Choosing a domain name feels like picking a name for your business—you want it to be memorable, trustworthy, and easy to share. But what happens when the name you want is already taken? Should you throw in a hyphen to make it work?
Once upon a time, hyphenated domain names were a go-to trick for squeezing extra keywords into URLs, especially when search engines rewarded exact-match domains. But today, things have changed. Most major brands avoid hyphens, and search engines don’t favour them the way they used to.
So, do hyphenated domains still have a place in today’s digital world, or are they better left in the past? Let’s break it down.
Why Hyphenated Domains Lost Popularity
1. They Can Look Untrustworthy
It’s no secret—first impressions matter. And for a lot of people, a hyphenated domain name gives off the wrong vibe. Over the years, spammy and low-quality websites often used hyphens when they couldn’t get the cleaner, non-hyphenated version of their desired domain.
While that’s not always the case, perception is everything. If your domain looks dodgy, visitors may assume your business is too.
2. They’re Harder to Remember and Share
Imagine telling someone your website is best-car-deals.com. Now imagine them actually typing that into their browser. Chances are, they’ll forget the hyphens and end up at bestcarsdeals.com instead.
The best domain names are effortless—easy to say, easy to remember, and easy to type. Hyphens make all of that more complicated.
3. They Can Box You In
A good domain name should grow with your business. If your name is too keyword-specific—especially with hyphens—it might not leave room for expansion.
For example, best-camping-gear-reviews.com might work great now, but what happens if you start selling gear instead of just reviewing it? Or want to branch into hiking or boating? You’re suddenly stuck with a name that doesn’t fit anymore.
4. Big Brands Don’t Use Them
Take a look at the biggest websites and brands out there. How many of them use hyphens in their domains? Exactly. Major brands stick to simple, clean domain names because they work.
If you’re serious about building a brand, follow their lead—pick a name that’s easy to trust.
Are Hyphenated Domains Bad for SEO?
A long time ago (in internet years), stuffing keywords into your domain name—hyphens included—could actually boost your search rankings. But search engines have come a long way since then.
Today, rankings are driven by content quality, authority, and user experience, not by whether your domain has an exact-match keyword. So while a hyphenated domain won’t hurt your SEO, it won’t give you the edge it once did either.
The bottom line? Focus on building a strong, trustworthy website instead of worrying about squeezing extra keywords into your domain.
When (If Ever) Should You Use a Hyphen?
Most of the time, avoiding hyphens is the best bet. But are there exceptions? Absolutely.
If the non-hyphenated version is taken by a completely different business.
If GreenFields.com is already owned by a law firm and you’re running a camping site, Green-Fields.com might make sense to avoid confusion.
If your name is unreadable without one.
Some words blend together in ways that can be misleading. ExpertSexChange.com and ExpertsExchange.com are…very different things. A hyphen might save you from some awkward misunderstandings.
If your official brand name already has a hyphen.
Some businesses use hyphens in their branding, and in those cases, it might make sense to keep it in the domain too.
That said, if you find yourself needing a hyphen to make your domain readable, it might be worth rethinking the name altogether.
What to Do Instead: Choosing a Strong Domain Name
Rather than relying on hyphens, aim for a domain that is:
✔️Brandable – Unique and easy to remember.
✔️ Effortless to Type and Say – No complex spellings, no awkward explanations.
✔️ Scalable – A name that grows with your business instead of locking you into one niche.
✔️ Trustworthy – Clean, professional, and easy for customers to take seriously.
If the .com version of your ideal domain is taken, consider alternatives like .com.au, .co, .net, or something industry-specific like .travel or .tech.
Should You Use a Hyphen?
Hyphenated domains aren’t the worst thing in the world, but let’s be real—they’re not ideal. They make domains harder to remember, can look untrustworthy, and won’t do much for SEO.
If you’re picking a domain for your website, your best bet is to go for something clean, simple, and brandable. If that means rethinking your name or considering a different domain extension, it’s usually worth it in the long run.
The best domain names are the ones people remember—so make sure yours is one of them.
Trust Retain Media for Websites That Convert
Your domain name is more than just an address—it’s the foundation of your online presence. Choosing the right one can make all the difference in how people perceive your brand, find your site, and engage with your business.
At Retain Media, we help brands build websites that don’t just look great, but drive real results. From strategic domain selection to high-converting website design, we ensure your online presence is built for success. If you’re ready to create a website that attracts, engages, and converts, contact us today to see how we can help.
