Are numbers allowed in domain names?

Yes, they are, but you should avoid it.

When creating a website, one of the first decisions is choosing a domain name. A domain name is the unique web address that people enter to visit your site, and it sometimes raises questions about what characters are allowed in it. Specifically, can numbers be used in domain names, or are they limited to just letters?

Numbers are indeed allowed in domain names, along with letters and hyphens. Domain names can contain any combination of alphanumeric characters (A-Z and 0-9) and hyphens (-), but they cannot begin or end with a hyphen. Other symbols, such as spaces and underscores, are not allowed. It's important to note that domain names are case insensitive, meaning the use of upper and lower case characters does not impact the functionality of the web address.

When incorporating numbers in your domain name, be cautious to ensure they are relevant and useful. Remember that some numbers may be considered offensive or inappropriate, so carefully choose your numeric domain name. Overall, as long as you adhere to the rules set by domain registrars and ICANN, your domain name can include numbers, letters, and hyphens to create a unique and appealing web presence.

 

 

Are Numbers Allowed in Domain Names

Valid Characters

When registering a domain name, specific characters are allowed for use. Domain names can have a combination of letters, numbers, and hyphens. However, there are certain restrictions and guidelines to be aware of.

 

Domain Name with Numbers - Brandgy

 

Alphabetic characters (A-Z) and numeric characters (0-9) are allowed in domain names. A mix of upper and lower case letters is also permitted, as domain names are case insensitive. This means there is no difference between upper and lower case characters regarding your domain name registration.

Hyphens (-) are the only symbol allowed in domain names, but some limitations exist. Domain names cannot begin or end with a hyphen and should not have consecutive hyphens.

Periods (.) are used to separate the components of a domain name. For example, they divide the domain name from the top-level domain (TLD), such as .com or .org.

In summary, the valid characters for a domain name are:

      • Letters (A-Z, case insensitive)
      • Numbers (0-9)
      • Hyphens (-) but not at the beginning or end, and not consecutively

Following these guidelines when registering a domain name is essential to ensure compatibility and easy accessibility for users across different platforms and browsers.

Impact of Numbers on SEO and Branding

Using numbers in a domain name can affect your website's search engine optimization (SEO) and branding.

When branding, having a memorable and easy-to-understand business name is essential for establishing brand recognition. Incorporating too many numbers in a domain name can be detrimental, as it could make it harder for customers to find and remember your website. A great brand with a matching domain is essential in a business-to-business (B2B) environment, as companies need to build trust with their partners and clients.

 

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Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to include numbers in your domain name:

  • Customer Perception: For B2B or even B2C companies, an intuitive domain name can make it easier for customers to find and remember your business. Numbers can sometimes hinder this, so determine whether they add clarity or confusion to your domain name.
  • Relevance: If the numbers in your domain are relevant to your business name or industry, they may be worth including. For example, a real estate website called “Homes 4 Sale” could benefit from incorporating the number “4” into its domain name.
  • Availability: Sometimes, it can be difficult to find a domain name without numbers that is available and not already taken by another business. If this is the case, you may need to compromise and include a number to secure a relevant domain.

Overall, weighing the potential SEO and branding implications of including numbers in your domain name is essential. While they may not hurt your SEO, using numbers in your domain name can impact your brand image and customer perception if not used strategically.

Domain Registration Process

When you want a website, registering a domain name is one of the first steps.

 

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Domain names can include alphabetic characters (A-Z), numeric characters (0-9), the minus sign (-), and the period (.). Although numbers are allowed in domain names, they are often avoided as they make the domain name less intuitive to understand. To register a domain name, you'll need to follow a series of steps with the help of a domain registrar.

A domain registrar or reseller is a company, like Namecheap or LOCALSYNC, that helps individuals and businesses reserve domain names. These registrars work with domain registries, which create domain name extensions and set the rules for domain names. To begin registering a domain, you must choose a domain registrar and use their domain services.

 

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Before starting the domain registration process, checking if your chosen domain name is available is essential. The domain registrar's website will generally provide a search tool that allows you to check the availability of your desired domain name.

When you find an available domain name, you will need to provide the domain registrar with some necessary information, such as:

  • Registrant's name and contact information
  • Domain name server (DNS) settings
  • The desired registration period (usually ranging from one to ten years)

Your domain registrar will then create a WHOIS record containing your contact information, which will be publicly available.

In addition to domain registration, many domain registrars also offer various domain services, such as:

  • Domain transfer services: For moving a domain from one registrar to another
  • Domain privacy services: For masking your contact information in the WHOIS record
  • Web hosting services: For hosting your website files
  • Email hosting services: For providing professional email addresses at your domain

As domain registration is a crucial step in establishing your online presence, it's essential to understand the process and choose a reliable domain registrar. Researching different domain services will help ensure a smooth registration process and a successful website.

Are Numbers Allowed in Domain Names? Final Thoughts

Are numbers allowed in domain names?

Yes, numbers are allowed in domain names.

Should you put numbers in domain names?

No.