Numbers in your domain name: When they help, when they hurt 

Key takeaways:

• Numbers in your domain name can make it easier for customers to recall your brand.
• Including numbers in your URL doesn’t directly affect your traffic or SEO performance.
• You shouldn’t use numbers to replace common phrases, such as “2” instead of “to”, as this can cause confusion. 

Choosing the right domain name is one of the most strategic decisions you’ll make when building your online presence—and that includes deciding whether to use numbers in your domain name. With over 378.5 million domain names registered worldwide (as of Q3 2025), according to the latest Domain Name Industry Brief (DNIB) report, competition for meaningful, memorable URLs has never been fiercer. That crowded landscape means many brands are exploring creative alternatives to secure a strong web identity, including the use of numeric characters to convey uniqueness or specific value.

But the choice to include numbers isn’t merely a matter of availability. Incorporating numerals can influence how users perceive and recall your domain, offering potential benefits for brevity and memorability—especially when the number is relevant to your brand or industry. At the same time, researchers and practitioners caution that numbers may introduce confusion if not used thoughtfully, such as when visitors aren’t sure whether to type the numeral or its word equivalent.

In this article, we’ll explore how numbers in your domain name can impact branding, search behavior, and user experience, helping you make a confident, data-informed decision before you register your next domain.

Can you have numbers in your domain name and URL?

Yes, you can have numbers in your domain name and URLs—numbers are fully allowed alongside letters and hyphens—but they can create confusion if not used carefully. If you’re wondering if you can have numbers in your domain name, the short answer is yes, and numbers in your domain name are technically valid and widely supported. Domain names follow simple rules: they can include letters, digits 0–9, and hyphens, which is why many well-known sites successfully use numbers, such as Formula1 or brands tied to formats like MP4. If you want a quick refresher, this guide explains how domain names work in plain terms.

It’s also important to separate the domain name from the full URL:

• Domain name: example123.com
• Full URL: https://example123.com/blog/2025-trends/

While numbers are allowed in both, they don’t always help from a branding or usability standpoint. Numbers can affect how easily people remember, type, or share your web address, especially when there’s ambiguity between numerals and spelled-out words. The sections below break down these considerations in more detail, so you can decide when numbers make sense and when they’re better left out.

Are numbers allowed in URLs?

Yes, numbers are allowed in URLs, including your domain name and the path after the slash. From a technical and SEO standpoint, there’s no restriction on using numbers in a URL, and search engines handle them just as easily as letters.

Numbers can appear in several parts of a URL.

• They can be part of the domain itself: 24hourplumbing.com.
• They can also appear in the path, which is the section that comes after the domain: /2025-holiday-menu/.
• You’ll also often see numbers used as parameters, for example, page=2, which helps websites manage pagination or filtered results.

You don’t need to understand the technical details to use these effectively, but it helps to know that numbers are a normal part of how URLs work.

From a best practices perspective, numbers are especially common and useful in blog URLs. Years, step-by-step guides, and list-based content often rely on numbers to set expectations and add clarity for readers. Where you need to be more cautious is with long-term or evergreen content. Adding a year like 2024 to a guide you plan to update regularly can make the page feel outdated later, even if the content is still accurate.

When it comes to SEO, numbers themselves are not a problem. What matters more is that your URLs stay clean, readable, and descriptive. A clear URL helps users understand what to expect before they click and makes it easier for search engines to interpret the page. As long as the structure makes sense, the presence of numbers won’t hold your site back.

Can a domain name start with a number? 

Yes, a domain name can start with a number. From a technical standpoint and from a search engine perspective, there’s no restriction or penalty for domains that begin with numbers. Search engines treat them the same as any other valid domain name, as long as the site follows general best practices.

Where starting with a number can become tricky is usability. Domains that begin with numbers are less common, and they can be slightly harder to explain or remember in everyday conversation. For example, saying “It’s 24SevenBakery.com” often requires explanation like “that’s two four, not twenty-four spelled out.” That extra clarification can introduce friction when people hear your domain verbally, see it briefly in an ad, or try to recall it later.

