Three years ago, I decided to start a website that would unknowingly change the course of my life.
*Cue dramatic orchestral music*
You probably know that website as “The Nectar Collective.”
But what you may not know is that, three years ago, I started TNC as a different person.
At the time, I was living in Tokyo as an English teacher. I was the most stressed I had probably ever been in my life, was earning $2,500/month in one of the most expensive cities in the world, and was still doing the important and terrifying work of figuring out who the heck I was.
So I started a website to connect people and to help them figure out who they were, too.
And yet, while preaching self development and positivity…it was one of the most unconfident periods of my life.
I had this constant “vulnerability hangover” each time I shared something about myself on my blog. I wasn’t ready to be seen. I felt unworthy of anyone taking my advice. So it was much easier to create “The Nectar Collective” and hide behind a different name than my own.
But the more I wrote, the more of a community I started to find and grow online. The more emails and comments I’d receive from people, letting me know that my blog was changing their life. Soon, their support — your support — started to change mine, too.
Nine months into blogging, I quit my day job as an English teacher to run my new web design business full time. It was one of the scariest leaps of my life, but I watched as my newfound confidence expanded to fill the different layers of my life.
And that confidence and sense of empowerment only increased with things like my thriving e-course business, active Facebook group, and packed webinars.
It was like a little jolt in confidence each time I pushed myself to do The Scary Thing. To be seen. To help people from the most vulnerable place possible.
But there came a time when I knew I needed to stop hiding if I really wanted to grow a connected community of people online.
Because community? It isn’t built on hiding who we are. It’s about revealing ourselves together, knowing that people will be there to cheer you on, even after you’ve unwrapped the deepest parts of your soul.
And if I wanted to preach that, I needed to practice it, too.
So, last week, in what felt like my biggest leap yet, I changed my brand name from “The Nectar Collective,” to simply, “Melyssa Griffin.”
The TNC name has meant so much to me over the years — like a very dear friend — and it was a difficult decision to let the name retire.
My sincere hope is that in deciding to stop hiding behind something else…a small part of you will feel encouraged enough to stop hiding, too.
I also struggled with the fact that “The Nectar Collective” was ambiguous. It didn’t have a face or a heart for people to connect to. To me, the name started to feel like some sort of commodity, rather than something with a living spirit.
Instead, whenever someone interacts with my brand, I want them to see a real human with flaws and talents — someone that they can genuinely connect with. Because real connection is where community is born from.
I used to think that changing my business name to my own name would mean that I was making things all about “me.” That I needed to keep the “Nectar Collective” name if I wanted to build a genuine “collective” of people.
But that was the unconfident, fearful girl from three years ago talking — the one who existed when I started my site and who still makes seldom appearances in the midst of Big Decisions. She was trying to keep me hidden.
In reality, some of the best community leaders in the world unify people under their own name and vision. And my vision? To give you the BEST and warmest advice that helps you turn your passion into your full-time business and your life into one you love living.
So, this name change? It’s about us.
It’s about empowering ourselves to be seen and to be vulnerable.
It’s about choosing to share our best talents and gifts with the world, even if it scares the absolute crap out of us.
And it’s about supporting each other within a community of other passionate go-getters.
The content on MelyssaGriffin.com will still be the same, but it will come from a more empowered place. I find that the more I share the inner crevices of who I am (including my downright silliness), the more you are able to connect with and learn from me in a deeper way.
With this name change also comes a brand new website design, which I am SO excited about.
I designed the site to make it easier for you to find the things that speak to you most (without a bunch of other junk in your way) and it was developed by my talented friend, Brian Gardner. Here are some of my favorite features:
- In the sidebar, you can easily browse the most popular categories (and aren’t those little icons cute?!).
- The archive pages are easier to navigate with a gallery of past posts.
- If you scroll down, there’s a video of me introducing the site. More importantly, I’m showing off some of my sweet dance moves. 😉
- At the bottom of the site, you’ll also see links to some of my most recent e-courses.
- If you’re a student of mine and forget where to login, you can just click the “courses” button at the top of the site and it will take you to my e-course website where you can login.
- On the homepage, you’ll see a “Take Action” section, with links to some of my favorite things.
Woohoo! I hope you love it, friends. 🙂
Melissa, darling, it was the right decision! Love your new site and everything around it!
