Ever think about a blog's name? I do; I often wonder how they originated. Some are obvious. Others, obscure, perhaps significant only to the blogger, and then readers once they get acquainted with the theme. Search engine optimization or marketing are other possible factors. I wonder, though, if many blog owners simply look for a clever or memorable title. What do you think?
My blog title came from my AOL Instant Messenger name. I decided to use it for the blog, since the main theme was writing. In hindsight, perhaps I could have given it more thought, but I was so green at blogging I was just happy to be up and running.
Thinking about this brings Shakespeare's words to mind:
What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
How important is a good blog name? Would our blogs be as "sweet" if they carried another name? Or would we be missing the mark by miles if we chose the wrong one? Do we need a good name to draw followers in? Or will they come, even if our blog names are not remarkably clever?
Daniel Scocco of Daily Blog Tips shares his thoughts about good blog names here. He encourages us to make it relevant and memorable. Good food for thought.
Do you think a blog's name makes or breaks its success? How did you choose yours?
Blogoversary Giveaway Winner
Random.org has chosen the winner - congratulations to Rhonda Schrock! Thanks to all for celebrating with me!
Happy writing,
Karen
Image credit: Stock Exchange
I like plays on writing, so I think the title of your blog is great!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCreativity, freedom to be me...these things help in devekloping our own style and voice on our blogs. I wish I had more time in my day. have a great week, Karen.
ReplyDeleteI've turned this one over in my mind often. I came up with mine in an instant and went with it--not knowing how it would follow me and define so much. But I still like it and I'm sticking with it.
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
I like your blog name. As for mine, I love to write and am a Hutterite...just seemed a good fit.
ReplyDeleteYeah to Rhonda:))
ReplyDeleteI didn't really choose my name--cause it is just my name..lol---I guess it was a way to get what I did out there. But a name is important!
I like your blog name too, Karen!
ReplyDeleteWriting Remnants was supposed to reflect "my life in pieces". It's turned into more of a book blog, so...
I do love names and titles, though!
I love your blog name! I think names can matter, but the blog content is what keeps readers coming back. I just wanted to get started too even though I had no idea what I was doing three years ago. Tyrean's Writing Spot came from a Winnie the Pooh moment and my name. Pooh's Thoughful Spot always sounded like a good place to be.
ReplyDeleteTheresa,
ReplyDeleteI do too, and I suppose that's what I was going for all those years ago when I chose my AOL name. Thanks for the vote of confidence! :)
Linda,
Yes, good points! I wonder if we shouldn't write so many blog posts before naming our blogs. Then maybe the name would emerge itself, you know? LOL :)
Wendy,
I like your blog name, and I think it suits you. I don't think it's the kind of thing we should so much stress over as forge ahead.
Linda,
Thanks a bunch. :) Your blog name is very clever! I think it is a good fit.
Terri,
I think your whole title suits you. And yes, it really does identify what you do! :)
Cheryl,
Thank you! I like your title; I think you can turn it around and around and it can mean many things. It's clever! :)
Tyrean,
Thanks so much. :) You make a good point - it's what's inside that counts. Just like us. :) I agree, your writing spot IS a good place to be!
Blessings,
Karen
Congrads Rhonda!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog name. It is you! You Write Now! :-)
I was looking in the dictionary under writing and lo and behold I found my blog name. Ha! I'm so creative, amigo. NOT!
I've always liked your blog name Karen, it stands out in it's simplicity.
ReplyDeleteI named my blog when I found a great quote from F Scott Fitsgerald: "Writers aren't exactly people.... they're a whole bunch of people trying to be one person." - F. Scott Fitzgerald
ReplyDeleteMy title "Lucid Dreamer" is very significant to me because it denotes a certain control of the dream state. Writing is a similar endeavor wherein I create other worlds, people, and contexts.
ReplyDeleteRobyn,
ReplyDeleteThanks, amigo! :) I like your blog name - "Putting Pen to Paper" is very fitting, because you do it so well! :)
Marja,
Thank you. I like it for that reason as well. I sometimes over think things, thinking maybe I should have found something deeper. But the more I think on it, the more I like it. :)
Jennifer,
I like that! I hadn't put the two together - as far as you getting the name from that. Good thinking!
Laura,
I never realized that! I'd always thought about it as far as you were a writer, and you dream (while awake) lucidly. Writers being dreamers and all...that's how I put it together. I like it any way you intended!
Blessings,
Karen
Hi Karen .. I think if you've got a brand when you start it's brilliant - I'm probably one of those who couldn't get my head straight and still perhaps can't - yet my story ..
ReplyDeleteI wanted to start a blog - wasn't sure exactly what about .. but wondered about my mix and match discussions I had with my mother, which certain stimulated her, as ultimately it did my uncle. This now five years on ..
My letters out to relatives and friends generated 'much praise' - but one - oddly enough a Care Home Owner wrote .. 'Hilary, you write such wonderful positive letters ..'
and that was that - is it still right - seems to be so .. if Mark Twain can put his letters into 'The Innocent Abroad' - I'm sure I can work a way around ..
Cheers Hilary
I was unsure of my blog's focus, other than the writing aspect, so I chose a name that would entice curiosity and point to the fact that I'm honest in my writing (telling the truth matters, even in fiction) whether I'm writing about writing, or writing about a different topic. Hence the "Writing in the Buff" and the tagline, "The naked truth about . . ." The jury is still out on whether it's a good blog title or not, but it has served it's purpose so far. LOL
ReplyDeleteSince my blog is basically my website, I just went with my name so it would be easy to find.
ReplyDeleteHilary,
ReplyDeleteI must agree with the Care Home Owner; you do write positive letters! Hence, your blog name is fitting, and your posts are always a treat to read! :)
Lisa,
Well, your title is eye catching, that's for sure! Do you get many comments about it? I agree, telling the truth matters.
