Business Name

[DavidS]

I am starting to have second thoughts about my business name. It is "Captured Moment Photography by David Snook".

I am worried that someone whom I've given a business card to and has been to my site, will not be able to find it again if they did not bookmark it and lose the business card. If they google Captured Moment Photography they will never find it, there are hundreds of business's with that name. If they google Photography by David Snook or David Snook Photography it is on the first page. My questions are:

1. Do you think most people will bookmark the site?
2. Do you think they will try to google Photography by David Snook David
Snook Photography if Captured Moment Photography does not work for them?
3. Last resort, should I change my business name to David Snook Photography?

Thanks for your help.

[SloYerRoll]

I am starting to have second thoughts about my business name. It is "Captured Moment Photography by David Snook".

I am worried that someone whom I've given a business card to and has been to my site, will not be able to find it again if they did not bookmark it and lose the business card. If they google Captured Moment Photography they will never find it, there are hundreds of business's with that name. If they google Photography by David Snook or David Snook Photography it is on the first page. My questions are:

1. Do you think most people will bookmark the site?
2. Do you think they will try to google Photography by David Snook David
Snook Photography if Captured Moment Photography does not work for them?
3. Last resort, should I change my business name to David Snook Photography?

Thanks for your help.
Hey David,

This is just my opinion on this so TIFWIW:

1. Do you think most people will bookmark the site?
I bookmark allot. But I'm mot a "typical" person that jsut surfs the web. I'm always studying and trying to retain some of the great ideas anc concepts on the web,
2. Do you think they will try to google Photography by David Snook David
Snook Photography if Captured Moment Photography does not work for them?
Maybe, but I realy doubt it. Make it as simple as you can to get your name in front of them via google.
3. Last resort, should I change my business name to David Snook Photography?
Only you can answer that David. It's your identity.

Regards,
-Jon

[bkatz]

David -

I struggled with this too and becuase of the Domain Names that were available I decided to go with something unique but had my last name in it. My opinion is something unique that is somewhat memorable is always good. I think you answered the question yourself when you said that there a lot of people using the same name you already have...

[dogwood]

Just my two-cents--

-- but I started as Dogwood Digital and the .com was taken so I grabbed the .net. After seeing a client go to the .com site right in front of me, I changed my business to my name and I haven't regretted it since. Think about when you get a photo credit? It's usually your name, not a business name. When you meet people, they want to know your name, not your business name.

But again, just my two cents. Using my name has proved very beneficial for me.

[beetle8]

I don't know if K.I.S.S. fits here but it ussually does.
I went with champion photo as an LLC
while the name champion photo was available in my state to register the domain was taken, so I did championphotollc.com I sure there are errant clicks to championphoto.com, I try to add a link or address in everything I do. e-mails, phone call and so on.

[DavidS]

Thanks everyone. You have been very helpful. I will be changing the business name.

Does anyone know if you have to pay to get the name on the DBA changed and the state privilage license changed.

[dogwood]

Thanks everyone. You have been very helpful. I will be changing the business name.

Does anyone know if you have to pay to get the name on the DBA changed and the state privilage license changed.

In Oregon (where I live) you don't have to register as a business if you use your own name as your business name. Yet another benefit... :D