If I'm an expert in 3 niches, should I use 3 different pen names?

13 years ago

I'd use my own name if it was me.

Anyway, how long do you plan on having 3 main websites.

If one is outperforming the other two - I'm talking 5 figures per month - would it not be beneficial to dump the 2 duds and give the main one your full attention?

Thanks
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kerry3280 13 years ago

Just my opinion mind..

but if I was looking to you as an expert in your field, and you were looking to create some sort of branding for yourself around that expertise, I would have less faith if it looked like you were an 'expert' in many things. For me, it would make me trust you less.

But hey, what do i know?
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ryannull

13 years ago

I would use your name and start branding yourself.

If you are going to use Youtube for videos, I would make 3 different accounts. They are 3 different niches, so you want to break them up. If people subscribe to your fitness videos, they might not be interested in your music. You could also lose subscribers that way.

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myob 13 years ago

I'm an "expert" in 67 completely disparate niches. Each one is branded with a very trustworthy pen name.
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- vtotheyouknow 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by myob
  
  I'm an "expert" in 67 completely disparate niches. Each one is branded with a very trustworthy pen name.
  
  Thanks. It wouldn't bite me in the butt since I'll be using video?
  
  e.g. Somebody sees Vic Dorfman's (that's me) fitness video then sees a related video on youtube but it's about music.
  
  So should I create 3 separate personas essentially and market under each of those names?
  
  p.s. MYOB = make your own beer? ;-)
  
  Thanks
  
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  Alexa Smith Banned 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by vtotheyouknow
  
  p.s. MYOB = make your own beer? ;-)
  
  I had him down as more probably a wine man, myself, really. California's "wine-making country", isn't it? "Make Your Own Burgundy", more likely ...
  
  I think Caliban has a good point that music, dating and fitness certainly aren't "conflicting" at all.
  
  I have 8 different pen-names for 8 different niches, though.
  
  For all the reasons explained in all these posts/threads on the subject ...
  
  Using an alias.
  
  Pen Name vs Real Name (being judged as a "scammer")
  
  Do You Use Your Real Name for IM?
  
  Should I Use a Pen Nom De Plume?
  
  Your real name vs a pseudonym
  
  Using Your Real Name?
  
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  Jay Wessman 13 years ago
  
  I'd use different pen names for each niche. If you're building up a following for each alias then it may confuse people and make you lose credibility when they Google the name their favorite fitness expert (aka you!) and get a tonne of results for music or dating stuff.
  
  Just my 2c.
  
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  mrflizo 13 years ago
  
  I agree about the giving quality info is the most important thing. i read articles from the same person on different topics all the time and if the info is solid i don't care what they use for a name. Anyway, we all have useful experience in more than one area, it's impossible not too.
  
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  theory expert Banned 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by myob
  
  I'm an "expert" in 67 completely disparate niches. Each one is branded with a very trustworthy pen name.
  
  You sure pile up niches fast.
  
  I was going to wait to ask you, but, now the pen names subject has come up there's no time like the present, right? I wanted to ask you, when you go to bloggers to promote your articles do you call them, or, do you email them? Secondly, do you give them your pen name, or, do you reveal your real name and business?
  
  Originally Posted by vtotheyouknow
  
  p.s. MYOB = make your own beer? ;-)
  
  Originally Posted by Alexa Smith
  
  I had him down as more probably a wine man, myself, really. California's "wine-making country", isn't it? "Make Your Own Burgundy", more likely ...
  
  P.S. Pop quiz; Hint: the B has 3 names and all are part of undercloths,what are the names used >>>Make Your Own B-----, B-----, &, B---
  
  P.P.S. Pat Sajak is somewhere smiling.
  
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Austin357

13 years ago

I'm using my own name in a few authority type sites. However, I am using pen names on some of my other niche sites.

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CDarklock

13 years ago

Originally Posted by vtotheyouknow

I consider myself an expert in the music, fitness and dating niches

These niches go together. You should be fine using the same name in all of them.

Now, if you were in the antique furniture, yeast infection, and forex niches...

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MikeFriedman

13 years ago

Originally Posted by CDarklock

These niches go together. You should be fine using the same name in all of them.

Now, if you were in the antique furniture, yeast infection, and forex niches...

What if I got a yeast infection while sitting on my old antique wooden chair and making millions of dollars trading my penny stocks?

