All about domain names, usernames and email adresses…
Make sure You Get Them All!
I have a few new projects in the works and one of the first things I do is run extensive searches on name availability. I search for top level domain names (.com, .net, .org) for the project name or with a keyword people would search for related to finding information about the project.
Domainers (people that buy and sell domain names) know this routine very well. A good domain name is as important to your web presence as having a powerful social media strategy.
For example one of new projects is developing a directory of WordPress experts, developers and designers. Since Automattic, the company that developed WordPress does not allow you to utilize “WordPress” in your domain name, a popular alternative is WP. So I registered the domains WPCOOP.com, .net and .org.
Its very easy to search for available domain names with your favorite Registrar. Most have them have a suggestion tool. Remeber to try hyphens and numbers if your desired name is not available. Personally I use domainsbot.com to search for available domain names. Its a simple tool that searches TLD’s, provides suggested names and allows you to register your new found domain name with your preferred registrar.
Secure Your Personal Domain Name
If you do not own http:// your-personal-name . com, I highly recommend registering it now. This is imperative if you are an authority, expert or professional service consultant or just a passionate blogger and want to build your online reputation. After all when people are searching for you on the web, the first thing they will do is Google your name!
Do you have kids? Secure their name as a domain name now, they will be very happy you did, especially when they become the next social media giant and gain world wide web recognition.
Secure Your User Name
Do you have a nickname or stage name? One aspect of personal branding, we seem to overlook is securing our user name. Every social media profile asks for a desired user name, which becomes as synonomous to you as your real name and sometimes people only know you by your nickname or user name.
Twitter is a perfect example for brand recognition built on user names. Almost every profile you have out there will display your username, bookmarking sites, social networks, and even blog comments, so choose a unique, catchy and easy to remember username.
Need some help deciding on a username? Check out this great service by namechk.com. They will run an analysis and availability report on a username across the web.
Think about your industry, your passions and how family, friends and colleagues already know you. As you know I love to help folks out with anything related to social media, WordPress and Twitter, especially. My username is @askJayson, which is appropriate for me as I love to answer questions and solve problems.
Secure Your Personal Name and Username Email
Another important personal branding strategy is making sure you own your name and username as an email address. I was reminded of this when I went to get a new google gmail account for my new project. GMail also allows to check name availability before your register, so you can find a good one before you have to complete the entire registration process. I recommend you register your personal name and username email with Google and Yahoo, considering they are continuing to develop social media applications where your username will get a lot of exposure.
Another side note: register your kids names! All my kids (I only have 3) have a personal email address. Its my way of ensuring atleast they will email me when its not cool to call your Dad on the phone anymore.
