I think people should always use their real name as their name (handle) on Twitter.  You’re scared of privacy are you?  It’s 2012, if someone wanted to stalk you they would, they’re not going to Twitter to search your name sweetheart.  So how do you choose the right Twitter name?   Simple, if you don’t pick your name/brand/company pick something you can brand yourself as online, a nickname perhaps, whatever you pick make sure it’s memorable to people or else you’re going to run into trouble.

There’s one very important aspect of choosing a name that most people and companies overlook.  When choosing your name (handle) you need to consider what the majority of people will type when they think of you.  Because most people follow hundreds or even thousands of people, and when someone wants to say something about you they’re going to type  “@” and the auto-complete on most Twitter services will display all the followers you have that begin with what ever you type.

Example:

If you pick a name that isn’t common, or isn’t the most memorable part of it you’re making it hard for people to Tweet you.

Good Examples:

@TimhortonsYQR

@ColdStoneYQR

@ReginaPolice

@RockcreekTandG

If your business or organization name begins with “Regina” then feel free to use it.  But if it doesn’t, again, you’re making it hard for people to find you.

Bad Twitter name examples:

‏@PFFish_Retail

@sexymomma

@bentlygtcspeed

Remember, when you don’t use your real name, you’re branding yourself as whatever the name you choose.  When you put YQR or anything else in front of your name/brand you’re making it very difficult for people to Tweet you.