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ShaneGorry 13 years ago

Originally Posted by MikeFriedman

What if I got a yeast infection while sitting on my old antique wooden chair and making millions of dollars trading my penny stocks?

If that happened I'd suggest you avoid drinking beer with the major search engines till it clears up.
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Alexa Smith

Banned 13 years ago

Originally Posted by MikeFriedman

What if I got a yeast infection while sitting on my old antique wooden chair and making millions of dollars trading my penny stocks?

You're at more risk of getting woodworm, I think ...

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MikeFriedman

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

You're at more risk of getting woodworm, I think ...

Woodworm. That sounds worse than a yeast infection... Not that I have had to deal with either one...

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myob

13 years ago

Originally Posted by MikeFriedman

Wordworm. That sounds worse than a yeast infection... Not that I have had to deal with either one...

Woodworm and yeast - basic ingredients for making your own bourbon.

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Alexa Smith Banned 13 years ago

Originally Posted by myob

Woodworm and yeast - basic ingredients for making your own bourbon.

I thought that was for making that stuff Caliban drinks, what is it, "absinthe" or something?

He said that has woodworm in it ...

How much wood would a woodworm worm, if a woodworm would worm wood?
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- Wendy Maki 13 years ago
  
  When it comes to deciding whether to use real names, pen names, or no name at all, I'd say the "right" answer is.... "it depends..."
  
  Think strategically. It depends on the the niche, on the way your site (or online presence) relates to the niche itself, and what your plans for the site are, especially your expansion and exit strategies. Does using your real identity add value or does it restrict what you could do with it (or some other area)?
  
  I have sites where no personal identity is used at all, generally those would be broad authority sites where the topic itself speaks for itself (like a directory...). That is especially good where the possibility of selling off the property someday is an issue. I don't add an identity to that situation unless I want to add focus to a sub-niche, like a columnist, for example.
  
  I have other sites where I've created a "character" sort of like a company mascot that carries the personality, and it's obviously integral to the concept.
  
  I have sites where I use my own identity, where I'm comfortable with the topic, and want to build up long term branding for myself in those subjects.
  
  I have other sites where I use a pen name, just to separate it from my main identity, and I want to leave options open, that is I don't want the success of the site to depend on my personal charm
  
  I have sites where I use a business name only.
  
  Anyways, the long and the short is... "it depends..." Choose what gives you the most leverage for the site... and your overall business....
  
  The answer is not always mutually exclusive either. Sometimes you do a bit of both.
  
  Lots to think about...
  
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- myob 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Alexa Smith
  
  How much wood would a woodworm worm, if a woodworm would worm wood?
  
  What's in a name? That which we call wormwood, by any other name would smell as sweet.
  
  And bethith, absinthe makth the heart grow fonder.
  
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jayspann

13 years ago

Originally Posted by myob

Woodworm and yeast - basic ingredients for making your own bourbon.

Bourbon and Whiskey are made from corn. Alcohol made from Wormwood is toxic and should NOT be drank.

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myob

13 years ago

Originally Posted by jayspann

Bourbon and Whiskey are made from corn. Alcohol made from Wormwood is toxic and should NOT be drank.

Originally Posted by jayspann

The flowers from wormwood are an ingredient in Absinthe but a small one. That's what make people go blind from drinking to much of it.

Blind is an excessive form of beer goggles that I do not desire.

According to the bourbon expert Tami Lok, home made recipes may include a wide variety of ingredients which may or may not include wormwood, absinthe, yeast, anise, chopped siling labuyo, bull gonads, etc.

Tami Lok (Bourbon Expert)

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ukcarl

13 years ago

Opinions are obviously divided on this subject, but heres the thing many companies and authors use pen names, if the content you provide is useful who cares, personally I do use pen names for different niches

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TNTROCKS

13 years ago

you bring up a good point if YOU are in the video, use your REAL NAME. The internet is about trust and credibility.

If you can record VIDEO with someone else as the spokesperson, then there is no need to reveal your name.

Also, if the site is a BRAND NAME, there is no need to reveal anybody's name. I have 20 niche sites where my name is NO WHERE, but I have other sites where I want them to know who I am so I can create a following and do upsells / downsells, etc.

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Josh880 13 years ago

Go for it!!!

People get caught up in pen names and the credibility behind them.

