How to pick the perfect blog name
Wondering how to pick the perfect blog name but not sure where to start?
Follow my 7 step roadmap for a name that’s catchy, memorable and SEO-friendly.
500 million.
That’s roughly how many blogs are in existence, which means there are plenty of passionate bloggers sharing their interests.
But it also means you’ve got PLENTY of competition to make sure your blog is seen and read. Learning how to pick the perfect blog name can feel overwhelming, but it’s a step you need to get right.
It’s easy to jump from 0 to 100 and start thinking of advanced marketing tactics to ensure your success.
Take a marketing course online
Direct traffic from Reddit or Quora
Set up an email marketing list
But the truth is, NONE of these strategies will work unless you’ve nailed a foundational aspect of setting up a blog…
Your name.
So, how do you pick the perfect business name?
The name of your blog is crucial for plenty of reasons.
Your goal isn’t just to be memorable, but to stand out on Google and social media too. The right name can stick in your reader’s minds and keep them curious for more content. Just as the right name can help you with any SEO goals you have.
For example, with the travel blog and foodie blogger spaces highly saturated, you’ll need a name that’s original and can rank without endless competition.
Any variation of ‘One Way Ticket’ or ‘World Traveler’ will get swallowed by thousands of other blogs with similar names.
But don’t stress, while a name is important, there are steps you can take to ensure your blog is one of a kind - 7 steps to be exact!
I’ve been in the trenches and made mistakes so you don’t have to, so follow my 7 steps for naming your new blog and you’ll have the foundation to grow year after year.
Step #1 - Never rush your decision
When it comes to choosing a name, take your time.
With plenty riding on the line, only fools rush in, so spend a few weekends thinking and researching. It’s a good idea to boil your potential names back to reflect your interests.
If you want to write about food, make a list of possible blog names. This list should be anywhere from 30 to 50 names. I know this seems like a lot, but as you add to the list you’ll start to come up with more creative names and by the time you’re done you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Step #2 - Think about the future
When I first started Eat Well Travel Everywhere I just wanted to share my pictures from around the world. I hadn’t really given too much thought about what I wanted to do long-term because I had no idea how big my blog might grow or what else I would want to blog about.
Looking back now I wish I had put some more time into the name of Eat Well Travel Everywhere because I later wanted to incorporate my passions for lifestyle influencing.
Now I’ve set up my second blog, Dequ Digital that can cover the wide array of interests I want to share with my readers. A lot of thought went into the concept of Dequ Digital and about the future of my account, so give your future plans plenty of thought before you pull the trigger.
Step #3 - Go for something catchy and memorable
Think big!
Your blog is an extension of your passions and you want the whole world to read about them. Don’t be afraid to add some character or personality, as the more authentic your blog is, the more it will connect with people.
There are plenty of blog name generators online if you’re stuck for ideas, like the Blog Name Generator or the Business Name Generator.
These may not give you your exact blog name, but they can offer creative ideas that get your own creative juices flowing.
Step #4 - Make sure the domain and social handles are available
Whether you want to monetise your blog or use it for personal reasons, you’ll want to make sure the name is available online - which means checking out the domain availability.
If you’re unsure if your chosen name is taken you can start with a Google search to see what comes up, or use a domain name availability tool like this one.
Outside of your website, make sure to browse Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and any other social platform you plan on using.
Your readers spend plenty of time on social media - roughly 145 minutes every day!!!
If you can’t secure your new blog name on IG or Facebook, you’re missing out on a proven way to grow your audience.
Step #5 - Decide between a brand or a personal name
Your blog name can be a brand name, like Dequ or a reflection of your personal name.
If you’ve decided that you want to build your blog around your personal name then that’s great too, especially because there’s less chance it will be taken on social media or online.
Some bloggers choose to use their full name or choose a shortened version of their name that represents their niche.
There’s no right or wrong approach here, though keep in mind a personal blog will be connected with you online forever, while a brand name can be a more distinct entity.
Step #6 - Google it
When in doubt, Google it.
You want to make sure your blog name is as unique as possible to avoid any crossover.
The last thing you want to do is compete with multiple other people who have the same name. This will make it difficult for you to ever rank on Google and you run the risk of losing traffic to competing stes when people get confused about your name.
This comes down to doing your homework, and a few hours on Google looking up variations of your chosen name will show you whether you’re in clear air or a cluttered space.
Step #7 - Phone a friend
Happy with your blog name?
Checked Google? Checked social media availability?
Awesome, the final step is to pick up the phone (or text) and ask a few friends what they think.
It’s good to use your friends as sounding boards because they represent third-party opinions, and your blog is about to become full of third-party opinions ready to gobble up your every word.
As a bonus tip, give your friends a free pass to be critical if needed for 5 minutes (then go back to being their awesome, supportive selves). I’m not sure about your friends, but I know mine would give me a very critical opinion which is exactly what I want!