10 Tips for Naming Your Successful Freelance Business

Published on 21 July 2023 8 min read

Reflect on your services
Research the competition
Consider your target audience
Keep it simple
Make it memorable
Avoid restrictive names
Check domain availability
Look at legal considerations
Test your business name
Be patient with the process

Are you on the journey of starting your own freelance business? One of the first big steps you'll take is deciding on a name. It's not as easy as it sounds, right? You want a name that's catchy, easy to remember, and most importantly, a name that embodies what your business is all about. So, how to name your freelance business? Let's walk through some essential tips.

Reflect on your Services

Before you start brainstorming business names, take a moment to reflect on the services you offer. Your business name should give prospective clients a hint about what services they can expect from you.

For instance, if you're a freelance writer who specializes in creating engaging blog content, you might consider a name like "Crafted Content Creations." This name tells your clients that you're not just a writer—you're a creator, a craftsperson of words.

Identify your primary service: What is the main service you offer? Is it graphic design, content writing, or web development? Knowing this can guide you in the right direction.
Highlight your specialty: Do you have a unique selling proposition or a niche? If you specialize in designing logos for tech startups, for instance, you might go for a name like "TechLogo Design."
Reflect your values: What are the values that guide your work? If you're all about speed and efficiency, you might choose a name like "QuickDesigns."

Remember, your business name is more than just a name—it's a reflection of the services you offer and the value you bring to your clients. So, take some time to reflect on your services as you ponder over how to name your freelance business.

Research the Competition

So, you've spent some time reflecting on your services. Great! Now, let's move on to the next step: researching your competition. Why is this important? Well, knowing what names are already out there can help you create a unique name for your freelance business.

Consider this: you've decided on a name you love, only to find out that another freelancer in your field is already using it. To save yourself from this potential disappointment, it's a good idea to know what names are off the table.

Search for similar businesses: Start by searching for freelance businesses in your field. If you're a graphic designer, for instance, you might look up "freelance graphic design business" on a search engine.
Check out business directories: These can be a goldmine of business names. Look for businesses in your industry and take note of the names that stand out to you.
Use social media: Platforms like LinkedIn can be a great resource for researching your competition. You can search for people who offer the same services as you and check out their business names.

Remember, the goal is not to copy another business's name, but to ensure that your chosen name stands out in your field. So, put on your detective hat as you explore how to name your freelance business.

Consider Your Target Audience

Now that you've taken a look at your competition, it's time to shift your focus to the people who matter most — your clients. After all, they're the ones who will be typing your business name into their search engines, right?

In the quest of how to name your freelance business, considering your audience is a key step. Your business name should resonate with them and communicate what you can offer. Let’s dive into some steps you can take:

Identify your audience: Who are they? What are their needs? What language do they use? The answers to these questions can guide your naming process. For example, if you're a freelance writer specializing in medical articles, a name that includes "medical" or "healthcare" might appeal to your audience.
Reflect their preferences: You might have a name you love, but if it doesn't click with your audience, it might not serve its purpose. Suppose you are a yoga instructor. A name like "Yoga Zenith" might appeal to your audience more than a name like "Fitness Frenzy".
Communicate your value: Your business name should reflect the value you bring to your clients. A name like "Creative Coding Pro" could be great for a freelance web developer, as it communicates creativity and professionalism.

Remember, your freelance business name isn’t just a name; it's a message to your potential clients. Make it count!

Keep it Simple

Okay, you've got your services in mind, scoped out the competition, and considered your target audience. Now, here's a golden nugget of advice on how to name your freelance business: keep it simple. Here's why:

Easier to remember: Let's face it - our brains are pretty busy. Simple names are more likely to stick in people's heads. Instead of "Exquisite Event Planning and Coordination Services," how about just "Exquisite Events"?
Easier to spell: A simple name will help clients find you online. If they heard your name somewhere and want to look you up, a complicated spelling might throw them off the trail. So, maybe put that "Phenomenally Photogenic Photography" idea on the back burner.
Easier to say: Word-of-mouth is powerful. A name that's easy to pronounce increases the chances of people talking about your business. So, instead of "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Designs," maybe just "Super Designs" would work.

Simple doesn't mean boring. It means clear, concise, and effective. So when you're brainstorming on how to name your freelance business, remember, less is often more.

Make It Memorable

So, you're keeping it simple. Great! Now, let's add another layer to how to name your freelance business: make it memorable. "But wait," you might be thinking, "didn't we just talk about keeping it simple?" Yes, we did. But here's the trick—simple and memorable are not enemies; they're allies. Here's how:

Make it unique: Think about it, why are some jingles or logos stuck in your mind? They're unique. They're not like anything else you've seen or heard. In the same way, a unique business name will stick in the minds of potential clients. So, instead of "General Graphic Design," you might consider something like "Pixel Playground."
Use alliteration: Ever wonder why "Coca-Cola" or "Best Buy" are so easy to remember? It's because they use a technique called alliteration, where the first letters or syllables of words are the same. It's catchy and memorable. So, how about "Design Dazzle" for your graphic design gig?
Appeal to emotions: Some of the most memorable names evoke emotions. They touch on something personal or meaningful. So, when thinking about how to name your freelance business, consider tapping into positive feelings. For instance, instead of "Quality Counseling," "Compassionate Counseling" might resonate more with potential clients.

