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Should You Use Pen Name in Your Businesses?

by Desmond Ong
8 replies
Hi guys,

I am currently running a couple of businesses in different niches but have always been using my name in IM niche and some other pen names in other niches.

I begin using pen names because I see Eben Pagan and Frank Kern used pen names -- so I decided to do the same. (even though I have no idea why I should do it )

So, I'm just wondering what's the pros of using pen names?
#businesses #pen
  • Profile picture of the author Brad Gosse
    Personally I use my real name. Always have, always will.

    I am not sure what the pros are except privacy. I have gates and a guard dog for that
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    • Profile picture of the author Iain Ainsworth
      There's nothing wrong in using a pen name at all. In some niches it's advantageous. Would you be more likely to buy a book about Penile Disfunction from a man Or a woman? American Football? Period Pain?
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  • Profile picture of the author trishworks4u
    I use a pen name for all IM only because I have an offline business that I write articles for, have 2 websites for, and run PPC campaigns on. I don't want to muddy the waters and have any offline customers think that I just have my hands in a little bit if everything (which I do) and spread myself too thin (trying not to).

    My offline business has absolutely nothing to do with IM or any of the niches that I promote either. I actually also use a guy's name for IM, not sure why I did that.
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  • Profile picture of the author digidoodles
    Well, I created a pen name because I didn't want my ex hubby to stalk me.

    And then he goes and gets sentenced to prison.. man I wish I would have STARTED OUT using my real name!
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    • Profile picture of the author Bill Guthrie
      In niche markets where you're trying to make a buck, ABSOLUTELY use an appropriate pen name.

      In a market where you're actually trying to establish yourself as an authority, use your real name if possible.

      Best of luck, Mark Twain!
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      • Profile picture of the author Max Ramocsai
        I definitely think that you should especially if you are trying to gain respect in the IM field. For example, say you create a product about "How To Cure Acne" and you use your real name. Now, even if the product is well researched and offers great content, if someone were to find out that you are an internet marketer they might automatically label you as a "scammer" or someone committing fraud.

        This might seem extreme but I guarantee that most people wouldn't like the idea of being sold a product that is meant to help them, created by someone who makes a living online.
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    • Profile picture of the author Ruth Hendrickson
      I use pen names because I'm in several different niches, and use a different name for each niche. If you use your real name exclusively, it's much easier for copycats to follow every little thing you're doing.

      Another pro for using pen names is you are unlikely to be viewed as an expert in any one area if you use the same name for a bunch of niches.

      I've noticed most of the full-time internet marketers use pen names. The exceptions seem to be those who stick with one niche, like internet marketing.
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  • Profile picture of the author dndoseller
    The pros would be anonymity, privacy, better perception for certain niches.
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