Web savy peeps? (I need suggestions)

[Nightbow]

I have decided to get my own web domain so that I can do whatever I want in WordPress. Setting up a corner on the web where I can have my own art gallery, writing projects and my CV seems approperiate since I have one semster left on my front end web development education. But what domain name do I choose?

It is a given that I choose a common top domain, like .com or .se. I would prefer my first name for the domain, but that is of course taken by one of these companies that just hog names. I could use firstnamelastname.something, but the problem is my last name. It is uncommon and has an "ä" in it, and I figure if people always ask me how it is spelled irl, how will they find me online? Should I use "ä" or "a"? Another option would be using my spouse's last name, but this is complicated for several reasons. For one, it is a common name and my first name plus this last name is taken on both .com and .se, and I don't know if I feel like adding a .eu to roster. Second, I'm not married yet!

This is personal webiste so any name won't do. I feel like it should be connected to my person, but I don't know how. What would you suggest? Do have a personal website of your own? What is it called and what have you done with it?

[melodys_angel]

I think the question to ask is, are you going to be using it as a professional portfolio?  If so, I would go with your actual name but have a normal 'a', since its global and not everyone has the right keyboard to type it properly.

If its just something to play with--I don't think it matters as much.

[Nightbow]

The idea is to keep the site as a portfolio, yes. And possibly, to promote any future publications. I guess I'll always keep my own last name, no matter what. Gotta have to ponder this for a bit ...

[ringwraith10]

Could you do your first name and the first letter of your last name? Do you have a middle name? Maybe you could do your first name and middle and last initials?

[Kiwi]

I was going to suggest initials too. Or something like "firstnamesportfolio" (like annasportfolio or juliesportfolio).

[shelvesofwhimsy]

I think the most professional domain will be firstnamelastname.com
That's what I have and its very easy for people to find, even if they just google me.

I would not use nameportfolio.com
As an artist I don't think it would be as professional.


I would also use the "a" since my keyboard doesn't not have the special character.

I wouldn't use your spouses name either.

[Nightbow]

Thanks for your input. I will have to make a decision soon.

[Nefalia]

Firstnamelastname - when your future employers google your name you want it to come up as a first result.

My last name has an "ö" in it and that's not a problem. My site pops up well high in results and it's easy to remember for contacts. Removing the dots over the letters is frictionless  for Swedes in general since we are used to "our letters" not being readable by browsers. Since a few years back you can register a domain name with åäö but that will make it difficult for non-Swedes to find your portfolio.

Regarding .com vs .se - the first is commonly used for commercial businesses and the other is for Sweden. In the end it isn't that much of a deal breaker. It just is a matter of taste.

If you need a place to just show your code, most employers request to see your GitHub or Bitbucket account. So I would recommend you to push some stuff there if you haven't already.

Also fun to hear that you are a front end student! I work in the business so best of luck.

[Nightbow]

Thank you. I'm now looking for a web hotel to register firstnamelastname.se
I've been glancing at Binero, ManuFrog and EgenSajt, but Inleed has ridiculously good prices.

[Nefalia]

Remember to compare services between them. Some are just offering space, some will offer to renew your domain annually, some have 24/7 customer service etc.

[Nightbow]

Sure. I've decided to sleep on it.

[kaoskat]

I'd just use a normal "a" if it were me.