TL;DR
- You don’t need a business name to start freelancing. It’s normal to just use your name as a sole proprietor. And, if using your legal name only (with no other words), then you do not have to register your business name.
- There are common ways freelancers name their businesses aside from their first and last names. Some use their middle and last, first and middle, initials, or part of their name with other words. Other freelancers use a unique name altogether with no reference to their name.
- Using a unique name establishes your business as a brand with recognition. But using your name is quicker and easier. You can always change your name to something more unique later on!
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Okay, so naming your business may be one of the biggest decisions you’ll make.
Of course, you can always change it, but it’s not ideal when you have an established client base who knows and recognizes your brand.
So it’s best to pick a good one and stick with it!
Do You Need a Business Name To Freelance?
No, naming your freelance business is optional. You can get started with just your name as a sole proprietor. Using your name is the most used way freelancers conduct business, and many employers don’t even ask for a business or brand name…
In fact, when filing taxes on a Schedule C, the business name box states, “If no separate business name, leave blank.”
So, if you don’t have a name in mind, or if you don’t want the stress of choosing a name, don’t worry! Just use your legal name, and you should be set!
Different Ways to Name Your Freelance Business
You know you don’t NEED a business name to be a freelancer, but what if you want one?
Here are all the common ways I have seen freelancers name their businesses:
Variations of Your Name
The most common way to name your business is… just your name! You can use your legal first and last name as a sole proprietor without having to register your business name.
If you do deviate from your legal name, you will need to register your business name, so keep that in mind!
Here are some ideas:
- Full Name (ex: Marshall Mathers; Marshall Bruce Mathers)
- First Middle (ex: Marshall Bruce)
- Middle Last (ex: Bruce Mathers)
- Nickname (ex: Slim Shady; Slim Mathers; Shady Mathers)
- Initials (ex: Marshall B Mathers; M Mathers; M B Mathers)
- Pseudonym for writers (ex: Eminem)
Your Name + Descriptor Words
The number one way to make a unique freelance business name is to take your name and throw on a word! This word can be anything from your favorite word to a descriptor word that tells people what your business does.
Here are some formulas to use:
- Your Name + Descriptive Words (ex: Katelyn Hare Development; Tara Hoover Design; Sara Health Coaching)
- Descriptive Words + by Your Name (ex: SEO by KT; Web Dev by Julia Smith)
- A Twist on Your Name (ex: Taking Kara Business)
A Unique Brand Name
Of course, you can name your freelance business anything you want, just like any other type of business!
This can be a name that just feels right to you. It can also be location-based to establish yourself as the go-to freelancer in your area.
For example: The Pittsburgh Seamstress, Nashville Photography, Baltimore Web Design
Or it can literally be anything else 🙂
For example: Blue Fox Media, Designs Co, Wild Oak Co
Using Your Name vs. a Unique Name to Establish a Brand
Whether you use your name or a completely unique name, you can still establish yourself as a memorable brand.
However, branding your name, especially when it’s a common name, can be challenging. This is why many freelancers add descriptive words to their names—establishing a well-known brand with just their name is more difficult!
If you’re stuck deciding, consider your long-term goals. If being the sole freelancer in your company is something you’ll never change, then it’s completely fine to just use your name.
But if you see yourself moving towards an agency model and outsourcing your work to other freelancers in the future, you might want to consider a unique brand name.
Freelance Business Name Ideas
If you need help coming up with ideas, I’m here to help! Below is a short list of descriptor words to add to your name to make it more unique and professional.
Try to use a descriptor that describes the main freelance service you provide.
For example, you may not want to use “development” as a graphic designer. Try not to confuse your potential clients!
Here are descriptor words to add to your name, location, or any other word you want!
- Creative
- Design
- Designs
- Media
- Development
- Websites
- Labs
- Digital
- Solutions
- Studio
- Studios
- Co
- Pro
Freelance Business Name Examples
Here are some amazing freelance business names I have found out in the wild to give you inspiration! All these businesses are freelance businesses with one person 🙂
Graphic Designers
Website Developers
SEO Strategists
Accountants/Bookkeepers
So, Should You Name Your Freelance Business After Yourself?
You can name a freelance business just like you would any other business out there.
The name you give your business may be decided by your legal structure. Sole proprietors normally just use their legal first and last name and call it a day.
However, freelancers establishing LLCs may take the opportunity to establish themselves as a brand with an enhanced name.
You can definitely have a brand with just your first and last name, too! But if your name is common, you may not get the “effects” or “essence” of feeling like a brand.
So, my advice?
If you’re just starting out, just use your name. You won’t have to register your business name, and you don’t have to waste time thinking of something great when you could be finding clients.
If youre more established with a large client base, you may want to consider establishing a brand for yourself to stay memorable to your clients.
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