Insights on Hyphenated Domain Names by Google

Domain Names With Hyphens For SEO

Google’s John Mueller recently addressed a question on Reddit regarding the usage of hyphens in domain names and whether there are any potential concerns associated with not using them.

I have been working online for 25 years. Back in the day, using hyphens in domains was a common practice among affiliates for SEO purposes. This was during a time when Google placed a high emphasis on keywords in the domain, URL, and throughout the webpage. However, not everyone followed this trend, it was mostly popular among affiliate marketers.

One of the reasons for incorporating keywords into domain names was to attract site visitors who were more likely to convert. The presence of keywords in the domain essentially prequalified the site visitor. Based on my experience, I have found that domains with two keywords (and even single word domains) are effective for boosting conversions, as long as they do not contain hyphens.

Hyphenated domain names have fallen out of favor due to their untrustworthy appearance, which can negatively impact conversion rates since trust is crucial for conversions.

In addition, hyphenated domain names are considered tacky. It's better to choose a brandable domain name for building trust and increasing conversions.

Domain Name Question Asked On Reddit

This is the question asked on Reddit:

"Why aren't hyphens used in domains often? Is there a reason behind it? I get it, when you say it aloud, people might forget to include the hyphen in their search."

Mueller's response:

In the past, domain names with many hyphens were seen as less professional. Nowadays, with a variety of top-level domains available, this is less of a concern. It's important to choose a domain name that you can stick with for the long term, rather than focusing solely on keywords. Don't limit yourself by being too keyword-focused. Instead, create something amazing that people will remember and ask for by name. If a hyphen helps make your domain name more memorable, don't hesitate to use it.

Related: How To Choose A Domain Name

Pick A Domain Name That Can Grow

Mueller suggests choosing a domain name that allows flexibility for future growth. When a website becomes more popular, it is common to want to cover a wider range of topics. However, this can be challenging if the domain is limited to a specific keyword. This limitation is especially evident with domains that follow the format of "Best + keyword + reviews", as they can appear unprofessional and hinder expansion.

This is why I always advise opting for brandable domains that are easy to remember and inspire confidence.

Read the post on Reddit:

Are domains with hyphens bad?

Read Mueller’s response here.

Featured Image by Shutterstock/Benny Marty

Editor's P/S:

The article discusses the use of hyphens in domain names and their potential impact on SEO and conversions. It cites Google's John Mueller, who suggests that hyphenated domain names are less professional and can hinder conversions due to their untrustworthy appearance. The article also emphasizes the importance of choosing a brandable domain name that allows for future growth, rather than focusing solely on keywords.

In my opinion, this advice is sound. Hyphens in domain names can make them appear cluttered and unprofessional, which can negatively impact a website's credibility and conversion rates. Additionally, choosing a domain name that is too keyword-focused can limit the website's ability to expand and cover a wider range of topics in the future. It is better to opt for a brandable domain name that is easy to remember, inspires confidence, and can grow with the website over time.