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Several Cutting for Business readers have wrote to me with the same question: “Can I change my business name after I’ve started selling products?” My answer: “Yes, but you may lose some customers along the way, and you need to plan it out well.” If you are not happy with the name you chose for your store, this article will help you identify the steps you need to take to change your business name.
6 Steps to Change Your Craft Business Name
- Decide on your new business name – think it through carefully, so you don’t need to change it again. Here’s my tips for naming your business.
- Make a list of everything that will need to be changed and a schedule of when you will change everything. This will include each social media profile, your website or store name, your logos, your business paperwork, your packaging materials, and your business cards.
- Change your business registration. If you have registered your business in your state or county, you can usually continue to operate under your original name by filing a “Doing Business As” or DBA with your state or county. This will vary from state to state, so be sure to ask your local SBA or contact your state or county for more information. If you don’t have a mailing list, now is a great time to start one – head to this post for information.
- Advertise your name change a few weeks in advance, and keep advertising it through social media or your mailing list. People access social media at different times throughout the day or week. To reach the maximum amount of your current customers or fans, mention your name change several times on your various social media outlets.
- Make your name change. For social media, it is easy to change your Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter usernames. If you are on Facebook, you may have selected a permanent URL and will need to create a new Facebook Business Page. If you use Etsy to sell, you can change your shop name one time. If you have already changed your name, you’ll need to contact Etsy for assistance.
- Celebrate your new name with your customers and fans. Again, mention a few times that you have changed your shop or store name – this makes sure that your existing customers don’t leave because they don’t know who you are. Consider celebrating your fresh start with a giveaway or sale.
Remember to be realistic about your name change. You may lose some customers throughout your name change process, but you’ll gain others. If you have a large following, a name change may be more difficult, so be sure to weigh your options before starting a name change.
Need help deciding on a new name? I’ve got tips for you in this post.
Save the image below to Pinterest to help another crafter.
