Choosing a Great Online Username Is Like Writing a Hit Song

What’s in a name? A lot. A username is the first thing your potential match reads. Learn 5 easy tips to make yours memorable and catchy so, you’ll be singing “Hallelujah” when the right one clicks. From Love at First Click: The Ultimate Guide to Online Dating.

• Combine interests. Combining hobbies or words on the same topic is an easy way to stand out from the crowd. For example, if you love travel, you might go with something like GlobalTrek or OutdoorVentures.

• Make up your own word. It’s OK if your username can’t be found in Webster’s. Taking creativity one step further, you can create a word to represent you, no definition required—for example, Gigglation or Explorcation.

• Keep your virtual clothes on. Save the intimate implications for later on; usernames with sexual undertones can send the wrong impression. I know some women who won’t even open emails from guys with inappropriate terms or, ahem, “69.” For women, usernames like Nina’s can imply that you’re looking for a more casual connection, where getting nookie on the first night is acceptable.

• Don’t use your birth name. Real names and nicknames should be nixed from your digital dating details. Consider your real name the virtual equivalent of whispering sweet nothings—it’s special and should be reserved for someone you’re crushin’ on. This info also makes it easy for people to search and identify details of your life before you’re ready to reveal them. Your digital footprint is essentially a portal to your past, so protect it until you’ve met someone in person and made a true first impression.

• The numbers game. Your username is not a numerology report, so stay away from numbers. This will allow you to remain unique rather than pointing out that you’re the eighteenth person to choose “citygal.” Revealing personal details through numbers is also a no-no. Your birthday reveals your age in the wrong context, your lucky number will be irrelevant to anyone but you, and the current year will quickly become dated, pointing out just how long you’ve been on the eDating scene. Needless to say, none of this adds to the conversation.

Get parenting tips. Find help managing your life. Have a happy marriage. Sign up for our newsletter!