What's in a nickname? Nicknames are pretty important in the eBay world. You can use your nickname that you buddies gave you at a wild high school party and sure brag about it to your buddies. Your buddies will all know forsure and maybe they just might get thinking it's cool. Just maybe...

But, we not trying to sell to our buddies. We want to sell to the world! Here are some must do's and dont's when picking your nickname for eBay or Yahoo!.

#1. Try to use your domain name as much as possible. If it is already taken, Put a word or something infront or behind the nickname. For example you want "todayauctions." Suppose this is gone. Now go for "todayauctions22." Play around with this.

#2 Don't use your first name. This is the grand rule....You may think that this builds brand awareness but it doesn't. How many Steve Smith's are out there?

#3 Catchy names may or maynot work. Unless, your domain is the catchy name already, I would stay away. The idea is to match something that you either have existing or soon to be existing(ie website or business name).

#4 Changing your name will show that you have changed your name. Some buyers may see this as an identity change and maybe trying to hide something. Only change if you absolutley have to.

#5 Don't settle for a medicocure name...give it some thought. Write down a list. The name can be very important. Don't settle if you have a website URL at www.coolphonestoday.com and get a nickname of "ilovejane." Pointless if you ask me.

Just my thoughts!

About the author:

Jay is the author of http://auctionsellertips.blogspot.com/ Learn what it takes to get Auction Seller Tips.