That means so much to me, Serge! Thank you. 🙂
Thanks so much for the kind words and encouragement, Serge 🙂
Your new site looks AMAZING!!! Very clean and sleek and everything is super easy to find. I think you made the right decision girly 🙂
You are so kind, Ikeashia! Thank you so much. <3
Love your new site and the icons on the sidebar are the best! 🙂
Thank you so much, Jennie!! I love those icons, too. 🙂
Love you, Melyssa! It’s a great change, good luck! 🙂
You’re so sweet, Anna! Thank you for the love. <33
Got the email today with the details as well, and let me just personally say congratulations to you, Melyssa. Putting aside how amazing Pinfinite Growth has been, your blog and your presence online has been a huge inspiration for me, so it’s incredible to see that you’re coming into your own and making the big decision to not “hide” anymore. I know I can speak for everyone else that reads your fabulous blog in saying that we’re all so proud of you 🙂
PS: The new design is KILLER! <3
You are just a bundle of sunshine, aren’t you Alexa? But seriously, all of your comments and words of encouragement mean the world to me. Thank you so much for all of the support. I genuinely appreciate it. <3
I love this so much, Melyssa! It definitely feels so much more personable for someone to be working with YOU instead of TNC. So glad you made the switch! Excited to see what’s to come.
YES!! I’m so glad you feel the same, Chloe. And thank you for the support! 🙂
I love the rebranding and your motivation behind it. The site is easier to navigate around, too! Yippee!! You go, girl 😀
That’s so wonderful to hear, Kristi! Thank you so much for the support. 🙂
Melyssa! I came across your website while doing research for a story I was working on a few months ago and was seriously impressed and inspired all over again. I still remember when I first met you my freshman year at UC Irvine and thinking, “I want to be as motivated and bright as she is.”
Seven years later and you’re still blowing me away. Bravo Melyssa. You really are a bright light that keeps spreadin’ it’s glow all around the world!
PS, I sent you an email a few months back, but wasn’t sure if you got it so please ignore any repetitive doting!
With aloha,
Carla
Oh my goodness, Carla! That seriously means so much coming from you. <3 I always thought you had a bright, positive spirit yourself and always admired your kindness and genuineness. 🙂 Thank you for reading the blog, too!
And I didn't see your email. 🙁 I'm so sorry if I missed it! But this comment means everything to me. 🙂
Oh my – everything looks fabulous! Absolutely loving all of the changes. Super streamline and easy to navigate… love! Many congrats ( and dancing! ) to you. 🙂
That’s amazing to hear, Latrina!! Thank you SO much for the encouragement. <3
I love this! I struggled with this very decision for months. It held me in bondage for months. And then one day I decided that I was just going to keep it simple and straight the point. I appreciate you sharing. I feel even more at ease with my decision. Hoping to launch my site soon. Thank you for all your Awesomeness!!
That’s amazing to hear, Olivia! I think it’s so powerful to use your own name and I love that you did, too. 🙂
I’m LOVING your rebrand Melissa, it looks amazing and feels really fresh and fun. I also loved reading your process on why you chose to do this as well, really interesting stuff. It has been fascinating and inspiring to witness your online evolution over the past couple of years. And I’m really looking forward to seeing what’s to come for you 🙂
Thank you so much, Chloe! I seriously appreciate that. <3
This is so fantastic! Congrats! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
Thank you Audrey!
Love the re-brand! It can be scary to take the leap into making a big change like this, but I think it will be great for the long run! ???????? ????????
I think so, too, Brittney. Thank you for the support! 🙂
Great job girl! I love that you went for it!! YOU’RE KILLING IT!!
Thank you so much Corina!! <33
Great write up, incredibly timely, cheers 🙂
Thank you, Jonno!
The new site is very nice! Congratulations on the change! 🙂
Thank you Dani! 🙂
Congrats on taking such a huge step! I keep reminding myself as I begin to really turn my blog into a business and focus creating the life I’ve always wanted that that scary feeling is where the magic happens.
Thank you so much! I love this: “That scary feeling is where the magic happens.” YESSSS.
The “I want to read” section is definitely one of the highlights of your new look. Your office is minimalistically beautiful. Is that photo-ready or all the time?
Thank you so much! That’s pretty much what it always looks like, but with more junk on my desk. 🙂
I love this post! I hope that one day my blog can be as successful. Just starting out but I know I a lot of work to do and very excited about it!
http://www.beyourownsunshine.com
Rooting for you, Brittany! 🙂
I’ve been thinking about changing my site to my name for quite awhile. Yesterday I bought the domain and now working to make my changes. Thanks.
