Naming your photography business can be an exciting but daunting task. This is the name that will travel by word of mouth, bringing you new clients. It will represent your brand, live on your website, and appear across your social media platforms.
Why Your Business Name Matters
Choosing a business name is important, but not necessarily in the ways you might think. Your business name impacts your domain name, social media handles, and the name under which you register your business in your region. It should be easy to remember, unique, and available across all digital platforms.
Choosing the Right Business Name
Your business name should have the same handle available on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest (e.g., @honeyphotos). It should also be unique enough that a short domain name is available. Marketing as a photographer is primarily digital, so having a cohesive and simple online presence is crucial.
A good domain name can sometimes be more important than the business name itself. To optimize for search engines, your domain should be short, avoid numbers or dashes, and include relevant keywords if possible (such as photo, photos, video, or film). To generate name ideas, try online tools like Name Generator and NameMesh.
Researching Local Competition
A quick Google search for photographers in your area will help you understand naming trends and competition. You can search for “photographers in Toronto” or your specific city. Take note of how many photographers exist, their naming styles, and the niches they serve. Awareness of your local competition can help you stand out.
Thinking Long-Term
Your business name should work for the long run. Rebranding later can be difficult due to word-of-mouth marketing, website changes, and social media updates. Choose a name that you connect with and that will serve your business well for years to come.
A popular approach is using your full name (e.g., Jenna Smith Photography). This can help establish a personal brand and make watermarking simple. However, this naming style has become very common, and standing out can be a challenge.
When I started my own photography business, I opted not to use my full name. I wanted to keep my personal life separate from my business and avoid potential rebranding if my last name changed. Instead, I chose Honey Photography because it felt luxurious, kind, and professional. The short and memorable domain name honeyphotos.ca contains the keyword "photos," making it easy to find online.
Location-Based Business Names
Some photographers incorporate location names into their business, such as Toronto Weddings + Events. This strategy can improve local SEO and help you rank in regional searches. A domain like torontoweddings.ca reinforces this advantage. However, if you move, rebranding will be necessary.
Key Takeaways for Choosing a Business Name
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Choose a name that you connect with and that works for the long run.
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Ensure your domain name and social media handles are available.
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Keep your domain name short, simple, and easy to remember.
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Avoid long domain names like jennasmithphotography.com. A shorter option like jennasmith.com or jsphotos.com is better.
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Use GoDaddy to check domain availability and Namechk to check social media handle availability.
The Most Important Factor
At the end of the day, your business name doesn’t define your success. Producing high-quality photos and creating happy clients matters far more. A photographer with an average brand but exceptional work will always outperform one with a great name but subpar images. Focus on delivering outstanding photography, and your business name will follow its own path to success.
