Learn how to choose the best name for your blog or website with these easy to follow tips.
What Should I Name My Blog?
Are you ready to start a blog but don’t know how to choose a blog name? It’s a big step coming up with a blog name before you even start the blog!
Back when I decided to start my first blog, I had just had my second baby. I was very into writing all about pregnancy, babies, and baby gear (I wrote for a different website at first. More on that another time). My then two year old son had this book about baby animals, and in the middle of the book was a little poem: “We are baby toucans, we live in this here nest. We like to do what Mommy says because Mommy knows what’s best.”
That was the inspiration for the name of my first blog, Mommy Knows What’s Best. It fit because I like to share my experiences of what I think is best for my family so that others can decide what’s best for theirs.
So what’s your blog name going to be?
How to Choose a Blog Name
Okay, let’s take a moment to think about what your blog is going to be all about. Do you know what you’re going to blog about yet?
What is the name that you will use to represent it all? The name that you choose will become the domain name for the blog (what comes before the .com).
Let’s look at a few options.
(Note: This post contains affiliate links, from which I may earn a commission at no cost to you. Any domain name I list here, except for my own, is purely fictional, but it may be similar to an actual blog name.)
Use your name as the blog’s name.
Mine would be MarissaMcKenna.com . It’s easy enough to remember, and I could write about almost anything. If I decided to switch topics after a while, I could easily without having to rename the blog.
It works well for a lot of people, but one issue that could stem from it is that no one would really know what your blog is about without having to visit and read a couple of posts first.
If there’s one thing you need to know about people on the internet, it’s that they don’t like spending too much time trying to figure out what a website is all about.
Use your name with a word or phrases that helps to describe the content of the blog.
If I was going to write recipes, I could make my blog MarissasCookbook.com. If I was going to write about fashion and style, I could make it StyleByMarissa.com. Other examples: FarmingWithMarissa.com, ClutterFreeByMarissa.com, MarissasLessonPlans.com, MarissaReviewsBabyGear.com, etc.
By naming your blog in this way, you can use your name and still give people an idea of what your blog is about.
Use a standalone keyword or phrase that describes the content of your blog.
Blogging about the weather? Your blog name could be BestWeatherForecast.com. Blogging about flower gardens? Your blog could be GrowingAndBlooming.com . Blogging about music? Your blog could be TheMusicMajor.com. Blogging about parenting tips and advice? How about MommyKnowsWhatsBest.com? (Sorry, but that one is taken!)
With a standalone keyword or phrase, you could get a little creative with your title, as long as it describes what your blog is about.
Use your location as part of the blog’s name.
While you don’t need to use your exact location, you can use a regional name as part of your blog name. For example, RockingInTheRockies.com, ElectrifyingScranton.com, WestCoastDads.com, MarvelouslyMaui.com, KnittingInNebraska.com, etc.
Choose a random name that might catch someone’s attention.
While this might not help you reach people in the search engines (aka Google), it might be catchy or funny enough that someone would remember the name or see it on social media and visit. For instance, PenguinsAndUnicorns.com, or FlyingMonkeys.com, or PurpleSunflowers.com, or SheeplessInSeattle.com.
Tips for Naming a Blog
Before you make a final decision on a blog name, read these tips:
- Make it easy to remember. Want more people to visit and come back often? Keep the name easy to remember.
- Don’t make it too long. Try to keep the name between 7 and 15 characters long if possible.
- Keep the spelling simple. Misspellings, while sometimes creative, can make it hard to find your site.
- Consider using a main keyword that has to do with your niche. You’ll be more likely to be found in the search engines.
- Don’t narrow it down too much. Try not to limit the topics you can write by having a name that’s too narrow.
- Try not to use dashes or other punctuation. Chances are return visitors won’t remember the punctuation and may not be able to find your site.
- Try not to be a copy cat. Make sure you check to see if your blog name is available. You don’t want to take someone else’s idea! And while it’s okay to want to be similar to one of your favorite sites, you don’t want to be too similar. A simple Google search can help you determine if your name is taken or not. You can also search NameCheap to see if the blog name is taken.
Ready to Name Your Blog?
Ready to start brainstorming? Let’s begin.
Will you be using your name? Do a quick search on NameCheap to see if it’s available. If it is, you’re all set!
NOTE: I highly recommend Domain Privacy as an extra expense. It will protect your private information from the general public who can gain access to that information at any time.
Not using your name? On your Free Printable Worksheet, you’ll see an area to write some words and synonyms that relate to your blog’s theme or niche.
Having a hard time putting something together? Check out the website Panabee. You can string together a series of words and they’ll give you suggestions based on the words. Once you find something you like, I would still suggest checking on NameCheap to make sure it is definitely available and that you get a great price.
What is Your Blog Name and Domain Name?
Have you decided on a blog name or a domain name? Tell us in the comments below! And of course, if you have any questions, feel free to ask those as well.
