How to Name Your Blog
Creating a blog is a big commitment. The name you choose is the backbone of your brand. With over 600 million blogs on the internet today, you want to make sure you pick something that will stick. Below, we’ve broken down some ways to approach this question.
1. Think About Your Goals
Determining your goals can help you nail down the tone and purpose of your blog. This is a critical first step before deciding on a name since you’ll want to make sure what you choose aligns with your overall desires for the blog.
For example, you don’t want to name your blog “The Vagabond’s Easy Travel Hacks,” only to realize you actually want to write in-depth city studies and guides. That will create a tonal shift that might confuse a prospective reader.
There are a few ways you can determine the goals for your blog. Ask yourself the following questions to help find your focus:
- Do I want to make money with this blog?
- Am I an expert at something? Am I passionate about anything?
- Do I want to write long-form pieces, or short articles and lists?
- Do I hope to become an authority on this subject or a casual contributor?
- Do I want to stick to one subject or multiple?
- Who do I hope reads my blog?
- Do I want my blog to be formal or informal?
Once you have an idea of what kind of content you want to write, who you want to read it, and what you want them to do with the information they glean from your content, you can start thinking of a name.
Informal blogs might use contractions, slang, or buzzwords in their titles, while formal blogs will stick to pointed and simple titles. Someone looking to write about many different subjects can choose a broader name, while those wanting to write about something specific can hone it in a little more.
For example, a general travel blog could name their blog “Getting Out There,” while someone writing about airplane travel would want to go with something like “Up In the Air” or “Traveling Through the Clouds.”
2. Think About Your Audience
The first thing your target audience will see is the name of your blog. An inviting, interesting name will get them to click and, more importantly, stay on the page.
You’ll want your blog’s name to match the type of person you want to click on your page. For example, if you’re interested in getting views from bird enthusiasts, you might want to name your blog something distinctly avian. “Talkin’ Wings and Birdy Things” will attract a bird lover, while “My Little Nest” might be too confusing or off-base.
Finding your target audience is as simple as going online. Using online chat forums and Google searches, you can nail down what types of people are looking into your blog’s subject and exactly what they’re wanting to know.
A few tools you can use to find your readers are:
- Quora
- Facebook groups
- Google Analytics
Search generally for your subject to get a sense of who is talking about it and searching for it. Then, look at what types of content they’re interested in and how they’re choosing to consume their information. This can help you nail down the focus of your blog and help you choose a name that will draw readers in.
3. Think About Your Industry
The industry you want to work in can help you brainstorm keywords, phrases, and messages that work for your audience. It can also help you determine your tone. When thinking about your industry, use other blogs as a reference. Take note of their names, and any trends you see among popular blogs. Then, think about buzzwords and phrases that are commonly used in your field.
Be careful not to rely too heavily on competing blog titles, as you’ll want your name to be unique and catchy. While drawing inspiration from other blogs is okay, be sure not to plagiarize or create a name that is too similar to stand out.
Lifestyle Blog Names
A lifestyle blog name can be personal, funny, and witty. These blogs are typically tailored toward lighthearted topics and are conversational in tone. Therefore, your blog name can be just as quirky and personable as your blog content. People who read lifestyle blogs are interested in the fun aspects of the everyday, so your blog name can highlight quirky aspects of your life or surroundings. A large number of lifestyle bloggers also choose to include their own name or a pun on their name in their blog title.
To brainstorm a lifestyle blog name, get a good handle on what content you’ll be publishing and think of words that best describe your vibe.
Lifestyle blog examples: A Cup of Jo, The Blonde Salad, Color Me Courtney
Fashion Blog Names
Fashion bloggers find success by keeping their fingers on the pulse of what’s trending and conveying their thoughts and ideas about what’s hot in fashion. Fashion blog names are typically related to the author’s personal style choices and also include universal fashion buzzwords that draw the reader in. Fashion blog names should make your reader feel excited about the clothes they wear and inspire feelings of style, couture, and confidence.
To brainstorm a fashion blog name, think about your own personal fashion and style goals. Combine your own personal flair with industry buzzwords like “clothes,” “threads,” “model,” or “runway” to create a name that is unique to you while being fashion-related.
Fashion blog examples: Fashionista, The Curvy Fashionista, Who What Wear
Beauty Blog Names
Beauty blogs are go-to resources for makeup product reviews, look tutorials, and hair and skincare routines. The people who are interested in these topics are typically interested in glamour, self-care, and how to create interesting looks. To appeal to this demographic, beauty blog names are typically chic, trendy, and stylish.
To brainstorm a beauty blog name, check out magazines and social media to see what’s buzzing. Also think about overarching themes or trends in the beauty industry like glamour, self-care, self-expression, winged eyeliner, and more.
Beauty blog examples: Into the Gloss, A Model Recommends, Really Ree
Travel Blog Names
Travel blogs encourage their readers to get out there and see what the world has to offer — whether international, continental, or just a few miles away. Travel blog names typically invoke feelings of wanderlust by using travel terms and puns that communicate wonder and excitement.
To brainstorm a travel blog name, think about your travel goals and styles. If you travel solo, you’ll want to incorporate words like solo-traveler, nomad, or free spirit. If your travel centers around a specific destination like European landmarks or Asian cities, you’ll want to include a reference to your favorite spots.
Travel blog examples: Nomadic Matt, Oneika the Traveler, Alex in Wanderland
Parenting Blog Names
Just like there’s no right way to parent, there’s no right way to blog about it. Parenting blog names are often just as diverse, interesting, and educational as the parents themselves. When setting up a parenting blog, focusing on what exactly you want to talk about is the first step in choosing a name. Someone focusing on educational topics for parents might go formal, while someone discussing parenting fails can keep it light. When parents turn to the internet, they’re looking for someone they can relate to — so parenting blog names should be inviting, fun, and simple.