Remember, a memorable name is like a great first impression—it sticks. So make your name count.

Avoid Restrictive Names

Next on our journey of how to name your freelance business, we come across a pitfall many fall into—picking a name that boxes them in. Let's see how you can avoid this.

Don't limit your services: You might be starting as a freelance writer, but who knows? In a year, you might branch out into copy editing, or even social media management. Choosing a name like "Just Writing Services" narrows down future possibilities. Instead, a name like "Written Wonders" keeps your options open.
Avoid specific locations: Naming your business "New York Web Design" might seem like a good idea initially. But what happens when you want to attract clients from California or even internationally? Instead, opt for something that doesn't tie you down to a specific geographical location.
Steer clear of trendy phrases: Trends come and go, but your business name is here to stay. So while "Blockchain Buddy" might sound hip right now, it won't make as much sense if the blockchain trend fades. Stick to something timeless.

Remember, your business name is a big part of your brand. You want it to grow and evolve with you, not hold you back. So, when considering how to name your freelance business, think long-term.

Check Domain Availability

Okay, you've brainstormed some fantastic names, but before you get too attached, there's a practical step you can't overlook. Let's discuss how to check if your freelance business name is available as a domain.

Why it matters: In the digital world, having a website is almost as important as having a business card. You want your clients to find you easily, and having a domain name that matches your business name can significantly help.
How to check: There are various online tools like GoDaddy or Namecheap where you can check if your domain name is available. Simply type in your desired name, and they'll tell you if it's up for grabs or already taken.
What if it's taken?: Don't panic. You can consider variations of your name, add hyphens, or use a different domain extension like .net or .biz. Just ensure it still aligns with your brand and is easy for clients to remember.

So there you have it. Checking domain availability is a vital step in figuring out how to name your freelance business. It's not the most exciting task, but trust me, it's worth the effort.

Look at Legal Considerations

Alright, let's move on to a critical topic — legal considerations. While naming your business is an opportunity to express your creativity, there are legal boundaries you should be aware of.

Trademark Infringement: You want to ensure your business name doesn't cross paths with existing trademarks. The US Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) website has a searchable database you can use to check if your name infringes upon an existing trademark.
State Rules: Each state in the U.S. has its own set of rules about business names. Some states may not allow two businesses to have identical names. This is where a little research goes a long way.
Legal Structure: Depending on your business's legal structure, there may be specific naming rules. For example, if you set up an LLC, the name needs to include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company."

When you're thinking about how to name your freelance business, legal considerations can seem like a bit of a maze. But navigating it successfully offers peace of mind and saves potential headaches down the line.

Test Your Business Name

Moving forward in our journey on how to name your freelance business, it's time to put your potential business name to the test. Testing your business name can provide valuable insights and prevent future regrets. Here's how.

Sound it Out: Say the name aloud. Does it roll off the tongue easily? Is it catchy or does it sound like a tongue twister? Remember, if people find it hard to pronounce or remember, they're less likely to talk about your business.
Ask for Opinions: Share the name with friends, family, or even potential customers. Feedback can be a goldmine of insights. But remember, the final decision is yours.
Online Search: Run a quick Google search. Does your business name bring up any inappropriate or negative results? You want your name to attract customers, not push them away.

Testing is a fantastic way to ensure your business name resonates with your audience and reflects your brand's personality. It's a step that shouldn't be skipped in your quest to name your freelance business.

Be Patient with the Process

As we continue to explore how to name your freelance business, let's not forget about patience. Naming your business isn't a race—it's a marathon.

You need to take your time, consider different options, and let the ideas marinate. Just like a good stew, the best flavors come out when you allow the ingredients to mingle over time. The same goes for naming your business.

Give it Time: Don’t rush into choosing a name. You might come up with a great name overnight, but more often, it takes time. Ideas need to gestate, evolve, and mature. So, let the name simmer in your mind for a while.
Don't Settle: You might feel tempted to settle for a name that’s just “okay”. Resist the urge. Your business deserves a name that truly embodies what you offer and represents who you are.
Stay Open: Even if you think you've found the perfect name, remain open to other options. You never know when a better idea might pop up.

Remember, naming your business is a significant step in your journey as a freelancer. So, adopt a patient approach, give yourself the space to think, and trust the process. You'll find the perfect name for your freelance business in due time.

If you enjoyed learning about naming your successful freelance business, consider checking out the workshop 'The Freelancing Fundamentals To Make You Flourish' by Jasmine MacPhee. This workshop will offer valuable insights and tips on how to build a thriving freelance career, including business naming, pricing, and more. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your freelancing skills with this fantastic workshop!