Using Real Name as Brand Name

9 years ago

If it's John Smith, then no.

Otherwise, yes.

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webmarketer 9 years ago

Transforming a personal name to a brand, spending money on it, and making an effort to have a share of mind show a very outward personality. You want the public, the whole world to know your name, your brand.

Along with that comes the responsibility of maintaining the image you want to project. A caveat, think these--Tiger Woods, Mike Tyson, Lawrence Taylor, OJ Simpson, Oscar Pistorius, Snooki, The Kardashians--well, you get the drift.

But by all means, dig your own hole, I mean as in a niche. Cherchez le creneau. Tell the world how great and important you are. Nobody's stopping you.
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Steve B 9 years ago

How many people across the globe have the same name? You'd better check Google and other search engines to be sure that the name is not black listed or disparaged in any way.

Personally, unless the name is very well known or has some important recognition in the niche you're entering . . . I don't think it's a good idea. What advantage will it bring your brand if the name has no positive or lasting recognition?

Also, from a longer term perspective . . . what if you want to eventually sell the web site? Is the new owner going to want the old name on it? Most likely not.

Steve
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Jason Kanigan

9 years ago

Individual branding can work, but remember these people are usually known for something already...music, sports, cooking...before they branch out into other business offerings.

If you want to create something salable down the road, I'd go with a corporate name detached from individuals.

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Max Anderson

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Jason Kanigan

Individual branding can work, but remember these people are usually known for something already...music, sports, cooking...before they branch out into other business offerings.

If you want to create something salable down the road, I'd go with a corporate name detached from individuals.

I would do the same especially because it makes getting the copyright for your brand much easier!

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expressg

9 years ago

I trade under my real name. I'm building a solid, reputable brand. So in my opinion, in doing so you should have no problem putting your name on it.

- Matt G.

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discrat

9 years ago

I think using your full real name can have its advantages,

I know people have success with branded domains with their actual names.

It is something you need to take into account and ponder but I would NOT dwell on it too much.

Eventually, down the road it will NOT make a huge difference.

If you are going to be successful, a small percentage of that will be attributed to a issue like this

- Robert Andrew

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Jason Kanigan

9 years ago

Originally Posted by discrat

I think using your full real name can have its advantages,

I know people have success with branded domains with their actual names.

It is something you need to take into account and ponder but I would NOT dwell on it too much.

Eventually, down the road it will NOT make a huge difference.

If you are going to be successful, a small percentage of that will be attributed to a issue like this

- Robert Andrew

Well, I suppose you could license or sell your personal name, but I wouldn't want to.

If you're in the business for the long haul, and never plan to sell, then your name is OK. But it opens you up to the risk of negativity and it's harder to sell than a corporate identity.

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BloggingDiaries

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Jason Kanigan

Well, I suppose you could license or sell your personal name, but I wouldn't want to.

If you're in the business for the long haul, and never plan to sell, then your name is OK. But it opens you up to the risk of negativity and it's harder to sell than a corporate identity.

Exactly.

Down the road, you might want to sell your site and you'll have trouble doing so.

Anyway, you can brand it with your own name if you wish, but personally, I wouldn't.

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The Niche Man 9 years ago

In the whole scheme of things, whatever floats your boat or motivates you. Not to sound flippant, but I'm not even 100% sure what you name yourself makes that big of a difference anymore ... especially for an online business.

Just look at some of the more popular online companies names. "Amazon, Apple, Twitter, Spotify, Tumblr, Mashable and more. Can anyone tell me what those names mean or signify? Does anyone care? Doesn't seem like it.

In fact, it seems the weirder the name the better. It's like if someone doesn't ask you what the name means ...you missed it. Ever Wonder Why Start-Ups Choose Such Weird Names Now?

Of course the main difference is what you do, how you market and how well you fill demand with your niche -- as opposed to your name. At least it seems that's the new normal.
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leilani

9 years ago

You have branding in mind. Smart move.

What are your choices?
1. Personal Name
2. Business Name
3. Combination of both
4. Pen Names

Using Brendon Burchard as an example. He uses his company names plus his own personal name to brand himself. He has his Experts Academy website and his own name website. In fact he has stated that you should brand your own name and have a domain for it.

Others have used pen names to brand themselves. Which is another alternative.

You feel strongly about branding your personal name, choose that. Let the world know you're showing up and you got solutions. Go for it.