Should a Domain Name Have Hyphens?

Hyphens can make an otherwise unavailable phrase registrable, but they add communication friction.

The main drawback

People often omit punctuation when hearing a domain. That can send traffic or email to a different address and force you to explain the spelling repeatedly.

When a hyphen may be acceptable

For a deliberately descriptive project or where local naming conventions make punctuation familiar, the tradeoff may be reasonable. Compare the unhyphenated alternative and brandability before deciding.