In today’s highly competitive online marketplace, a domain name could make or break your efforts to establish a trustworthy brand.
It’s a critical part of your brand’s identity since it is the primary pathway of your customers to your website. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a domain name that gives a credible first impression and that’s easy to remember.
We know that domain names are important. But one question that’s often asked by small businesses who are just starting on their online journeys is whether it’s okay to include numbers in their domain name.
READ: Components of a Domain Name
When to Use Numbers in Your Domain Name?
The Dos
You can use numbers in your domain name only when that number is accepted in its numerical form.
For instance, a medical care clinic “24×7 Care” can go ahead and use 24×7 in their domain name because the chances of somebody spelling out “twentyfourseven” is close to nil. Moreover, in such instances, using numbers in your domain name may make it easier for customers to access your website.
The Don’ts
Numbers are not commonly used in domain names and are avoided by most businesses for several reasons.
Firstly, since it is usually single-digit numbers that feature in brand names, valuable internet traffic could be lost when customers spell out the number on the internet.
For example, a perishable retail brand “Farm2Home” could lose out on traffic and potential revenue since many are bound to spell out the name as “farmtohome” when they attempt to access the website.
There’s a workaround to this, which includes buying both domain names to ensure that either version takes the customer to the same website. But this might not be a financially viable option for most businesses.
Important Factors to Consider When You Use Numbers in Your Domain Name
If you have decided that using numbers in your domain name is the best way forward for your brand, then there are a couple of things that you must keep in mind.
1. Opt for numbers with common meanings
Several numbers or groups of numbers have popularly recognised meanings like “24×7”.
Another example is “b2b”, which is universal for business to business, and there is little to no probability of people making the mistake of typing “btob”. Also “360”’, which is commonly used to refer to something that possesses multi-faceted qualities.
2. Avoid the influence of texting parlance
While using “2” instead of “to” and “4” instead of “four” might be acceptable when you are texting friends or family, they are a strict no-no when it comes to picking a domain name.
Another example using the number “8” in the domain name “gr8deals”. It may seem appealing but will result in you losing out on traffic and, at the same time, make the brand look unprofessional.
3. Analyse how important directories are for your business
Directories always arrange website information and domain names in alphabetical order. And this contributed a lot as to why many businesses opt to start their brand names with numbers.
For example, “99Acres” is a name of a property aggregator website that will certainly show up at the top of directories. This is something you might want to consider if a significant portion of your traffic comes from directories.
4. Avoid too many numbers
The more numbers you use, the harder it gets for your customers to spell out and remember your domain name.
Keep the use of numbers to a bare minimum. If you’re using multiple numbers, make sure that they have universally accepted meaning and recognition or else, you’ll certainly face branding and marketing nightmares.
READ: How Premium Domains Can Benefit Your Business
Choose Your Domain Name Wisely
Domain names are an important part of a brand’s identity. Therefore, a lot of thinking and consideration must go into the process of choosing the perfect one for your business.
Whether you opt to include numbers in your domain name or not is a decision unique to your business. The above pointers should help you make an informed choice. Whatever your final decision is, make sure you register your ideal domain name with the best domain services and get started on your journey to making your brand the next big thing in the market!
