Brand Name or Your Own Name?

When setting up your online presence whether it’s a blog, youtube site, instagram feed you have to make the decision whether to go under your own name or a brand name. You could also use a pseudonym if you didn’t want to use your own name. This is a popular option to protect privacy issues. This might be a consideration especially if you have a job where they frown upon you having an online presence. If that’s the case ask yourself is this the sort of place you want to work?

I’ve no time for small minded bosses and managers who don’t understand social media or building a business online.  They’re too busy posting pictures of their latest dinner on facebook or him and his buddies playing a round of golf. Fuck them all. Get out ASAP.

So you’re out or planning your escape route and starting a side hustle, what do you chose?

First of all, if you can secure your own name as a domain name then do it. This would be yourownname.com. Forget .org or .net Google prefers the .com version which is vital if you want to be found in the search results. Hint – you do. 

Even if you don’t use it the domain may come in handy at a later date and when you become well known you prevent others from stealing your name, your domain and posting what ever crap they may like, which could hurt your business and reputation in the long run.

So what’s it to be? Brand name or your own name?

The advantage of using your own name is that you could build a personal brand, a business under your own name. If you want your name to be famous in your line of business this could be the way to go. Your business can also change direction with changes in your interests or business ideas. You are not stuck with a brand that is focused on a single niche.

One consideration to using your own name is that it may cause difficulties in the future if you build up a business and then decide to sell it.

Also beware. A desire to use your own name might just be you wanting to massage your own ego. 

If your name is difficult to pronounce or is difficult to spell go with a short memorable brand name instead. 

For this site I decided on my own name. Well, that’s kinda obvious I guess! Unless you thought Paul Marles was a cool brand name. Sorry it’s not.

I decided to do this because I wanted this site and my youtube channel to evolve with me.Who knows what I might be doing or my interests and business plans in 10 or even 5 years time.

When considering a brand name make it short, one, two or three words is best. One word domains are difficult to find unless you’ve got a lot of money to spend. Brainstorm a few options then do a search in a domain registrars site such as namecheap.com to see if it’s available. 

There are sites that can help you come up with a short snappy name. Something that’s short, easy to say and is memorable. And also sounds like your line of business or subject matter. 

But the most important thing is just decide on something, buy it and start creating content. Don’t overthink. You’ll waste too much time and that, my friend, is a precious commodity not to be wasted. 

Here’s to you. 

Any questions below.