Creating the Perfect Email Address

Recently, I was working for a photography company during graduation season.  For each graduation, all graduates would fill out an information card so that their photos would be sent to them.  My job was to take these cards, organize their information, and insert it into an Excel spreadsheet.

Besides deciphering bad handwriting, I was amazed to see the email addresses they put down.  "2cool4u", "balla4lyfe", "soonerfanordie", "childof4", "princessbuttercup892950000". You've got to be kidding me.  These are high school and college graduates, mostly 18+ and about to go into the real world.  It was then, I realized, that people do not understand how important a good email address is.

Here are some tips on creating the best email address:

1. Have a Purpose 
   What is the purpose of this email address? Is it for work, school, friends & family?  Decide who you will share this address with, then choose the best name.  For friends and family, it is okay to have a fun one, but make sure you do not use that for a future employer.  If it is for business, I would include a professional name or title.  For school, it could be your nickname, major, hometown, etc.  It is never a bad idea to have many different email addresses!
   
   
2. Stay Simple
   This is the best way to appeal to all.  Keep it easy to understand, read, and remember - it makes it easier for everyone.  You want to be able to tell someone your email address once, without repeating yourself.  That is your goal!
   
   
3. Less is Best
   Get rid of all of those numbers, several words, letters, underscores, etc.  Short, sweet, and to the point is the best tactic.
   
   
4. Use Numbers and Letters Appropriately 
   Numbers and letters should be used sparingly, but they can be used.  If you want to include a middle initial, a favorite number, an abbreviation, that's fine.  This tactic is commonly used when the email address you had wanted is already taken.  Ways to use this poorly would be to include your year of birth, many random letters at once, and a string of many different numbers.
   
   
5. Represent You!
   You want your email address to make sense to those who read it, and to reflect yourself.  Your email address is your business card, and this is why choosing a good one is very important.  Let it showcase exactly who you are, and give everyone who emails you, the best first impression.