The Pros and Cons of Using Hyphens in Your Domain Name
Introduction
Choosing a domain name involves several important decisions, including whether or not to use hyphens. While some brands incorporate hyphens effectively, others avoid them entirely due to potential drawbacks. In some cases, hyphens can improve readability, but they can also create challenges in terms of user experience and SEO. Here’s a guide on when to use hyphens in your domain name—and when it’s best to leave them out.
1. When to Use Hyphens: Improving Readability
Breaking Up Words to Avoid Confusion
Hyphens can improve readability by clearly separating words, especially in domain names with multiple words. For example, a domain like “fast-fitness-tips.com” is easier to read than “fastfitnesstips.com,” which could be misinterpreted. Hyphens help users understand where one word ends and another begins, reducing the risk of confusion.
This approach is particularly useful if your brand name contains words that could blend together or be misunderstood without clear separation.
2. Avoid Hyphens if You Want a Professional, Clean Look
Maintaining Simplicity and Credibility
In general, domains without hyphens look cleaner and more professional, which can contribute to a stronger brand impression. A name like “BrightIdeas.com” appears
If you’re aiming for a modern, sleek brand identity, consider avoiding hyphens in favor of a more streamlined domain name.
3. Use Hyphens When the Words Can Create Unintended Meanings
Preventing Misinterpretation and Awkward Phrasing
Sometimes, two or more words in a domain can unintentionally create a different meaning or awkward phrasing. For example, a site called “ExpertsExchange.com” could be read in a way that doesn’t reflect the intended purpose. Adding hyphens—“Experts-Exchange.com”—clarifies the meaning and helps avoid misinterpretation.
Hyphens are particularly useful in situations where the words combined could lead to a misunderstanding, ensuring that visitors immediately understand your brand’s message.
4. Avoid Hyphens for Better SEO Performance
Why Search Engines Favor Hyphen-Free Domains
Hyphenated domains were once thought to improve SEO by helping search engines differentiate keywords. However, modern search engines have become much better at interpreting domain names, and hyphens are no longer necessary for keyword separation. In fact, Google and other search engines often view hyphenated domains as less trustworthy and may associate them with spammy sites.
To optimize SEO, it’s generally better to avoid hyphens, as non-hyphenated domains are often perceived as more reliable and perform better in search results.
5. Use Hyphens if Your Desired Domain Without Hyphens Is Taken
A Backup Option to Secure Your Brand Name
If your preferred domain name without hyphens is already registered, adding hyphens could be a viable alternative. For example, if “HomeDecorIdeas.com” is unavailable, “Home-Decor-Ideas.com” might still be available. This option allows you to keep your desired name, albeit with a small compromise.
However, use this approach only as a last resort, as hyphenated versions of established names can be harder to market. Users often type domains without hyphens by default, so there’s a risk of visitors landing on a competitor’s site.
6. Avoid Hyphens If You Rely on Word-of-Mouth Referrals
Making Your Domain Easy to Share Verbally
When sharing a website verbally, hyphens can create confusion. A domain like “Delicious-Cakes.com” is more challenging to communicate than “DeliciousCakes.com.” People often forget to include hyphens when typing domains they’ve heard aloud, which can lead to lost traffic or misdirected visitors.
If you expect a significant amount of word-of-mouth traffic or plan to advertise on the radio or in podcasts, a hyphen-free domain is generally a better choice.
7. Use Hyphens for Local SEO in Specific Situations
Enhancing Relevance for Location-Based Searches
In rare cases, hyphens can be helpful for local businesses if they improve readability and clarify the location. For example, a domain like “NYC-Dog-Walkers.com” might benefit from hyphens if “NYCDogWalkers.com” is difficult to read. In these cases, hyphens may contribute to relevance in location-based searches.
That said, hyphens should still be used sparingly, as they may impact overall SEO performance. Consider the potential benefits and drawbacks before committing to a hyphenated domain for local SEO.
8. Avoid Hyphens If You Plan to Expand Internationally
Creating a Domain That’s Versatile Across Regions
For businesses planning to expand internationally, hyphen-free domains are typically more adaptable. Many global brands avoid hyphens to create a name that works across different regions and languages. A hyphen-free domain can appeal to a broader audience, helping your brand reach customers around the world without being associated with a specific style or region.
If your brand has international ambitions, choose a clean, hyphen-free domain that resonates with users worldwide.
9. Consider the Impact on Mobile Users
Making Your Domain Mobile-Friendly and Easy to Type
With the rise of mobile browsing, ease of typing has become increasingly important. Typing hyphens on mobile devices can be inconvenient and may lead to errors, as users must switch keyboards to locate the hyphen symbol. A domain like “PetSuppliesShop.com” is more mobile-friendly than “Pet-Supplies-Shop.com.”
To improve the mobile experience for users, it’s best to keep your domain as simple as possible, avoiding hyphens to enhance accessibility and ease of use.
10. Act Quickly to Secure Your Domain Without Hyphens
Choosing a Hyphen-Free Domain as a First Choice
If you’re set on a specific name, try to secure the non-hyphenated version as soon as possible, as it’s often the preferred choice for both SEO and user experience. Non-hyphenated domains are easier to market, more user-friendly, and better for brand recognition. Acting quickly helps you secure your ideal name and avoid the need for hyphens as a backup option.
If you do end up using hyphens, register common misspellings or variations without hyphens to capture any traffic that might miss your original name, redirecting it to your main website.
Conclusion
Using hyphens in a domain name can enhance readability in specific cases, but it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. In general, non-hyphenated domains are better for SEO, brand credibility, and ease of use, especially for mobile and word-of-mouth marketing. If you choose to use hyphens, do so strategically and prioritize readability. By selecting the right domain structure for your brand, you can create a memorable and effective online presence that aligns with your business goals.