Should You Put Hyphens in Domain Names?
Choosing the right domain name is crucial for your website. It should be easy to search, remember, and type. While hyphens are allowed in domain names, they’re not always the best choice. Let’s explore when hyphens can be useful and when to avoid them.
Are Hyphens Allowed in Domain Names?
Yes, hyphens (or dashes) are allowed in domain names. They are the only spacing characters you can use. However, they can’t be used at the start or end of a domain. But should you use them? Let’s find out.
Do Hyphens Affect SEO?
No, hyphens don’t hurt SEO. Google’s algorithm doesn’t penalise domains with hyphens. In fact, hyphens are better than underscores for spacing. But while they don’t harm SEO, there are other reasons to avoid them.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Domain Name
1. Memorability
Hyphens make domains harder to remember. Visitors might forget the hyphen and end up on the wrong site. This can lead to lost traffic or even typosquatting, where cybercriminals register similar domains to steal your visitors.
2. Length
Shorter domain names are easier to remember and type. Hyphens can add unnecessary length. For example, “bestcoffee.com” is better than “best-coffee.com.”
3. Brand Image
Hyphens can make your domain look spammy or less professional. Avoid them unless they’re part of your brand name.
4. Communication
If your domain has a hyphen, it’s harder to share verbally. For example, saying “best dash coffee dot com” is awkward. Keep it simple for word-of-mouth sharing.
When Should You Use a Hyphen in a Domain Name?
1. For Readability
If your domain combines multiple words, a hyphen can improve readability. For example, “big-pottery.com” is clearer than “bigpottery.com.” If your brand name already has a hyphen, keep it for consistency.
2. Defensive Registration
You can buy hyphenated versions of your domain to stop competitors from using them. For example, if your domain is “bigpottery.com,” you might also buy “big-pottery.com” to protect your brand.
3. Domain Availability
If your ideal domain is taken, adding a hyphen might help. But be careful. If the domain is too similar to another site, it could look like typosquatting. Always check if the original domain is active.
Final Thoughts
Hyphens in domain names are allowed but not always recommended. They don’t hurt SEO but can make your domain harder to remember and less brand-friendly. Use hyphens only when they improve readability or protect your brand.
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