Your blog needs a name that is short, memorable, and tells people what you\u2019re all about, but coming up with a name that\u2019s available can be a challenge. You might find a blog name that\u2019s available, but the matching domain name is taken. Or, you\u2019ll come up with a really good name and then find out it\u2019s been trademarked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coming up with good ideas will be a process, but when you follow the tips outlined in this article, you\u2019ll have an easier time finding the right name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brainstorm all of your ideas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you start thinking about the finer details, get everything out of your mind and onto paper or a Word document. Brainstorm every idea you currently have<\/a> for naming your blog without filtering or judging your ideas. Some of the best ideas come from reworking bad ideas, and since one idea can get you thinking about other ideas, brainstorming can be a valuable foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have all your ideas documented, read through them to see if anything stands out. Follow all the possibilities you think of until you\u2019re exhausted and have no more capacity to think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From there, choose one idea to start exploring, but keep your brainstorming documents handy to reference throughout your process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check domain name availability before getting attached<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The last thing you want to do is come up with a really good name and then find out the matching domain name is unavailable in every form and extension possible. Before getting attached to any ideas, see if the domain name is available. If the .com is registered, see if you can get the .net or .org domain. If you\u2019re struggling to find an available domain, consider adding small words, like \u201ca,\u201d \u201cmy,\u201d \u201cbest,\u201d or \u201cthe.\u201d Look at The Blog Starter<\/a> for an example of this in action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Write down all the possibilities you find, but don\u2019t buy your domain name just yet. You\u2019ll need to do a little more work and sleep on it for a few days to make sure you buy the right one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check your list of ideas for memorability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Blog names are a bit like business names. They should be memorable enough that people can hear your blog\u2019s name and remember it without effort. Check your list of possibilities and cross off all the options that seem too long to be easily remembered. Your blog might be discussed on a podcast or in someone\u2019s video, so memorability is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Review your ideas for brand consistency<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Your blog\u2019s name should reflect your brand, but it doesn\u2019t need to be specific. For example, if you choose a neutral phrase for a name, like \u201cSolo Robot,\u201d you can turn that phrase into part of your brand. However, you may want to use a specific word that reflects your brand\u2019s ideals, like \u201crugged.\u201d It all depends on your personal preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check for trademarks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Existing trademarks can make it a bit tricky to find a good blog name, but make sure you check the trademark database<\/a> before settling on a name or buying a domain name. Once you do find the right name for your blog, you may want to consider getting it trademarked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider thinking outside the realm of words<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes amazing blogs don\u2019t have a name with recognizable words or meaningful phrases. This is true for a lot of tech blogs, like Moz and SparkToro \u2013 two good resources for SEO and digital marketing information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get creative here and think of words that sound good together, even if they don\u2019t carry a specific meaning. When it\u2019s short and easy to remember, you can build your blogging empire on any name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n