Does eCommerce Need a Hyphen?

SEO experts often ponder the intricacies of language and its correct usage to improve online visibility. One such question that has aroused curiosity is whether the term 'e-commerce' requires a hyphen. The answer, interestingly, lies in the complex history and evolution of the language.

Historical Context and Evolution

The Historical Approach: The term 'e-commerce' is a portmanteau of 'electronic' and 'commerce.' This linguistic blend was created with the intention to emphasize the electronic nature of commercial activities. Originally, the hyphen was included to denote the compound nature of the term, making it 'e-commerce.' In this form, it was seen as a single unit, combining 'electronic' and 'commerce.'

Modern Usage Simplification: Americans, known for their preference to simplify English, often removed the hyphen. The term 'ecommerce' became more widely accepted, especially after widespread adoption by technology and business communities. Over time, this became the preferred and more common form, even in formal writing.

Technical Considerations

MS-Word and Hyphenation Rules: Microsoft Word, an immensely popular text editing application, reflects the American simplification trend. When configured to use English (United States), it does not underline 'ecommerce,' indicating its acceptance as a correct term. However, when set to English (United Kingdom), the term might receive underlining, suggesting it is not considered correct according to UK English standards. Nonetheless, the absence of underlining does not diminish the term's validity in American English.

Optimizing for SEO

Modern SEO Practices: From an SEO perspective, the use of hyphenated terms like 'e-commerce' can be beneficial. A hyphen can improve readability and comprehension for search engines and users. It emphasizes the distinct elements of the term. Moreover, hyphenated terms are more easily recognized by search engines, which can enhance SEO rankings.

Nonetheless, Consistency is Key: While 'ecommerce' is widely accepted and recognized, it is important to maintain consistency within your content and across platforms. If your brand or website consistently uses 'ecommerce,' it should remain that way to avoid confusing users. However, if your brand name or style aligns with the hyphenated version, using 'e-commerce' can add a professional touch.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The decision on whether to use 'e-commerce' or 'ecommerce' largely depends on your audience and brand standards. While 'ecommerce' is more modern and simpler, 'e-commerce' remains the more formal and precise term. For SEO purposes, using 'e-commerce' can be beneficial as it emphasizes the distinction between 'electronic' and 'commerce.' However, consistency in your branding and writing style is crucial to maintain a cohesive online presence.