Information Centre

If the domain name you really want isn't available, it might be tempting to substitute words or parts of a word in the name with numbers - or to do so just to be a little different. The issue of using numbers in this way is similar to that related to using hyphens in domains.

When choosing a web address, something to keep in mind is how that address may be communicated. While electronic text-based communications are widely used, people haven't stopped verbally communicating and some advertising is still done with audio as the only medium; e.g. radio.

A domain like this:

greatflombles

is much  easier to communicate verbally than something with numeric characters such as this:

gr8flombles

.. as the person then needs to explain the presence of "8"

Another difficult instance is where the number "2" is used to replace the word "to"; .e.g.

go2flombles

There are some circumstances where using numbers may be a good idea in a domain name. An example is:

247flombles

may be a better choice than

twentyfoursevenflombles

or

twofoursevenflombles

... the reason being is the numbers don't replace a word, so there's less chance for confusion and visitors are more likely to use numbers when entering the name into a browser address bar.

Whether you should choose a domain name with numbers just depends on how the numbers are being utilised and how they are used in common language. A simple rule to bear in mind is that if it's a word, use a word and if it's a number, use a number.

Another point to consider is if (for example) greatflombles is already taken, then the number substitution option may result in your visitors winding up on the fully alphabetical domain name's web site. 

When considering using numbers in a domain name, think about your target audience, how they would primarily communicate your web address and how you intend to advertise.

For more name selection tips, check out our guide to choosing domain names and also some recommendations on issues to avoid when selecting a web address.