Alex,
And here is yet another reason for a title! Most people are internet savvy, but it sure is nice to be able to find things online easily. Thanks for helping the cause!
Blessings,
Karen
My blog for writers started out as "The Walrus and the Carpenter." I was working mostly as a children's writer then, so I wanted a whimsical look and name. As time passed, I began writing more for adults and I wanted my blog to fit that market. So, I switched platforms (from Blogger to Wordpress) and changed the blog's name to "Something to Write Home About." I'm pleased with the change, and it seems to have brought me more readers.
ReplyDeleteMine came from a bumper sticker. And it is sort of like the movie, "Build it and they will come." :)
ReplyDeleteJules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
I thought up my blog name, The Word is My Oyster, in less than ten minutes. Sometimes, you gotta go with what hits you. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Karen...I think a blog name is important. In naming my own blog, I wanted the name to convey exactly what the blog was about----writing straight from my heart. Thus, that's what I called it. Susan
ReplyDeleteJules,
ReplyDeleteGood to see you, girl! Glad you're back. I like your title; it fits you, I think! :)
Lydia,
Now yours is a title I love too! The first time I saw it I was impressed. I thought it incredibly clever! :)
Susan,
Yes, and indeed you do write straight from the heart! It fits you and your posts so well! It's a good one!
Blessings,
Karen
Jean,
ReplyDeleteI always thought that a quirky and fun title. I knew you wrote for children and thought it fit. I do, however, like the new one a whole lot too! Something very comforting about it. It draws you in, you know?
Blessings,
Karen
I'm with you, I was just trying to get up and running. I didn't realize how difficult it would be to change something with mileage behind it. In hindsight I would have chosen something shorter.
ReplyDeleteI really didn't put a lot of thought into the title of my own blog, but when i first thought of it it just seemed right so i just ran with it! Richard
ReplyDeleteYour blog name is simple and to the point--great in my book.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy visiting your blog because it's a friendly and informative place.
Donna
Sally,
ReplyDeleteI know, I rethink decisions like this sometimes. I think your blog name works, though. You are living and learning - so it fits! :)
Richard,
Now see, your blog name works. Glad you decided to run with it. :) You share such a nice variety on your blog, and it all fits within the title!
Donna,
Thank you! Thanks also for your kind words; I needed it today. I'd be remiss if I didn't say the same about your blog. It's always a good place to go for info and a smile. :)
Blessings,
Karen
I think your name is perfect for you. And thank you so much!! I can't believe I won!! So excited. That's good news for a yucky week.
ReplyDeleteWaving and grinning,
Rhonda
Karen:
ReplyDeleteI adore your blog name. It tells what your subject is. I like that.
My blog name comes from the name of my writing ministry I am working on establishing and that I am committed to God.
Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome! Glad I can help cheer you as you get better! :) Will be sending out the package soon.
Cecelia,
Thanks so much; I appreciate the compliment! :) I think your blog name does exactly what you intended. It's a good one!
Blessings,
Karen
Yes, I think a name is important, but I don't think it makes or breaks the blog. If a blog is memorable, full of great content, and encouraging, I'll go back even if the name is Pigs on a Stick. Hey, there's a fun name!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Rhonda--so happy for you!
I'm pretty sure it was your blog name that first drew me here. Write Now felt as if you were talking to me. Joylene, get writing girl!
ReplyDeleteJen,
ReplyDeleteYes, I think that name might be up for grabs, and since you thought of it, you get first dibs! :D
Joylene,
Wow, that's nice to know! I think I was mostly talking to myself...but anyone listening is welcome to write now too! Speaking of which, I need to heed my words. :)
Blessings,
Karen
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ReplyDeleteMy blog title came to my mind after a lot of thought. Initially I want to call it Rachna Chhabria's Blog, I picked this name a few weeks later.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen -
ReplyDeleteOne of the hardest parts of starting my blog was choosing a name. Most people I spoke with weren't overly impressed with Christian Writer/Reader Connection, but it stuck in my heart.
Whether it's hurt or helped my blog, I don't know. My 4th blogoversary is in May, so I guess that says something.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Rachna,
ReplyDeleteI do like your blog name - Rachna's Scriptorium is rather fitting. Good choice!
Susan,
Hey, and if it stuck, then it was meant to be! I doubt that it's hurt your blog. :) Happy almost 4 years!
Blessings,
Karen
Visiting from the A-Z challenge. My last name is Ball and I write about my life...thus "Adventures in the Ballpark" is my blog. People assume it's about baseball, but more, the game of life. I've been told it's a good name. :-) Enjoy your site and will be back. Such great info. Good to "meet" you!
ReplyDeleteMare,
ReplyDeleteGreat to meet you too! Thanks so much for following. I enjoyed my stop at your blog. Looking forward to reading your posts too. :)
Have a great weekend,
Karen
Dear Karen, This is my first visit to your blogspot. You have so many inspirational posts! I often wonder myself about "blog names".
ReplyDeleteThe reason I chose the name "HERE I AM KAYCEE" for my blog is firstly and foremost, I want to always be saying to the Lord, "Here I am" and the second reason is my friends call me KAYCEE, which is a phonetic form of my initials KC.
To be honest though, I think it confuses a lot of people. I have it written on my sidebar, but I don't think many bloggers scroll down to read what's always in the sidebar.
Anyway, I'm your newest follower and would love for you to join me over at my blog :)
GOD BLESS!
Love and care, Kerrie (aka KC)
KC,
ReplyDeleteIt's very nice to meet you! Thanks for coming by and following. Will check out your blog asap. Thanks for your kind words. Have a wonderful week!
Karen :)