Should You Use a Hyphen in Your Domain Name? Pros, Cons, and Best Practices 

So, you’ve finally come up with the perfect domain name for your website, only to find out it’s already taken. Now, you’re faced with a dilemma: do you add a hyphen to get the domain name you want, or should you start from scratch and brainstorm a new one? 

While having a unique name is great for SEO, you’ll get better user retention if your domain name is short and simple. If the non-hyphenated version of your domain is unavailable, adding a hyphen can seem like a quick fix but it often comes with its own set of challenges. 

Don’t worry, this article will give you all the insights you need to make an informed decision. We’ll help you figure out if using a hyphen is a smart move and see if that little dash really makes a difference. 

What is a hyphen in a domain name? 

A hyphen is a simple dash that can be inserted between words in a domain name. If your desired domain name is already taken, then you might consider registering it with a hyphen. The hyphen acts as a separator between words and makes it visually easier to combine multiple words. 

Examples of domains with and without hyphens: 

The main reason to use a hyphen is to improve the readability of your domain. It can make complex or multi-word domains easier to read and understand. While it can solve issues of clarity, there are several pros and cons to consider when deciding if a hyphen is the right choice for your website. 

Pros and cons of a hyphen in your domain name 

When registering local business domain names, a hyphen may seem like an easy solution. But is it necessarily the right choice? Here are the pros and cons to help you decide: 

Pros of using a hyphen 

  • Improves readability. When your domain contains multiple words, a hyphen can make it easier to read and understand. For example, best-wines.com is clearer than bestwines.com, where the words may blend. 
  • Clarifies meaning.In some cases, a hyphen can prevent misunderstandings or misinterpretations. The meaning could be confusing without the hyphen. 
  • Alternative for unavailable domains. Using a hyphenated version can be a simple solution to get the name you want. It allows you to claim a domain that’s closer to your original idea. 

Cons of using a hyphen 

  • Harder to remember. Domains with hyphens are often more difficult for users to recall. People might forget the hyphen or lead them to the wrong website. 
  • Perceived as less professional. Many users view hyphenated domains as less credible or established, especially since the majority of well-known brands avoid using hyphens in their domain names. 
  • Challenges in verbal communication. Explaining a hyphenated domain to in conversation can be tricky. There’s a higher chance of confusion if the listener forgets or misplaces the hyphen when typing. 
  • Potential for lower traffic.The risk of users mistyping your domain or forgetting the hyphen altogether can lead to fewer direct visits, which can affect engagement with your website. 

The SEO impact of hyphens in domain names 

Hyphenated domain names supposedly don’t impact your rankings directly when it comes to SEO. Google treats hyphens as word separators and it makes multi-word domains clearer for search engines. For example, best-hotels.com will be read as “best hotels”, while best_hotels.com wouldn’t separate the words in the same way. So, if you need to separate words in a domain, a hyphen is the better option for SEO clarity. 

While hyphenated domains won’t penalize you in search rankings, they can indirectly affect your site’s performance. Domains with hyphens are harder for users to remember and more prone to typos, leading to fewer direct visits and lower traffic. Over time, this user confusion can impact your engagement and SEO results. 

In the end, even though hyphens are technically fine for SEO, non-hyphenated domains tend to perform better because they offer a more seamless user experience. 

Although most major brands avoid hyphens in their domain names, there are a few notable exceptions. These brands have used hyphens strategically to reflect their official company names or when the non-hyphenated version was unavailable: 

Despite these examples, the majority of popular brands choose non-hyphenated domains to enhance memorability, make them easier to communicate verbally, and reduce the chance of user error. When hyphenated domains are used, many brands secure the non-hyphenated version as well to avoid losing traffic and to maintain consistency across marketing. 

Hyphenated domains can work for certain brands, however the preference in most industries is to opt for non-hyphenated domains for simplicity and user-friendly experiences. 

Alternatives to hyphens in domain names 

If the domain name you want is unavailable there are plenty of other creative options, you can consider. Here are a few alternatives to help you secure an effective domain name without relying on hyphens: 

  • Use a different TLD. Explore other domain extensions like .net, .co, or .org. Domain.com has a great selection of top-level domains (TLDs) you can choose from. 
  • Add a descriptive word. You can make your domain unique by adding a relevant brand word. For instance, instead of greatsite.com, consider greatsiteonline.com or greatsiteblog.com. 
  • Use abbreviations. Shorten the domain name or use abbreviations. If bestwines.com is unavailable, go with bwines.com or bstwines.com. 
  • Combine words creatively. Combine words or modify them slightly. If your domain name is taken, then consider alternative spellings. 
  • Include a brand name or tagline. Incorporate part of your brand or tagline in the domain.  
  • Check availability regularly. Domains might become available later, so check back or set up alerts for your desired domain name.  

Hyphen or no hyphen: Make the right choice for your domain name 

Deciding whether to use a hyphen in your existing domain is all about balancing clarity and simplicity. While hyphens can make a multi-word domain easier to read, they often come with challenges like being harder to remember and potentially less professional in appearance. In most cases, opting for a non-hyphenated domain ensures a smoother user experience and stronger brand presence. 

Before settling on a hyphen, explore alternatives like different TLDs or creative domain combinations. The key is to find a domain that’s easy to remember and reflects your brand identity. 

Ready to find the perfect domain for your business? Check out Domain.com to secure a SEO-friendly and affordable domain name that will help your brand succeed online. 

Frequently asked questions 

Will using a hyphen affect my SEO? 

Hyphenated domain names won’t directly harm your SEO. Google treats hyphens as word separators, so it won’t penalize you. A hyphen in your domain name can impact user experience—domains with hyphens are harder to remember and more prone to typos, which may indirectly affect your site’s performance and traffic. 

Can I use multiple hyphens in a domain name? 

Yes, but it’s not recommended. Multiple hyphens can make your actual website look spammy or overly complicated. Spammy domain names can confuse users and hurt your credibility, so it’s best to stick to a single hyphen if needed or avoid them altogether. 

What should I do if my desired domain name is already taken? 

When registering domain names, use alternatives like a different TLD adding a relevant word, or shortening the domain. Hyphens are a last resort, as they can create complications for users. 

Do any successful brands use hyphenated domain names

Yes, there are a few successful brands that use hyphens in their existing domain name, such as coca-cola.com and procter-gamble.com. However, they are rare exceptions, and most established brands avoid hyphens to ensure their domain names are easy to find by search engines. 

Should I buy both the hyphenated and non-hyphenated versions of my domain name? 

Securing both versions can be a good idea for your company’s domain. This prevents competitors from registering the alternative version and helps capture traffic from users who may forget to include or exclude the hyphen. 


Chauncey Roa
Chauncey Roa

Hey, I’m Chauncey, a content writer who loves writing about stuff on the web. On my off days, I love playing strategy games and getting a good workout done.

Chauncey Roa
Chauncey Roa

Hey, I’m Chauncey, a content writer who loves writing about stuff on the web. On my off days, I love playing strategy games and getting a good workout done.