Is it true that using numbers in a domain name affects its SEO ranking?
I'm in the process of choosing a domain for a project, and I'm focusing on the com and de zones. Unfortunately, all the catchy domain names are taken, so my best idea was to add "24" at the end since the project has a time-sensitive aspect to it.

Using identifiers that contain numbers can be cumbersome and disrupt the typing rhythm. However, if a site is already bookmarked or in the browsing history, the identifier becomes less important. Furthermore, it may also appear in search engine prompts which can make it easier to access without having to type it out entirely.

Adding a region number to the name is a common practice for many regional sites and they don't find it problematic. However, some visitors may get confused and assume that your site only caters to the specific region mentioned in the name.

It's important to consider the potential confusion that could arise from including a region number in the site name. On one hand, it can help with search engine optimization and make it clear to visitors what region the site covers. On the other hand, it may limit the perceived scope of the site and deter visitors from other regions. Overall, it's best to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether or not to include a region number in the site name.

Europeans and Chinese, for instance, have different attitudes and perceptions towards numbers. Some number combinations (in the case of Asians) are associated with death. If you plan on working in the Asian market, take this into consideration.

When considering the use of numbers in a domain name for your project in the .com and .de zones, there are several factors to keep in mind.

From an SEO perspective, the use of numbers in a domain name can have both potential drawbacks and advantages. On the one hand, domain names with numbers may be harder for users to remember, particularly if the numbers are random or unrelated to the brand or content of the website. This could lead to a decrease in direct traffic as users may have difficulty recalling the exact domain name when attempting to visit the site.

Furthermore, search engines like Google consider user engagement metrics such as click-through rates and bounce rates when determining the relevancy and quality of a website. If users find it challenging to remember or type a domain name with numbers, it could impact these engagement metrics, potentially leading to a decrease in SEO ranking.

On the other hand, if the numbers in the domain name are directly related to the content, brand, or a time-sensitive aspect of your project, they could potentially have a positive impact. For instance, if the "24" in your domain name is directly related to the time-sensitive nature of your project, it could signal relevance to search engines and users alike, leading to a potential boost in SEO ranking for time-related queries.

However, it's important to remember that domain names are just one piece of the SEO puzzle. High-quality, relevant content, strong technical SEO, authoritative backlinks, and a positive user experience all play crucial roles in determining a website's search engine ranking. If the rest of your website is well-optimized and provides value to users, the influence of including numbers in your domain name on SEO ranking should be minimal.

Consider the user experience and brand identity when making a decision about the domain name. A domain name should be memorable, easy to spell, and reflective of the brand or project. While adding numbers may seem like a solution to a lack of available catchy domain names, it's important to weigh the potential impact on user recall and perception of your website.
The impact of using numbers in a domain name on SEO ranking is nuanced. While there may be some potential drawbacks, the overall impact will depend on how well the rest of your website is optimized and how the numbers are integrated into the domain name and project's branding. Consider alternative variations or brainstorm new ideas to find a domain name that resonates with your target audience and accurately represents your project. Ultimately, a strong website with valuable content and a positive user experience will have a greater impact on SEO than the inclusion of numbers in the domain name.