Trouble naming your graphic design business?
Forget colours, forget logos, forget layouts, one of the hardest things you will face when starting out on your own, is naming your graphic design business.
Colours can be changed, logos can be updated, layouts can be tweaked, but your business name is something that will endure for the life of your business.
That's why it's so important to get it right the first time.
In this episode of the Resourceful Designer podcast I go over the PROs and CONs of working under your own name vs. coming up with a unique business name. I talk about a lot of different considerations and problems that could arise when naming your graphic design business. I hope you find this episode helpful.
Here are a few of the things I covered in the podcast.
Naming your graphic design business with your own name
PROs
- It makes you look more affordable
- It makes you feel more transparent and approachable
- People remember you and not a business
- Your name is recognisable to people who know you
- No worries about trademarks
CONs
- Makes you seem less experienced
- Can make you seem too approachable
- Companies may treat you like an employee instead of a business contractor
- Harder to grow or sell your business.
Naming your graphic design business with a business name
PROs
- People are willing to accept higher prices from a business
- It makes you seem more established
- Allows for easier future growth
- Easier to sell your business.
CONs
- Less personal than using your own name
- People automatically think you're more expensive
- People don't remember your name
- Can run into trademark or other legal issues.
Problems that could arise
Besides the PROs and CONs of naming your graphic design business with your name or a business name, there are other problems to consider.
- Names that are hard to spell or pronounce
- Common names; if they're too common you may get lost in the crowd.
- Famous names; people may not take you seriously
- Maiden names; may confuse people
- Names with alternate meanings such as Wood, Steel, Silk.
- Be wary of abbreviations and confusing acronyms
Inventing words when naming your graphic design business
- Invented names don't mean anything so they are harder to remember.
- Combining partner names may cause problems should the partnership ever end.
Other considerations when naming your graphic design business
- Are there multiple ways to spell the name which could confuse people?
- Are there silent letters that people might not notice?
- Does the name or pronunciation have other meanings internationally?
- Is the name future proof? (will it still be a good name 20 years from now?)
- Is the name regional and will it impact clients decisions?
More things to consider
- Is the name available? Do a registry and trademark search.
- Are domain names and social media names available to match the business name?
Finally...
This is more my personal preference so take it as you will. But trying to get cute by changing the spelling of real words isn't always a good idea. Adding "Grafix" or something similar to your business name will just confuse people.
Don't forget...
There's nothing wrong with having a business registered under a business name and also running a side business under your own name. Some designers create multiple businesses in various niches to target certain clients.
Flaunt My Design has a fun questionnaire to help you determine what type of name to choose when naming your graphic design business.
Did I anything?
Did I miss anything when it comes to naming your graphic design business? If so please leave me a comment for this episode.
Questions of the Week
The podcast was a bit long this week so I didn't answer any questions. If you have something you would like to ask please submit your question to be featured in a future episode of the podcast by visiting the feedback page.
Resource of the week namechk.com
Use Namechk.com to see if your desired username or vanity url is still available at dozens of popular Social Networking and Social Bookmarking websites. Promote your brand consistently by registering a username that is still available on the majority of the most popular sites. Find the best username with Namechk.
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I want to help you.
Running a graphic design or web design business all by yourself isn't easy. If there are any struggles you face running your design business please reach out to me. I'll do my best to help you by addressing your issues in a future blog post or podcast episode here at Resourceful Designer. You can reach me at feedback@resourcefuldesigner.com