Email Address Strategies
The simple options like [email protected] and [email protected] are long gone. Strategies that work:
- Middle initial or name: thomas.r.johnson or thomasryanjohnson
- Location indicator: thomasjohnson.nyc or tjohnson.boston
- Professional descriptor: thomasjohnson.architect or tjohnsondesign
- Year-based: thomasjohnson1985 (though this reveals your age)
- Creative spelling: tomas.johnson or thom.johnson (if you don't mind variations)
Whichever approach you choose, use the same format across platforms for consistency.
Domain Name Options
Domain availability for common names is similar to email. Direct .com registrations are typically taken, but options exist:
Alternative TLDs
Consider extensions beyond .com:
- .me - Great for personal sites (thomasjohnson.me)
- .name - Specifically for personal names (thomas.johnson.name)
- .io - Popular in tech (thomasjohnson.io)
- .co - Often available when .com isn't
Descriptive Additions
Add context to the name:
- thomasjohnsonphoto.com
- thomasjohnsonwrites.com
- thethomasjohnson.com
- iamthomasjohnson.com
Professional Considerations
For professional branding, consider:
- Consistency matters more than perfection. Pick something and use it everywhere.
- Your LinkedIn URL can be customized even if your email can't.
- A personal website with your domain creates a single authoritative source when someone searches for you.
- Business cards and email signatures that include multiple contact methods help people find the right Thomas Johnson.
Protecting Your Digital Identity
With a common name, monitoring your digital presence matters:
- Set up Google Alerts for 'Thomas Johnson' plus your city or profession
- Check periodically what comes up when someone searches your name
- Consider claiming social media handles even if you don't actively use the platforms
- Keep records of which accounts are actually yours for identity verification if needed