That said, if you build your brand around a number, starting your domain with one can make complete sense. Businesses like 24/7 Towing or 360 Fitness naturally align with numeric branding, and using a number upfront can reinforce what the business stands for. The key test is simple: is the domain easy to say, type, and remember? If it passes that test, starting with a number won’t hold your site back.

Can you have a period in your domain name?

You can’t put a period in the middle of your domain name as a character. Dots are only used to separate different parts of a domain, like www, the main name, and the extension, and they don’t behave like letters or numbers that you can customize.

For example, you can register myshop.com and create a subdomain like blog.myshop.com. What you can’t do is register my.shop.com as a single, continuous name where the dot is part of the brand itself. In that case, the dot is acting as a divider, not as a character within the name.

If you’re trying to create a clever phrase or visual break using a dot in the middle of a name, it’s worth considering other options. You might use a subdomain if it makes sense for your site structure, or choose a different domain extension that naturally fits your brand name. These approaches give you flexibility without running into technical limits around how domain names are structured.

What are the pros and cons of using numbers in your domain name?

Numbers in your domain name are allowed and commonly supported, but they introduce a clear trade-off between practicality and brand clarity. While numbers can be useful in certain situations, they can also create friction for users if used thoughtlessly. Below, the pros and cons are broken into dedicated subsections to help you evaluate whether using numbers fits your brand and long-term goals.

Pros of using numbers in a domain name

• Can help you secure a domain when the word-only version is unavailable
• Can shorten a long or complex domain name
• Can reinforce branding when the number has a clear meaning

Using numbers or special characters can make it easier to register a domain when your preferred name is already taken. In competitive spaces, adding a number may be the only way to secure a close match to your business name without resorting to awkward wording.

Numbers can also help shorten a domain name. Replacing long, spelled-out words with digits can make a URL feel more concise and visually cleaner, especially for businesses that rely on signage, ads, or mobile visibility.

For some brands, numbers carry clear meaning. Businesses that emphasize availability, scale, or completeness often benefit from numbers like 24, 365, or 360. When the number is directly tied to what you offer, it can reinforce your message rather than distract from it.

Cons of using numbers in a domain name

• Can cause confusion when spoken or shared verbally
• Can be harder to remember and easier to mistype
• Can limit branding flexibility over time

One of the biggest drawbacks is confusion when the domain is shared verbally. People may not know whether to type the number or spell it out, which can lead to lost traffic or misdirected visits.

Domains with numbers are also harder to remember. Compared to word-based names, numeric elements add an extra step for users, increasing the chance of typos or forgotten details.

There’s also a perception issue. Some users associate numbers in domain names with low-quality, temporary, or spam-focused websites. Even if your site is trustworthy, that first impression can work against you.

Finally, numbers can limit flexibility over time. If your business grows or shifts direction, a number that once made sense may feel restrictive or outdated, making rebranding more difficult later on.

When deciding whether to use numbers in your domain name, it’s important to balance short-term availability with long-term brand clarity. In the right context, numbers can support your identity, but in many cases, simplicity and memorability win out.

When should you use numbers in your domain name?

Using numbers in your domain name can be a good choice when they clearly support your brand and make the domain’s meaning easier to understand. Below are the situations where numbers tend to work best.

• When the number is part of a well-known phrase
  • Numbers like 24/7, 365, and 360 instantly communicate meaning, such as always available, year-round service, or a full circle approach.
  • Domains like 247urgentcare.com or studio360design.com are clearer and more intuitive than spelling out these phrases.
• When the number is part of an established abbreviation
  • Some numbers are built into industry language, such as B2B, B2C, MP4, or 4G.
  • Using the numeric form often looks more professional and familiar, but this only works when the abbreviation is truly standard in your niche.
• When your brand name already includes a number
  • If your business is already named Studio 7, Level 10 Fitness, or Route 66 Coffee, your domain should reflect that to maintain brand consistency.
• When numbers reflect something meaningful
  • Numbers like area codes or founding years can add context and story, such as 512plumbing.com for a local business or bakerfamily1975.com to highlight longevity.
  • These work best when they are easy to say, spell, and remember.

When shouldn’t you use numbers in your domain name?

