Summary
Experts and documentation sources largely discourage the use of hyphenated domains for email sending. These domains are treated as distinct entities, not subdomains, and do not inherit DMARC policies. Their association with spam and phishing increases the risk of deliverability issues. While separate domains can isolate reputation, hyphenated domains require independent and complex authentication setups, making subdomains the preferred alternative.
Key findings
- Independent Entity: Hyphenated domains are considered distinct domains, not subdomains, requiring individual configuration.
- DMARC Isolation: Hyphenated domains do not inherit DMARC policies; each requires its own DMARC record.
- Reputation Risk: Hyphenated domains are associated with spam and phishing, damaging sender reputation.
- Deliverability Challenges: Hyphenated domains often face deliverability problems due to spam filters.
- Spoofing Concerns: Lookalike domains increase the risk of phishing and spoofing attacks.
- Authentication Burden: Independent authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is required, increasing complexity.
- Subdomains Preferred: Subdomains are generally recommended for easier authentication and reputation management.
Key considerations
- Setup Complexity: Consider the time and resources required for separate authentication setup (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).
- Reputation Building: Be prepared to build a sending reputation from scratch for the new domain.
- Phishing Prevention: Implement security measures to protect against spoofing and phishing.
- Deliverability Monitoring: Monitor deliverability rates closely to address any potential problems.
- Subdomain Alternative: Evaluate the feasibility of using subdomains as a simpler and more secure alternative.
- Guidance Conflicts: Some platforms may give outdated advice, so verify recommendations.
What email marketers say
11 marketer opinions
The consensus is largely against using hyphenated domains for email sending. They are often seen as suspicious, increasing the risk of being flagged as spam or mistaken for phishing attempts. While separate domains can isolate reputation, hyphenated domains require independent and complex authentication setups (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and can negatively impact deliverability. Using subdomains is generally recommended as a safer and easier alternative for separating email streams.
Key opinions
- Reputation Risk: Hyphenated domains are often associated with spam and phishing, making it difficult to build a positive sending reputation.
- Authentication Overhead: Each distinct domain, including hyphenated ones, requires its own independent SPF, DKIM, and DMARC setup.
- Phishing Confusion: Similar-looking (hyphenated) domains can be easily spoofed, confusing recipients and damaging brand reputation.
- Deliverability Issues: Hyphenated domains are more likely to experience deliverability problems due to spam filters and security protocols.
- Subdomains Preferred: Using subdomains is generally recommended as a simpler and safer alternative, as they inherit some authentication properties.
Key considerations
- Authentication Complexity: Be prepared for the increased complexity of managing separate authentication records for each domain.
- Reputation Building: Understand that a new domain (including a hyphenated one) will require a dedicated effort to build a positive sender reputation.
- Phishing Risk Awareness: Acknowledge the heightened risk of phishing attacks associated with similar-looking domains and implement strategies to mitigate this risk.
- Deliverability Monitoring: Closely monitor deliverability rates when using hyphenated domains to identify and address any potential issues.
- Subdomain Feasibility: Consider whether using a subdomain is a viable alternative that meets your needs for separation without the added complexity and risk.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Gmass responds saying that each distinct domain, including hyphenated ones, needs its own email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) setup to ensure deliverability and avoid being flagged as spam.
21 May 2024 - Gmass
Marketer view
Email marketer from SendPulse notes that using similar-looking domains (like hyphenated versions) can be risky, as they can be easily spoofed by phishers, potentially damaging your brand reputation and deliverability.
16 Mar 2022 - SendPulse
What the experts say
5 expert opinions
Experts generally advise against using hyphenated domains for email sending. They are considered distinct entities, not subdomains, and don't inherit DMARC policies. Hyphenated domains are often linked to spam and phishing, making them risky and prone to deliverability issues. Subdomains are recommended as a safer alternative to avoid confusion and simplify authentication.
Key opinions
- Distinct Entity: Hyphenated domains are treated as completely separate entities, not subdomains.
- Reputation Risk: They pose a significant reputation risk due to association with spam and phishing campaigns.
- Deliverability Problems: Hyphenated domains often face deliverability issues and are more likely to be filtered.
- DMARC Independence: Each hyphenated domain requires its own independent DMARC policy and setup.
- Subdomain Preference: Subdomains are recommended as a safer alternative for domain separation.
Key considerations
- Authentication Setup: Be prepared to configure independent SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records for each hyphenated domain.
- Reputation Building: Understand that establishing a positive sending reputation for a hyphenated domain is challenging.
- Security Risks: Acknowledge and mitigate the security risks associated with lookalike and cousin domains susceptible to spoofing.
- Deliverability Monitoring: Monitor deliverability closely, as hyphenated domains are more prone to filtering and spam classification.
- Alternative Approach: Seriously consider using subdomains instead of hyphenated domains for easier authentication and improved security.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains that a hyphenated domain is a different domain, not a subdomain, and is a completely different entity altogether.
2 Apr 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource responds saying that hyphenated domains are more likely to get filtered and have deliverability issues because they are often used in phishing and spam campaigns. Establishing a good reputation and authentication will be an uphill battle. Also, each domain needs its own DMARC policy.
28 Aug 2023 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
3 technical articles
Official documentation from Google, Microsoft, and DMARC.org consistently states that hyphenated domains are treated as distinct entities and do not inherit DMARC policies from a parent domain. Each hyphenated domain requires its own independent DMARC record and configuration.
Key findings
- Distinct Entities: Hyphenated domains are recognized as separate and independent domains.
- No DMARC Inheritance: Hyphenated domains do not automatically inherit DMARC policies from a main domain.
- Individual DMARC Record Required: Each hyphenated domain must have its own, uniquely configured DMARC record.
- SPF implication: Each domain will need its own SPF record.
Key considerations
- Configuration Effort: Be prepared for the effort of setting up and maintaining separate DMARC records for each hyphenated domain you use.
- Policy Alignment: Ensure that the DMARC policy for each hyphenated domain aligns with your overall email security strategy.
- Monitoring Requirements: Monitor DMARC reports for each domain individually to identify and address any authentication issues.
Technical article
Documentation from Microsoft responds indicating that different domains each require their own SPF records; the same principle applies to DMARC, therefore hyphenated domains are considered separate and require individual DMARC setup.
25 Oct 2023 - Microsoft
Technical article
Documentation from DMARC.org explains that each domain sending email on its behalf needs its own DMARC record. Domains with hyphens are distinct and require separate DMARC configuration.
5 May 2025 - DMARC.org
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