Should You Use Hyphens or Numbers in a Domain Name?

When your preferred name is taken, it's tempting to add a hyphen or a number. Sometimes that's fine, but in most cases it creates problems that cost you visitors and credibility. Here's what to consider.

The problem with hyphens

They're hard to say

Try telling someone your website on the phone: "best dash home dash cleaning dot com". It's awkward, and many people will forget the dashes and type the name without them.

Traffic leaks to the non-hyphen version

If someone else owns the same name without hyphens, some of your visitors and emails will end up there. If that owner is a competitor, you're effectively sending them business.

They can look less professional

Fairly or not, multi-hyphen domains are often associated with low-quality or spammy websites. That can reduce trust, especially for new visitors.

The problem with numbers

Numbers create the same confusion as hyphens. When someone hears "four", do they type 4, four or for? Unless the number is part of your brand, it usually causes mistakes.

When hyphens can work

There are a few reasonable cases:

• Some country markets commonly use hyphens, especially in German domains, where long compound words are easier to read with a hyphen. For example, rechtsanwalt-fortbildung.com is more readable than the version without one.
• Readability: When two words run together in a confusing way, a hyphen can make the name clearer.
• You own both versions. Owning both the hyphenated and non-hyphenated names and redirecting one to the other removes the risk of traffic leaking away.

When numbers can work

• When the number is part of your brand name
• For short, catchy names where the number is clearly a digit and part of the brand

In general, if you have to explain the number, it's not helping.

Better alternatives

Before settling for a hyphen or number, try these:

1. Use a synonym. "Home" instead of "house", "fix" instead of "repair".
2. Add a short, natural word. "Get", "try" or "go" can work when used sparingly.
3. Try a brandable name. Invented names are often available without compromises. See our guide to brandable domains.
4. Consider a strong country extension if you serve one market. Read about country domains.
5. Buy the clean version. If the domain you really want is listed for sale, it may cost less than you think.

The bottom line

Clean, hyphen-free names are easier to share, more trusted and more valuable. Use hyphens and numbers only when they truly make your name clearer or are part of your brand.

Browse clean domain names

Most domains in our portfolio are clean, hyphen-free names. Browse all domains or start with our brandable collection.