When starting a website, choosing a domain name can be one of the more important decisions that you make. However, many have experienced the frustration of trying to find an idea that has not already been taken. In efforts to use one of their original ideas, some might decide to place dashes in between the words of the domain name. Others, might use dashes to differentiate between words that appear to run together. Although, this might be your best or only option, there are a few things to consider before placing dashes in your domain name.

There are both pros and cons to using dashes in your domain name. On the one hand, if you choose to use dashes, your domain name will be less memorable to its users. It is harder to advertise a domain name with dashes on the radio, and you will experience less traffic from people who attempt to type-in the address. In other words, your domain name will more than likely have to be easily found and accessed in the search engines. Even if it is recognizable brand, the majority of people who try to type -in your site by name will not remember the dashes, and may end up on someone else’s page.

On the other hand, placing dashes in a domain name allows you to register a domain name that is not already being used. Also, it is thought by some that when the words are separated by dashes, it makes it easier for the search engines to pull your information. In addition, some domain names are easier to understand when the words are separated, especially when the first word is pleural. Many times the “S” can make the second word appear different. However, it is advised that if you use dashes for this purpose, you should register the same name without the dashes whenever possible. Utilizing both domains will assure that all of your traffic will be routed to the correct site, and prevent copy-cats from using your name.