As long as your not scamming people and you are giving people value who cares???

I'd rather get something valuable from someone with a fake name than a terrible product with a guys real name...wouldn't you???

Just do right by people and it will pay off.

Pen names aren't bad...people use them for several different reasons.

You mentioned you were in the dating niche, what if you only wanted to help other guys get girls and not let your future wife or girlfriend know that you know all the secrets that turn her on. That's your prerogative isn't it?

In other words, DO YOU!!!
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Oliver Williams

13 years ago

If you ever wanted to sell one of your niche sites it would be more sellable if you used a pen name.

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vtotheyouknow 13 years ago

Originally Posted by Mrexclusive

If you ever wanted to sell one of your niche sites it would be more sellable if you used a pen name.

Interesting point...

If you use video and weave your real identity into the branding equation, it might make it difficult for you to sell a niche site down the road, anyway.

Why?

Because since people purchase on your recommendation because they've come to trust you, how comfortable would you be essentially selling that trust to somebody whose intentions are unclear to you.

All it takes is one dubious character to drag your name through the mud and you'd only be able to blame yourself.

I guess that's the major downside of any personality-driven brand...
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davejug1

13 years ago

Personally I use pseudonyms for one reason, you are effectively competing with yourself.As you begin to build up your brand name, you want people who search you name to be able to find you immediately rather than having to scroll through 10 pages of your other stuff.

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megawarrior

13 years ago

I would use a pen name for difference niches, otherwise when potential customers search your name and find you selling unrelated products, they may think (even if it's untrue) that you're "the jack of all trades, master of none" :rolleyes:

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marcelomusza

13 years ago

Very interesting topic, Its a hard question to answer. IMO you could lose some credibility if people find you as expert on all the fields.

If I were just a visitor, I would like to find an expert in a field, and that means the person should have a lot of knowledge in that topic in particular. But If I find that same person promoting himself as expert in other areas, not related at all, I definitely look somewhere else, because the first thing that will come into my mind will be "this is not an expert in anything, he is just a salesman".

I don't doubt at all that you can be expert in the three fields, but I don't know if that would work for visitors seeking for assistance in those fields.

Just my opinion, I am not an expert in the marketing vision of internet niches, but I would suggest that you ask for advice in persons that are not in this business, just to have opinions of people that would really need your assistance in the fields.

Regards!

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supershoesclub

13 years ago

I do think if they are different niches,you should use different pen name to build the brand with most relevant content.If you mixed the 3 niches together, it seems not professional to your service.

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Simon Ashari

13 years ago

At the end of the day you should do what you want.

You asking on this forum suggests to me that you want to use pen names and were looking for validation for your decision.

I first got to know the marketer Eben Pagan when he was 'David DeAngelo' (double your dating). When I found out David wasn't his real name I shrugged my shoulders.

No harm, no foul.

I suggest the same would happen to you if one of your customers found out your real name (or your pen name).

Don't sweat it.

-Simon

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Ralf Skirr

13 years ago

I'd use different pen names.

Con #1 for using the same name is that people have it harder to find related products.

Let's say someone is interested in your dating material, and all he has is one video and the name you use in that video.

Then he googles the name - and out pop your music products.

You just lost a customer!

So, for SEO marketing purposes a niche specific pen name is a good thing.

Con #2 is that it makes you look less professional in any given niche.

Years ago I used to use my real name in different niches, until one of my business partners in the marketing agency business told me he found one of my 'other' sites and was very confused.

It made me look very unprofessional, not being focused on one niche.

As a customer, wouldn't you rather have a fitness expert who is ONLY a fitness expert 24/7; and not an expert for 3 hours a week in a gazillion of niches?

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Viramara

13 years ago

if the niche is still related to a big niche, I use the same pen name.

niche yoga, breast enlargement, weight loss, kill the wrinkles = health = 1 pen name

niche law of attraction, happiness, fulfillment, anxiety = self help = another 1 pen name

maybe the problem would be if you include the same real-face photograph of yours, where people will possibly search it on Google and find 15 names associated with the same photo....now that's a problem

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Randall Magwood

13 years ago

I would use your real name in the niche in which you're the most knowledgable about, and the niche that you're most passionate about. The other 2 niches, use a pen name.

