Google Recommends Traditional TLDs, Even for Hyphenated Domains

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Google’s John Mueller shared in a Reddit discussion that he personally prefers to choose a traditional top-level domain (TLD), like .com, even if it requires including a hyphen in the domain name. He advised against opting for lower-quality or inexpensive TLDs, which may carry risks associated with spam and reputation issues.

The conversation originated from a site owner who selected a .xyz TLD because the .com version of their brand was unavailable. They also mentioned seeing Google using abc.xyz for investor relations and the Alphabet holding site, leading them to believe it was a good choice. Over time, they observed that some sites with .xyz domains were being flagged as spam or dismissed by users, possibly due to perceptions of AI-generated content or low quality.

Mueller emphasized that, generally, domain names under certain TLDs—especially inexpensive or low-quality ones—can face challenges such as slower crawling, reduced indexing efficiency, or even being filtered out entirely. He recommended avoiding free or cheap TLDs associated with spam or abuse, as these can impose significant hurdles for long-term website growth—such as issues with email deliverability, messaging, or link credibility.

He also pointed out that it’s advisable to choose a memorable, clean domain name for your brand, ideally without relying on hyphens or complex typos. Moreover, Mueller advised ensuring that your domain is legitimately on a top-level domain, not a subdomain of someone else’s domain, to avoid potential trust and technical issues.

In conclusion, Mueller suggested that spending a few extra dollars on a reputable TLD could save significant trouble down the line. While more expensive TLDs aren’t inherently better for SEO once a basic threshold of trustworthiness is met, they often come with better management for abuse and spam prevention, which ultimately supports site stability and reputation.

The discussion also touched on how Google has previously penalized or de-listed sites using certain TLDs associated with spam or phishing, such as .cc, .top, or specific country codes linked to malicious activities. These past actions highlight the importance of selecting a reliable TLD for long-term success and search visibility.