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Dos and Don’ts for Naming Your Craft Business

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Lately, I’ve seen a lot of business-owners-to-be asking for advice online about naming their new businesses. Sadly, I’ve also seen a lot of poor name suggestions be given out. Let’s go over a quick list of Dos and Don’ts for naming your upcoming business.

Tips for Naming Your Craft Business - cuttingforbusiness.com

Dos and Don’ts for Naming Your Craft Business

Do’s

Do choose a name that no one else has. In fact, choose a name that isn’t similar to any small businesses out there.

Do search all social media networks and search engines for existing businesses with the same name. If you can’t find the name you want on those, search the TESS trademark database for trademark conflicts, and then your state’s business registration database. If you can’t find your name in any of these places – use it.

Do keep your business name short and sweet. The shorter it is, the easier it is for customers to remember. For example, Cutting for Business is easier to remember than Learn How to Make Money with Your Electronic Cutting Machine blog.

Do choose a name that can grow with your business. For example, the name ‘Tara’s Tees’ might be great for Tara’s small business right now, but if Tara wants to start selling something different in the future – the name doesn’t work so well. While you can change your name down the road, it can be a long process.

Do secure a domain name for your upcoming business. I recommend getting the .com version of your domain name if possible. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Head to this post.

Do consider logos, branding, a tagline, and colors that could possibly go with your name choice.

Do get feedback on your potential name from people close to you.

Do make your name memorable. If it’s too run of the mill – it’ll also be hard for customers to remember. For example, the name ‘Custom Tumblers’ is a little too generic to easily be memorable.

Do think of acronyms you may use in the future. For example, I abbrieviate Cutting for Business as CfB online often. If you think you may use an acronym down the road – ‘Amazing Sewing Services’ might not be a great name!

Don’ts

Don’t talk about your potential business name online before you secure it. I feel like the internet is opportunistic. I’ve seen several business names registered immediately after sharing a potential name online for feedback. Don’t let this happen to you.

Don’t use overused words like ‘Sew’, ‘Designs’, and ‘Boutique’ in your craft business name.

Don’t use creative spellings in your business name. While ‘Kreations’, ‘Kustom’, or ‘Designz’ seem like a good idea, they aren’t. Search engines don’t like misspellings of common words and they are harder for customers to remember.

Don’t name your business after your kids if you use uncommon spellings. For example, a good friend of mine spells her daughter’s name Ashleigh. While in the South this spelling is pretty common – Northern folks are more likely to spell it Ashley.

Before you go, one more don’t: Don’t rush. If you can’t think of the perfect name today, don’t stress. Keep it in the back of your mind for a few days or weeks. Something you love will eventually pop up.

Want inspiration from how other craft business chose their names? Read how 50 owners named their craft businesses. Got through the list and considering changing your business name? Get some tips to help you change your current business name.

Ryan Biddulph

Friday 5th of August 2022

Hi Christine,

Agreed on these tips. Use an easy to recall name that people can easily picture; since we think in pictures you'll be doing legwork for folks.

Ryan

Cristina Rivera

Saturday 7th of August 2021

Hello!

I found your post super helpful, so thank you. I did my searches as you suggested and I found that the .com for the name I'd like to use is taken but the website isn't actually in use. I checked my states business registration and even whois.

My question is, can I register it and use it as my business name despite not being able to have the .com website address for it? And do I have to or should I register it with TESS since it's not currently found on that site either?

I'd like to start an Etsy shop but also have a stand alone website. Thoughts? Thank you in advance, new subscriber here!

Christine, Cutting for Business

Saturday 14th of August 2021

Yes, you can. There is no requirement to have the domain, but it is ideal to have matching business and domain names. Also, you may be able to contact the website owner and purchase the domain from them if they aren't using it. Best of luck!

Janet

Friday 16th of July 2021

Please explain reasoning to not use “designs” in your business name?

Christine, Cutting for Business

Friday 16th of July 2021

I personally think that it's overused in the craft world and doesn't stand out from other business names. If it's already in your established business name, I wouldn't go out of the way to change it. But, if you are just starting out - skip it.

Bonnie Mueck

Friday 25th of June 2021

Love your info! thanks so much!

Christine, Cutting for Business

Friday 25th of June 2021

You are welcome! Thanks for stopping in!