Coming Up with Creative Blog Name Ideas
Choosing the right name for your blog is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting a blog. Your blog’s name makes a first impression on readers and can influence how successful your blog becomes.
An original, memorable name that represents your blog’s niche can help attract your target audience and build your blog’s brand. In this blog post guide, we will walk you through the key factors to consider when brainstorming and choosing a creative name for your blog.
Importance of a Blog Name
Your blog’s name is much more than just a label. It’s an essential part of your brand that will communicate what your blog is about. A creative, well-thought-out name can grab attention and convey the topic and tone of your blog. An ineffective name can fail to communicate your focus or attract the right readers.
Your blog’s name also impacts your ability to rank in search engines – using relevant keywords can improve your SEO. Overall, putting effort into choosing the right blog name pays off by boosting your blog’s brand and reach.
Factors to Consider When Coming Up with a Blog Name
When brainstorming blog names, there are 6 key factors to keep in mind:
1. Creativity and Originality
One of the best ways to stand out is to come up with a creative, one-of-a-kind name for your blog. Avoid overused phrases like “DIY Blog” or “[Your Name] Blog.” Aim for a name that’s unique and captures attention. Get creative with alliterations, rhymes plays on words, interesting associations or double meanings. The more original your name, the better chance it has of being memorable. Just make sure it still relates to your niche.
2. Relevance to Your Niche
While creativity is key, you also want a name that communicates your blog’s focus and topics. Include keywords or phrases that are relevant to your niche, whether it’s travel, food, parenting or fashion. This will signal to readers what your blog is about and draw in your target audience. For example, names like “The Healthy Home Cook” or “Portland Fashion Blog” clearly convey the topic.
3. Simplicity and Memorability
Ideally, your blog’s name should be short, simple and catchy enough to stick in readers’ minds. Stay away from long or convoluted names. Make it easy to remember and spell so readers can easily share it with others. Using common words that flow well together can improve memorability. Alliteration (using the same first letter or sound) is a helpful technique, like “Culture Craving” or “Glamorous Gourmand.”
4. Keywords and SEO
While you want an original name, including relevant keywords can optimize it for search engines. For example, if you’re starting a blog about hiking, naming it something like “Hiking Trail Talk” incorporates keyword phrases. Just be sure the name still sounds natural. You can use keyword research tools to identify terms people search for related to your niche.
5. Checking Availability
Before you get too attached to a name, check that the domain is actually available for purchase. Search sites like GoDaddy or Bluehost to see if yourdomainname.com is taken. Also check that social media handles using that name, like @yourdomainname, are available on platforms like Twitter and Instagram so you can maintain consistent branding.
6. Branding
Finally, choose a blog name that aligns with the tone and image you want for your blog’s brand. Is your blog elegant, quirky, authoritative, and fun? Make sure your name fits your brand identity and sets the right tone. If the name doesn’t jive with your brand character, you may confuse readers.
Brainstorming Techniques
With endless possibilities for blog names, how can you creatively narrow down your options? Using focused brainstorming techniques and getting input from others helps generate and refine great name ideas. Here are some of the most effective strategies:
Make lists – Start brainstorming by making lists of potential name components relevant to your niche. Write down keyword terms and phrases, descriptive adjectives, alliterations, rhyming words, and more. List interesting verbs related to your topic too. Compile as many related terms as possible, then start combining them in unique ways.
Use name generators – Turn to online tools like NameMesh, Shopify’s business name generator, or domain name generators to rapidly generate name suggestions. Enter your blog topic and keywords to get relevant results. Add any intriguing options to your lists for consideration.
Ask others – Don’t brainstorm names alone. Survey friends, family members, or colleagues in your industry to get input on name ideas. Create polls with your top contenders and see which get the most votes. Ask what emotions or impressions different names evoke.
Mind mapping – Create a mind map by writing your general niche or topic in the center of a page. Radiate outward related terms, keywords, and phrases. Draw connections between these ideas to spiral creative combinations. Circle favorites that would work well together as a name.
Checkout competitors – Research what successful blogs in your space are named and what their branding looks like. Draw inspiration from those you admire, but make sure to come up with something distinct that sets you apart.
Trying out all these brainstorming techniques will give you pages of potential names to work with. Compiling feedback and input from others helps identify the very strongest contenders worth pursuing. With focused creativity and strategic refinement, you’ll land on the perfect blog name.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
When brainstorming names, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Choosing a name that’s too long or complex
- Using overused phrases like “blog” or “DIY”
- Failing to check domain availability beforehand
- Forgetting to incorporate relevant keywords
- Picking a name with no connection to your niche
- Choosing a name that’s hard to remember or spell
Conclusion
Putting time into choosing the perfect blog name pays off through increased brand awareness and reach. Focus on balancing creativity and originality with simplicity, memorability, and relevance to your niche. Check domain availability, use SEO keywords, and always get feedback from others. Follow this guide to brainstorm and discover an ideal name to represent your blog’s brand and voice. Learn here more about blogging and passive income.
FAQs:
How do I come up with a creative blog name?
Some tips for coming up with a creative blog name include: brainstorming keywords and phrases related to your niche, using name generators and mind mapping to spark ideas, trying different combinations and wordplay, getting feedback from others, aim for something memorable and unique.
What are some examples of creative blog names?
Some examples of creative blog names include: Meaningful Mama, Brit + Co, Wait But Why, Adventures in Making, Dessert for Two, Paper & Stitch, Smart Bitches Trashy Books, and The Everygirl.
What should I avoid when naming my blog?
Avoid names that are too long, complex, hard to spell, or forgettable. Steer clear of overused terms like “blog” or “DIY” and be cautious about using your own name. Also, avoid names with no connection to your niche or theme.
Should my blog name include my name?
Using your name in your blog name is optional – some bloggers do while others use creative phrases instead. Use your name if you want to build a strong personal brand around yourself. But a descriptive, memorable phrase also works well.
How do I check if a blog name is available?
Search registrar sites like GoDaddy and Bluehost to see if the .com domain is available. Also check if social media handles for that name are free on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Look for trademarks too.
Can I change my blog name after starting?
Yes, you can rebrand and change your blog’s name even after you begin. But be prepared for the work involved in redirecting traffic, getting a new domain, and re-establishing your brand.
What are some tips for creating a unique blog name?
Tips for a unique name include: using alliteration, rhymes, and wordplay, incorporating keywords, avoiding cliches, getting creative with combinations, brainstorming lists of options, using a quirky pun, add your location.