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Naming Your Graphic Design Business - RD041

Naming Your Graphic Design Business - RD041

FromResourceful Designer: Strategies for running a graphic design business


Naming Your Graphic Design Business - RD041

FromResourceful Designer: Strategies for running a graphic design business

ratings:
Length:
54 minutes
Released:
Jul 29, 2016
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

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 S
Released:
Jul 29, 2016
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

Offering resources to help streamline your home based graphic design and web design business so you can get back to what you do best… Designing!