Woohoo! So excited for you, Lynda. And yay for names with Ys where there are normally Is! 🙂
I’m so excited for you!! TNC has been my source of inspiration and motivation for a while now and I keep coming back if I need some guidance. I wish you all the best with this new chapter, may you grow from strength to strength in the years to come!
Nihaad – Read & Seek
You’re so kind, Nihaad. Thank you for the encouragement. 🙂
Hi Melyssa!
Congratulations on the move to your new brand! I think many of us contemplate moving to our own personal brand at some point. Good for you in making the bold decision and actually getting it done.
I’m excited to see the next steps for your platform!
– Jeff
Thank you so much, Jeff! I really appreciate that.
Hi Melyssa I love your journey and I think a lot of us see themselves in what you share. My blog was under The Indigo Paths and I initially thought about branding my coaching business the same, I decided against it and used my name but it was a big thing and there was a lot of ‘who do you think you are’ from my ego which I had to break through. Now I just need to dare to share my site with everyone LOL!
Sending all the encouragement I can, Carine! Thank you so much for sharing and I know you can create amazing things 🙂
and I love the pics, I’ve mentioned it before but would you do a post on tips for taking pics of ourselves for blog/biz?
Thank you for the encouragement X
I’d love to see the how you created your branded pics too – over a series of days, on the fly, professional session?
You always inspire us Melyssa. I hope you won’t stop blogging because your blog is what feeds us all to follow our dreams and go for what we’re passionate about.
Hey Heidi! You’re so sweet 🙂 The blog isn’t going anywhere!
Totally get everything you said! I started my blog and seriously just was afraid to tell anyone I had it even close loved ones, forget social media! ha but then someone said you have to get social media accounts going if you ever want people to find your blog- GULP but it forced me to get over my fears about being heard and seen- the more it grows the more comfortable I become with telling people about it, and more comfortable with myself! 🙂 love the rebrand! you inspire!
That’s fantastic Heather! Get your amazingness out there 🙂 Thank you so much for your sweet complements, too.
It is an amazing success. There are so many blogs, yet you have broken through the clutter, and are making a good living at it.
You just made my day! Thank you 🙂
I have similar feelings about blogging on my blog: georgeandwe.com . Like really, do people care what I have to say? Will people think I’m just another silly person starting a blog? Thanks for writing <3
Thanks so much for commenting Jaimi. People care! xoxo
I currently have a book blog and I’ve thought about launching a personal blog. However, I think if I branded my blog with the correct spelling of my name, people might still get it wrong or not even find me. (I cannot tell you how many times people have incorrectly spelled my name on Facebook when it was right in front of their eyes! Sigh.)
Would it be unwise to brand with my nickname even though I’m using my first name on my other blog?
I feel you, Hillarie. I have the same problem with my name. I went ahead and got a domain with my name, though: gloriannerose.org
I don’t think I’ll regret it. 🙂
Hey Hillarie! I don’t think there’s anything wrong with using a nickname rather than your actual name. I was honestly a little worried about using my own name, too, because people always spell my name as “Melissa” with an i. I do have another website though, WorkshopsByMel.Com, which uses my nickname (Mel) and I feel like it still works just fine with my branding. 🙂
Some ideas, since I have the same issue: 1) I registered the misspellings of my name, too and just forward those domain names to mine. Catches some of the people who are trying to find me. 2) I had domains for each of my products and will continue to do that. So many people from the past find me through an “old” product domain. Best of luck!
I have a website along with my sisters. We are graphic designers and initially cost us a bit of work finding the appropriate name to reflect the personality of the three in one name. But we did, I think that being helped trillizas
That’s great, Mariana! 🙂
It’s funny to me, sometimes, how lots of people are comfortable blogging under their name, whereas others are not. I have tried. It didn’t go well. I’ve kind of established myself under my blog name, and it’s just what works best for me.
I did, however, register a more flexible domain name, which contains the name I’m planning on changing my legal name to, because my blog needed a “splash domain” of sorts, and it’s easier to say “janepedia” than it is to rely on people understanding my blog’s name. I’ve changed it before, but…sometimes, you just need to go with your gut and what feels most right to you, even if/when others are telling you it’s a bad idea. (It winded up being better for me.)