To brainstorm a parenting blog name, decide on the tone of your blog and how you want to approach other parents. Shape your name around your family name, kids’ names, educational styles or goals, and home lifestyle.
Parenting blog examples: Toddler Approved, Scary Mommy, Moments A Day
Food Blog Names
Food blogs bring out the gourmand in all of us. Food bloggers share recipes, kitchen hacks, food reviews, and other mouth-watering content to intrigue both the devoted foodie and the casual muncher. Food blog names can be generic and punny, using common kitchen and food terms to convey their point, or specific to the location or cuisine that you want to write about. Food blog names should convey not only an appreciation for food but also for the art of preparing and enjoying it, tapping into a food lover’s every interest.
To brainstorm a food blog name, think about what types of cuisines or styles you visit most frequently. You can also think about your favorite kitchen routines, cooking styles, appliances, or foods.
Food blog examples: Pinch of Yum, The Minimalist Baker, The Hungry Hutch
Business Blog Names
Business blogs help people in every stage of their professional lives develop the communication, administration, and technology skills they need to thrive at work and in life. These blogs are often run by a business professional who publishes simply under their own name, but those who opt for a more creative moniker go for something office, hustle, or technology-related. Business blogs are typically more formal and streamlined, and their names should also have an air of professionalism.
To brainstorm a business blog name, consider using your own name if you’re trying to build a personal brand. If not, think about what you want to teach people and what you want them to learn from your blog.
Business blog examples: The Self Employed, Seth’s Blog, Small Business Trends
Tech Blog Names
Technology blogs take the influx of new trends, information, and products coming out of the tech field and make them more palatable for the general public. Technology bloggers use their insight and expertise to give their opinion on new trends while also helping people understand the technology in their own homes. Tech blog names are often to-the-point and informational. People who visit a tech blog want to know they can trust the information being presented, so keep your blog name smart and simple.
To brainstorm a tech blog name, see what’s trending in tech, or decide what aspects of this vast industry are the most interesting to you. Decide what you’re going to produce the most content about, or who you want to read your writing.
Tech blog examples: TechCrunch, The Next Web, GeekWire
Personal Blog Names
Personal blogs provide the most opportunity for bloggers to shine. When writing a personal blog, you can truly make your content whatever you want it to be, with no industry rules, suggestions, or audience expectations. That can not only make content generation easier but it also makes naming your blog a piece of cake. Personal blogs are typically published under the author’s name or nickname. People going to a personal blog simply want to know more about the person writing it, so you don’t need to work too hard in the naming process.
To brainstorm a personal blog name, first consider simply using your own name with one or two adjectives about who you are as a person. If you want to take a different approach, think of words and feelings that describe your lifestyle.
Personal blog examples : James Clear, Jen Carrington, Mattie James
What Makes a Good Blog Name? 6 Tips For Brainstorming
A good blog name is memorable, simple, and inviting. While brainstorming, you’ll want to think of something that clearly communicates your blog topic and tone without overwhelming the reader, or being too similar to what’s already out there.
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Keep it Short and Simple
You don’t want to confuse your readers. Or worse, you don’t want to draw in readers only to have them forget the name or spelling of your blog once they’ve left your site. Short, simple blog names can help you draw readers in without overpowering them. Plus, they can help make sure your audience will know exactly where to return to the next time they want to read about your chosen topic.
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Try Alliteration
Alliteration is when a sequence of words all start with the same sound — think “Peter Piper.” Studies have shown that alliteration can help people remember things. Therefore, choosing an alliterative name for your blog can help people remember it when they log on next. Plus, it’s catchy and fun.
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Look to the Media
Using a movie, book, or song reference that has something to do with your blog topic is a fun way to pay homage to your subject while introducing readers to the concept of your blog. If you’re writing a travel blog, think of famous songs, movies, and books about traveling for inspiration on what to name your site. “Travelin’ Man,” anyone?
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Use Humor or Puns
Using humor and puns is a great way to get people interested in your site. Those who chuckle when they see your blog’s name just might click in and read some of your content as well. If you can think of a short pun, joke, or witty phrase, this can help draw in readers and get them hooked early on.
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Think of Related Words
Make a list of words related to your topic to help you brainstorm some ideas for making your blog. Simply creating a long list of related words or phrases can help spark your imagination, and it can help tailor your focus when you’re starting to think of a name.
For example, a food blog’s related words list might be: fruit, vegetables, stir, plate, dinner, spoon, fork, measuring, stove, pour, oven, bake, boil, knead, puree, meat, bowl.
Once you’ve got your list, you can start going over it to determine which words could be viable or catchy blog name choices. Using the food-related words above, you could decide to name your food blog: “Pour Over It,” “Bake N’ Boil,” or “Plated Thoughts.”
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Don’t Overthink It
Just like Occam’s Razor, sometimes the best option is the simplest. Don’t spend too long convoluting your ideas or panicking about your name. If you’ve got an idea, try it out for a bit to see if you like it, then revise and revisit as necessary. If you start to get overwhelmed or burnt out, take a break from brainstorming and revisit the idea when you’ve got a clearer mind.
At the end of the day, a good blog name is one that combines memorability with simplicity. You want to introduce your readers to the tone and topic of your blog while making sure they’ll be able to navigate back to your page in the future. Once you’ve gotten your name locked down, you’re ready to start building your brand on your site.
How To Start a Blog: Blogging Resources
These additional resources can help get you started on your path toward running a successful blog. For more tips on how to create a successful blog name, check out our infographic below.
- How to Start a Blog
- 10 Best Blogging Sites – Detailed Comparison
- 33 Ways to Monetize a Website/Blog
- Blog vs. Website – Which One?
- How to Increase Website Traffic
