in search engines.

2. Highlight Your Profession or Niche

Clarifying Your Expertise for Visitors

If your name alone doesn’t convey your field or expertise, consider including your profession or niche in the domain name. For example, if you’re a graphic designer, options like “EmilyArtDesign.com” or “MarkWilsonIllustration.com” add context, giving visitors an immediate sense of your work.

This approach not only helps with clarity but can also improve SEO, making it easier for people to find you when searching for specific services. Including your field in your domain provides a clear focus and demonstrates your expertise to potential clients or collaborators.

3. Keep It Short and Memorable

Ensuring Your Domain Sticks with Visitors

Memorability is key to a strong domain name, especially for a personal site. Aim for a short, simple name that’s easy for people to remember and type. Avoid adding unnecessary words, numbers, or special characters that could complicate the domain.

A name like “SarahMDesign.com” is more memorable and easier to type than something lengthy like “SarahMorganFreelanceDesigner.com.” A clean, concise domain makes a stronger impact and encourages people to return to your site in the future.

4. Choose a .com Extension if Possible

Maintaining Professionalism with a Widely Recognized TLD

The .com extension is widely recognized and trusted, making it a great choice for a personal or portfolio site. If “YourName.com” is available, securing it can enhance the professionalism of your website. However, if the .com extension is unavailable, other options like .me, .co, or .design can work well for a personal brand.

Extensions like .me or .design can be especially fitting for portfolios and personal brands, as they add a personal or industry-specific touch. Choose an extension that feels professional and matches the tone of your work.

5. Avoid Hyphens and Unnecessary Additions

Keeping Your Domain Simple and Professional

While hyphens or numbers might seem like a quick fix for an unavailable domain, they can complicate your website address and make it harder for people to find you. For instance, “Anna-Lee-Photography.com” is more challenging to remember and type than “AnnaLeePhotography.com.”

Stick to letters only, if possible, to keep your domain looking clean and professional. A straightforward, easy-to-type domain helps ensure visitors land on your site without confusion or error.

6. Reflect Your Personal Brand

Choosing Words That Align with Your Style and Identity

Your domain name should reflect the unique aspects of your personal brand. Consider the tone, style, and values you want to convey—are you creative, professional, or innovative? If you want to highlight your creativity, consider adding a word like “studio” or “design” for visual artists (e.g., “AnnaLeeStudio.com”).

Aligning your domain with your personal brand helps make a lasting impression on visitors, ensuring that your site feels cohesive and authentic.

7. Test for Readability and Pronunciation

Ensuring Your Domain Is Easy to Share

Before finalizing your domain name, test it for readability and pronunciation. A domain name that’s easy to say and spell aloud is more likely to be shared by word-of-mouth, whether it’s during networking events or casual conversations. Avoid complex or ambiguous names that might be difficult for people to remember or spell correctly.

For example, “KateBIllustration.com” is easy to say and remember, while “KateBrownCreativeSolutions.com” might be too lengthy and difficult to share verbally. Ensuring your domain is simple and clear will help visitors remember it and make sharing easier.

8. Check Social Media Availability

Maintaining Consistency Across Platforms

Consistency across your website and social media profiles helps strengthen your personal brand and makes it easier for people to find you online. Before finalizing your domain, check if the same or a similar name is available on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Using a consistent name on both your website and social media creates a unified brand identity, making it easier for potential clients or employers to connect with you across different platforms.

9. Consider a Domain That Allows for Flexibility

Choosing a Name That Supports Future Growth

If you plan to expand your portfolio or add new services in the future, consider a domain name that provides flexibility. Avoid names that are too specific, which might limit you if your focus changes. For example, instead of “AnnaLeePhotography.com,” a name like “AnnaLeeVisuals.com” could allow for both photography and graphic design services.

Choosing a domain with room for growth ensures that you won’t need to rebrand if your career path evolves, making it easier to adapt your site as your skills and services expand.

10. Act Quickly to Register Your Domain

Securing Your Preferred Domain Before It’s Taken

Once you’ve found a domain name that fits your personal brand, act quickly to register it before someone else does. Personal domains are in high demand, and waiting too long could mean losing your preferred name. Registering your domain early ensures you have control over your brand and can start building your online presence right away.

Consider registering variations of your domain or other TLDs to protect your name and make it easier for people to find you, even if they misspell or mistype your website address.

Conclusion

Choosing a domain name for your portfolio or personal site is an important step in building your personal brand and showcasing your work professionally. By using your name, highlighting your field, and choosing a clear and memorable domain, you create a strong foundation for your online presence. Remember to avoid unnecessary hyphens, check for social media availability, and select a domain that allows for future growth. With the right domain, you can establish a powerful personal brand that attracts potential clients, employers, and collaborators.