Since you’ve rebranded, are you going to be the only blogger here now, or will you continue to have your contributors?
I agree, Liz! And I’ve actually been the only blogger here for about the past seven months (I stopped having contributors awhile back), so I’ll continue to be the only one. 🙂
Just watched your Teachable summit and finding this blog post was so freeing! I went from focusing on a generic magazine name to my own name domain – because I could tell people responded better when I shared my face or stories. Yet I was recently struggling with going back to a non-name brand, because I felt selfish building something that would become meaningless once I die.
..But I know that’s just me hiding again. Here’s to being comfortable in our skin, and becoming who only we can become. I’m refocused… Thanks Mel!
I love this, Robyn! Here’s to you becoming who you were meant to be. You got this! 🙂
Melyssa, I’ve just discovered your blog today and I’m so happy I’ve found you! This post seriously touched me. This line ‘And yet, while preaching self development and positivity…it was one of the most unconfident periods of my life.’ – been there, in fact, I’m still on my way out of there. Love your vulnerability and your passion for business. You remind me so much of me! Can’t wait to see more posts xxxx
I’m so glad you found me too! Thanks for the kind words, Bridget 🙂
Hi Melyssa! I will admit, when I first came across your blog I thought “oh, another millennial who is pretty and knows it all on little actual substance.” Yes, cynical, because I’m last generation baby boomer and feel disheartened by all the superficial noise out there. BUT. The more I read your blog the more I like it. There is definitely a lot of substance here. I’ve been blogging for 11 years and I’m still an old fashioned small time generalist blogger, with a loyal but very modest following as well as some amazing real life friendships that grew out of blogging. Blogging is also the catalyst for starting my own business as a Squarespace web designer 18 months ago. I love it and have been pretty successful, building more than 30 websites for local businesses and international clients. But because it’s a one-to-one business model my earning potential is limited and unless I raise my prices drastically I will never see six-figure annual incomes let alone monthly! I am actually stunned that you can make this much money online. And I have to admit, even though I have a steady stream of clients I feel like I am way behind the curve here. You have given me a lot to think about. Thank you!
Thanks so much for the kind words, Kerstin! That means a lot to me, especially since you’re such a veteran in this industry. I started with one-on-one web design services as well and understand the ceiling that comes with it but there are other ways to monetize and I wish you the best of luck on figuring out which way resonates most with you 🙂
Comment by: Stephen Walker
Hi Melyssa,
Congratulations on re-branding your business.
Melyssa Griffin is far more marketable, for me, than The Nectar Collection.
It evokes the image of a young, attractive, intelligent woman whereas TNC doesn’t.
Hey Stephen! Thanks so much for the nice feedback 🙂
Congratulations on this bold decision ! I love your work, this blog has given me so much inspiration. I’m actually currently facing a similar problem and I was wondering if some of the lovely people here would care to share their opinion ? I’m currently blogging under the name of cottonandcoffee.com, however all my other social media platforms are under the name vivi_makes (Vivi is my nickname and I teach DIY classes). So I’m wondering if I should update my blog to vivimakes.com as well? I’d love to use my real name but it’s way too difficult to spell, so if I change the name, I would have to go with a nickname, let it be that or something else. I’ve been thinking this for quite some time now and I can’t seem to be able to make a decision! I’ve been searching online and it’s true that some people seem to be using their real name, some their nick name, and some something completely else, so I’m wondering what’s the best way to go. Thanks a bunch!
Hey Vivi! Thanks so much for the kind words 🙂 As far as changing your name goes, it’s really a personal preference thing. But whichever you choose, try to be consistent with your branding across the board. Best of luck!
Wow, good for you!!!! I LOVE the new site design. So proud of your hard work 🙂
Thank you SO much for the kind words, Kayse! It really means a lot to me 🙂 Good luck to you my friend!
I’m in love with your site, from content to visuals it’s just amazing. Thanks for sharing. Learning a lot here!
Wow thank you SO much for the kind words, Paula! Best of luck to you and please keep me posted on your progress 🙂
Dear Melyssa, I’ve been following your work for the past couple of months and I must say how impressed I am. Not only your success story but also the person that you are, are incredibly amazing. This post spoke directly to me. As I write in tears to thank you for sharing your passion for not only helping others but also to bettering yourself in the process. I feel like I’ve been hidding for so long that I have lost myself in the process. I created a course platform (in Portuguese) with content to help mom’s with their challenges solving issues such as sleep and eating problems and did it under a different brand because I have always been afraid of how people would persive me and the content I was putting out. Thanks so much for all the GREAT content and for sharing your story. I’ll take your advice to heart and take the steps to unifying me and my brand ;).