While numbers can work in the right context, there are situations where they tend to create more problems than they solve. In these cases, avoiding numbers can help protect clarity, trust, and long-term brand value.

• When numbers replace common words
  • Using text-message-style shortcuts like 2 for “to,” 4 for “for,” or 8 for “ate” is a common anti-pattern.
  • Domains such as gr8deals.com or farm2home.com often cause users to guess the wrong version, leading to missed visits or email delivery issues.
  • A safer option is to use the full word, like farmtohome.com, or choose a different phrase that doesn’t rely on a number pun.
• When the domain is long or packed with digits
  • Domains with too many numbers can look spammy, feel hard to read, and become difficult to remember or say out loud.
  • Something like best4u247discountdeals123.com creates friction at every touchpoint, while a shorter, cleaner alternative is far easier to trust and recall.
• When the number creates trademark or brand confusion
  • Domains that resemble well-known brands, such as 4SeasonsHotel.com or 5guysburgerz.com, can confuse users and potentially lead to legal trouble.
  • Before committing to a name, it’s smart to use trademark protection tools to keep your brand safe and avoid conflicts.
• When your audience isn’t very tech-savvy
  • Many local service providers and solo business owners rely heavily on word-of-mouth referrals.
  • If your customers are likely to mishear or mistype numbers, a simple, all-letter domain is usually the safer choice.
  • A good test is to say your domain out loud as if you were answering the phone. If it requires extra explanation, that’s a red flag.

Do numbers in your domain name affect SEO or traffic? 

Numbers in your domain name often raise questions about search rankings and user behavior. While digits can influence perception, they don’t directly determine how well your site ranks in search results.

Does using numbers in a domain affect search rankings?

On their own, numbers in your domain name do not harm or boost your Google rankings. Google focuses on factors like content quality, relevance, user experience, and links, not whether a domain includes a digit. The indirect impact comes from perception. If a numeric domain looks confusing or spammy, people may be less likely to click, which can affect long-term performance. Still, a clear, brandable domain with a number is far better than a hard-to-read name without one.

Are people less likely to click or visit a domain containing numbers?

It depends on how the number is used. Familiar and meaningful numbers, such as 24/7, B2B terms, or local area codes, usually feel trustworthy and can add clarity. Random or excessive digits, on the other hand, can raise red flags. Trust and brand perception matter more here than algorithms, so it helps to sanity check by asking a few customers or friends which version of a domain they would feel more comfortable clicking.

SEO friendly ways to use numbers in URLs

Numbers are often useful and appropriate in URLs beyond the domain itself. Using them thoughtfully can improve clarity rather than hurt it.

• Use numbers for years or step counts when they add context, such as /2025-marketing-trends/ or /5-steps-to-choose-a-domain/
• Avoid tying evergreen content to a specific year in the URL if you plan to update it regularly
• Focus on clarity and relevance first, not on avoiding numbers entirely

In the end, numbers don’t break SEO rules. What matters most is whether your domain and URLs are easy to understand, trustworthy, and aligned with what users expect when they click.

What are the best practices for using numbers in your domain name?

If you decide that numbers make sense for your brand, a few practical checks can help you avoid common mistakes. Use the checklist below to ensure the numbers in your domain name support clarity, trust, and long-term usability rather than undermine them.

Keep it obvious and easy to say

A simple way to test numbers in your domain name is the “radio test.” If someone hears your domain once, can they spell it correctly without seeing it written down? Clever puns or shortcuts that only work visually often fail here. Read your domain out loud a few times. If it feels clunky or needs extra explanation, that’s a sign to rethink it.

Register both the numeric and spelled-out versions

One common strategy when using numbers in your domain name is to register both versions. For example, you might buy farm2home.com and farmtohome.com, then redirect one to the other so visitors always land on the right site. This helps prevent lost traffic and confusion. You can use domain forwarding to forward all versions of your domain to a single main site.

Check trademarks and brand conflicts before you commit

Before finalizing a domain, take time to look for potential conflicts. Start with a basic online search, check domain availability, and then take it a step further with trademark protection tools for added peace of mind. This “measure twice, cut once” approach matters, since changing domains later can be costly and disruptive.

