Jason Barnard, CEO of Kalicube, a digital marketing agency, shares his insights on how to choose the best domain name for your personal brand. In his opinion, the best domain name for personal branding is one that contains your name, ideally with a .com extension. However, if your name is common or unavailable, there are several effective alternatives to consider.
Options such as using different TLD extensions, adding a middle initial or middle name to your domain name can help you create a unique online presence. It’s important to choose a domain name that is easy to spell, type, pronounce, memorable, and as short as possible. Avoid special characters and qualifier words as these may limit your personal brand in the long run.
When selecting a top-level domain (TLD) for your personal brand, consider how it resonates with your audience rather than focusing solely on SEO. Geo-specific TLDs can be beneficial if your target audience is local, signaling your relevance to a specific country. However, be cautious of using TLDs that may tie your brand to an irrelevant country or career-specific keywords.
Maintaining control over your domain name is key to safeguarding your personal brand online. Avoid building your brand around a website that you don’t have full control over, such as social media platforms or third-party entities. Treat your domain name as a permanent address online, with your website being the house you build on it. Secure your domain name now to establish a strong foundation for your personal brand.
In conclusion, Barnard recommends focusing on a variant of your name for your domain name, using your middle name or initial if necessary. Strive to secure a .com domain, but consider alternatives such as hyphenated or initial variations if needed. Avoid tying your domain name to a specific career to allow for flexibility as your brand evolves. Remember that your domain name is a lifelong asset for your personal brand, so choose wisely to set yourself up for success online.
