Should You Use Hyphens in Your Domain Name?

Jan 312 min read

When choosing a domain name for your business, one key consideration is whether to include hyphens. While hyphens might seem like a simple way to secure a domain name that’s already taken or improve readability, they come with several drawbacks that could impact your brand’s credibility and online success.

Why You Should Avoid Hyphens in Your Domain Name

1. Harder to Remember

People tend to forget hyphens when typing URLs, which can lead to lost traffic. A domain without hyphens is easier to recall and share.

2. Increased Risk of Typosquatting

Hyphenated domains are more vulnerable to typosquatting—where others register similar names without hyphens to capture misdirected traffic.

3. Negative Brand Perception

Domains with hyphens can sometimes appear less professional or even spammy. A clean, simple domain looks more credible and trustworthy.

4. Poor User Experience

A domain without hyphens is quicker to type and easier to communicate verbally. Saying "Visit my-business-site.com" is less intuitive than "mybusinesssite.com."

When a Hyphen Might Be Acceptable

While avoiding hyphens is generally best, there are rare cases where they might be useful:

Clarifying Meaning – If combining words without a hyphen creates an unclear or misleading phrase, a hyphen can improve readability.
Domain Availability – If your ideal domain is unavailable, using a hyphen may be a workaround—but it's still not ideal.

The Bottom Line

For branding, usability, and credibility, it's usually best to choose a domain without hyphens. If you must use one, consider the long-term impact on user experience and brand trust. A short, clean, and memorable domain name will always serve your business better in the long run.

Paul G-Wood

+44 752 500 6255

www.marketingmattersonline.com

paul@marketingmattersonline.co.uk