used the 1st letter of sportspersons name along with his surname so joe bloggs would be jbloggs. mostly the content on that site is copied and pasted from online sports sites/news.

The only option I can see I am left with is using a dash such as 'joe-bloggs' but it would be a net domain(with dash)
I plan to add in a lot of good content videos etc.. and try get a grasp of how this all works.

Has anyone any advice as to weather to use the dash or not, or any other ideas.. I really need to make decision on name soon so I can start uploading content and learning SEO from on BHW.

I just thought I'd check on here for advice before doing so.. clearly it is not going to be personal brand, just a fan site..

Will dash make difference in SEO or is it just off putting for how it looks.

If the domain name with a dash is your only remaining option, then, go for it. It does not have any significant bad effect SEO-wise. It'll still be your content that'll help carry your steps up the ladder.

^^^ Agreed. The only time the dashes come into play is for repeat/direct visitors trying to remember your domain name. Is there a site built on the version without the dash in the URL?

No but probably will be in the future when footballer is more well known I'd assume, this is what is stopping me from getting the dash domain.. i really unsure what to do.. I'm thinking if I provide enough quality content and videos and links and much more I can keep to the top.. is this unrealistic goal? Alot of the links will then come from facebook/sport forums/ twitter.

I could put in his sports jersey number after his name, but that is due to change every couple of years until hes placed in main squad..

Add "pro" at the end of his name or beginning, it's up to you... This is how you'll avoid dash and attract your visitors when they see PRO they will think it's official...

Or add "fan" or "fans" at the end. IMHO that would make it a safer option, although any proof that the website is trying to make a profit would also mean it can be easily taken from you as well at a future date.

Thanks all for the advice, This site is great.

I'm considering either going with fans or fansite at the end..

It will be the 1st step complete.

At the long run, what really matters is the quality of your backlinks..

It also pays to have some of the keywords in the domain, it mustn't be 100% related to your main keyword before it can do justice to your serp...

joebloggsfans is taken...
I was considering joebloggsfansite but seems long winded?? Might just pick it and go with it.. as I running out of options..

Yes John, I plan to learn as much as I can and get good backlinks so I really want get name correct, hence the doubt in my mind, and asking yourselves. I don't want to make a big mistake before I even start, this is my 1st time trying get it as correct as I can.

Patrick2014 said:

joebloggsfans is taken...
I was considering joebloggsfansite but seems long winded?? Might just pick it and go with it.. as I running out of options..

Yes John, I plan to learn as much as I can and get good backlinks so I really want get name correct, hence the doubt in my mind, and asking yourselves. I don't want to make a big mistake before I even start, this is my 1st time trying get it as correct as I can.

Click to expand...

Well, the name doesn't have to be hard.

As a matter of fact, i stopped the outright EMD long time ago cause it makes me look like a spammer...

All my sites are now brand names or have a feel of what the niche is about and they still rank very well..

Ok, I was going to buy his surname and no of his shirt, but that shirt no will be changing until he establishes main no in years to come so it would have been pointless.
I have picked my domain, and am starting to plan out my site design/menu/logos/banners/small bit of content now as domain name propagates.. and now read up some more on where to start 1st on this.. Thanks for the help.