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Stella Foong

13 years ago

I am using my real name in niches that I personally am experienced in and pen names in niches that I'd would rather remain anonymous in. For example, I'm diabetic and I have a niche in diabetes - I build trust and relations with my real name.

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marcuslim

13 years ago

Not a big fan of pen names. Will it work if you use your company name for all three?

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NickVCover

13 years ago

If I were doing videos that showed my face I would use my real name. The trust factor will be totally shot if someone discovers the same person operating with two different names.

Now if your videos are just powerpoint presentations or just show your hands doing something and do not show your face, then pen names are fine.

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Genesis1

13 years ago

Use your own name my friend

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shermancox

13 years ago

When someone thinks about doing business with you...or hire you (if you are still working in a 9 to 5) or whatever...one of the first things they do is "google you."

So lets say you are trying to get a job and your perspective employer googles you...I don't know if your future Financial analysis boss wants to see that you write material like "being an alpha male to get what you want from women"

or "how to lie your way to the top..." Or whatever....

Not saying you do this...but keep in mind that future employers or customers will google you and have to sift through what they see....

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vtotheyouknow

13 years ago

Originally Posted by shermancox

So lets say you are trying to get a job and your perspective employer googles you...I don't know if your future Financial analysis boss wants to see that you write material like "being an alpha male to get what you want from women"

or "how to lie your way to the top..." Or whatever....

Not saying you do this...but keep in mind that future employers or customers will google you and have to sift through what they see....

Prospective employer? I must be on the wrong forum! :p

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Bob Ford

13 years ago

There are a lot of good points supporting both sides of this question. The thought that comes to my mind is this: If you create a pseudonym for some of your niches, you're essentially stuck with them for the rest of your marketing life. There are a lot of implications that you really should consider.

For example; if, like someone suggested, you don't have your own face on the videos for niche "B" and "C", the real (niche "A") you can remain detached from those. But what if, down the road, you want or need to "out" the real (niche "A") you as also being the person and brains behind niche "B" or "C"?

Bottom line; you need to consider the long term effects of having three brand identities. It can, and most likely will get very complicated.

I wish you well.

BF

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fin 13 years ago

What about using your real name 3 different ways.

Just say your name is: Benjamin Ronald Edwin

Name 1 - BR Edwin

Name 2 - Ben Ronald

Name 3 - Ed Benjamin
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ryanmilligan

Banned 13 years ago

If it were me, I would just use my own name.

Thinking to much into it, it wont affect your sales. If it did, I could guess it wouldn't be by much either.

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Coachdirk 13 years ago

The question behind the question is; do you want to be perceived as an expert yourself/ brand yourself/ be a performer, or do you want to be a strategist making money by promoting what you like (dating, fitness, drinking beer, whatever) on non personal niche sites?

If you want to brand yourself as an expert I guess you have to make a choice or take the risk to be perceived as an omnipotent
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OnlineMkter

13 years ago

I would take 3 names, to keep things separate. Of course there is an advantage in taking the same name for all three as it collectively builds the authority, but the risk is if I do a mistake on one, it will propagate to all!

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jayspann

13 years ago

The flowers from wormwood are an ingredient in Absinthe but a small one. That's what make people go blind from drinking to much of it.

Blind is an excessive form of beer goggles that I do not desire.

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DreamWarrior

13 years ago

It's hard to hide on the internet when you are posting videos of yourself. You will need to use your real name in case someone who knows you mentions something to someone else, and before you know it, you've been called a fraud for not using your own name. Word of mouth is a powerful thing, especially when it can spread like wild fire online.

I don't see it as an issue of using the same name for your 3 niches. If what you are selling is genuine, makes sense and helps people, then there isn't a problem. Loads of people do it all the time - especially famous people. Example, (likes of Madonna, Will Smith, Angelina Jolie, Jane Fonda) they're an actor, singer, writer, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, health and fitness expert, involvements with charity, etc. It is a passion that they have, and they follow their heart.

It's a passion that you have with these 3 fields, so if you claim to be an expert, then prove yourself and be honest. Just get yourself involved by joining some clubs, and known in these fields first so that it looks genuine.

Best of luck.

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Serenity090

13 years ago

Want to Be EBEN in Internet Marketing Niche and David in Dating Niche? I hope you understood what i am saying...

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If I'm an expert in 3 niches, should I use 3 different pen names?

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