Use tools to brainstorm clearer alternatives

If you’re unsure whether a number is helping or hurting your domain, exploring alternatives can surface better options. An AI Domain Name Generator lets you enter your idea, with or without numbers, and see suggestions that may be clearer or more memorable. This can help you keep the core brand idea while avoiding tricky number usage.

What to avoid in a domain name, with or without numbers?

Choosing a domain name isn’t just about what you include. Avoiding certain patterns can be just as important for clarity, trust, and long-term brand growth. The points below highlight common mistakes that often cause confusion or limit a domain’s effectiveness.

Hyphens, hard-to-spell words, and homophones

Hyphens and creative spellings often create more problems than they solve. Domains like best-hair-salon.com or kreativcuts.com are easy to mistype and hard to remember, especially when shared verbally. Homophones such as brake and break or flour and flower introduce the same kind of confusion as numbers used in place of words. For small business owners who rely on word of mouth, simple and predictable spelling is almost always the safer choice.

Trademarks and misleading names

Using a domain that mimics or copies a well-known brand can create serious issues. Even if you add a number or tweak the spelling, it can still confuse users and expose your business to legal risk. Beyond trademark concerns, misleading names can damage trust before a visitor even reaches your site.

Overly long or keyword-stuffed domains

Packing every keyword into a domain was once a common tactic, but it’s outdated today. Long domains like best-new-york-city-24-7-emergency-plumbing-service.com are hard to read, hard to remember, and do little for SEO. Modern best practices focus on choosing a clear, brandable domain, then optimizing your page content for keywords instead of forcing them into the domain name itself.

Where to buy a domain?

Once you’ve decided on a domain name, the next step is choosing a reliable registrar. Most domain registrars offer similar core features, but they differ in areas like support, add-on services, and how easy it is to manage your domain over time. Below are some of the most common options, starting with providers that are well-suited for small businesses.

Network Solutions is a long-established domain registrar that focuses on helping small businesses get online and stay protected. In addition to domain registration, we offer tools like domain forwarding, privacy protection, and trademark support, which can be helpful if you’re building a brand and want everything managed in one place.

Other popular domain registrars include providers that focus on low-cost registrations or developer-friendly tools. These platforms often appeal to users who already know exactly what they want and don’t need much guidance. They can be a good fit if you’re comfortable managing domains on your own and only need basic functionality.

When choosing where to buy your domain, look beyond the first-year price. Consider renewal costs, customer support, security features, and how easy it will be to manage your domain as your business grows. A slightly higher upfront cost can be worth it if it saves you time and avoids headaches later.

Why start with Network Solutions 

We are one of the original domain registrars and have been part of the internet’s growth from the very beginning. That long history matters for small business owners who want stability, clear support, and a provider that understands how domains fit into the bigger picture of building a brand online.

One of the biggest advantages is how easy it is to search for and secure a domain across a wide range of domain extensions. Our domain search tool makes it simple to check availability and compare options in one place, without jumping between providers. For businesses that are still refining their name, our AI-powered domain name generator can also suggest alternatives that are clear, brandable, and easier to remember.

We also offer add-ons that help protect your brand over time. Domain privacy keeps your personal information out of public records, Domain Expiration Protection helps prevent accidental expiration or unauthorized changes, and domain forwarding and portfolio management make it easier to manage multiple domains from one dashboard. For small businesses that want fewer moving parts and more peace of mind, starting with a provider that offers these essentials in one place can make the process much smoother.

Frequently asked questions 

Secure a numbered domain name with Network Solutions

Choosing a domain name can feel like a small decision, but it has a lasting impact on how people find, remember, and trust your business online. The key takeaway is simple. Numbers in your domain name are allowed, but they’re usually best reserved for situations where they add clear meaning or reinforce your brand. They don’t directly affect search rankings, but they do influence memorability, usability, and first impressions. When you’re unsure, clarity almost always beats cleverness.

If you’re ready to take the next step, you can search for and register your domain, with or without numbers, at Network Solutions. You don’t need to be a tech expert to make a smart domain choice or get your business online. With the right tools and a clear name, small business owners and creatives alike can build a strong online presence that’s easy to find, easy to remember, and ready to grow.