Thank you for such a sweet comment, Mariana! I totally understand those feelings of hiding, but it sounds like you’re moving on to the beautiful art of being seen. Congratulations my friend. 🙂 I’m excited to hear where you take things now!
So excited to hear back from you! It’s going to take a while to actually make “the move”, but you’ve inspired me to keep pushing on! Thanks again <3
So in your opinion, would you recommend every self improvement blogger do the same thing?
my site name is after the food I was eating at the time. and that I absolutely love. I get compliments from other bloggers about how unique and fun it is. Should I consider changing it?
Hey Catherine! Honestly, I really think it’s up to you. There are plenty of successful sites from both sides of the spectrum, so I don’t think you should feel like you have to switch, especially if people like your name. I switched because it felt right to me, but if you and your audience dig your name and it works well for your niche, then I don’t see a need to change it. 🙂
Melyssa. Thanks for the post. I was wondering where you got your desk from? We love the style and are trying to find something similar in the UK. Thanks. Ryan
Hey Ryan! It’s actually a dining table I got from IKEA a few years ago (I don’t think they sell it anymore). But I did recently find one at West Elm that looks very similar: http://www.westelm.com/products/modern-dining-table-h1843/?pkey=cdining-tables
It was a brave move! I liked TNC but just your name is certainly more personal, more one-on-one and I like that too!
Best of luck Melyssa!
Thank you so much for the kind and encouraging words, Annick! Best of luck to you too my friend 🙂
Beautiful job on the new site! And thank you so much for sharing this. I have a site with my own name and it is a scary to place to start from, I think of hiding behind something new all the time, but now I feel inspired to keep it. Big ups, girl!
Thanks so much for the encouragement, Dayana! It is totally scary in the beginning but I’m proud of you for taking that leap and I wish you the best of luck 🙂
I am LOVING this new site. Super clean and user friendly. Funny I happened to come across this site while doing a Google search and I kept looking at your photos like “I know this chick. She looks so familiar but I’ve never heard of this blog before.” Good thing I hung around for awhile because it all makes sense now :-.) Thanks for getting personal with us.
http://thequirklife.com/
YAY! I’m so glad you like the new design, Candace! Sorry to have thrown you off for a second there :p
Hi, Melyssa.
I was googling about how to make a great “about me” page and landed here. That was the luckiest landing I’ve ever had. You are so inspiring!
I read your “about me” and felt no regret to put http://www.inne.web.id as my website domain. I’ve been spending my life as a computer teacher for more than eleven years, blogging for about 6 years without my name in it! I was being invisible online for years in my own website.
I am still learning and hungry of your blogging tips and tricks and how to survive in this cyber world. So, keep posting and inspiring us.
Thank you!
This is amazing to hear, Inne! I’m so proud of you for overcoming your fears like that 🙂
Best of luck with everything and please keep me posted on your progress!
I’ve been struggling with this one myself. I’m not sure if I should use my name – which carrys no SEO weight – or do something clever with my name plus what I do. That could create a long URL or business name so I’m kind of lost. AHHH!
Ah! Yes, at the end of the day it really comes down to a matter of preference but I hope this post helped push you in one direction or the other. Good luck! 🙂
I recently did the same thing.k I actually rebranded the entire feel of my website. It was more reflective of me.
That’s awesome to hear! Our blogs are essentially an extension of us so they should be reflective of who we are 🙂
Fruitful post there is no confused . Love your post . Plenty thanks Melyssa .
Yay! So glad you liked this post, Rosa! 🙂
Great post. I’m a new subscriber but I love what you have to say. I also believe in “owning your name” online. The upside (control) beats the downside (selling later) IMHO. Great work! Check out my work at http://www.erniedelgado.com
It sure does! Thanks for your insightful comment, Ernesto 🙂
How did you know my real name was Ernesto?
Oh. My. God. So I was on your post about writing the about page and used that to write mine today. And now I’m writing my post on “Why I Re-Branded Back to My Name”…and I decided to just browse your blog posts. ONLY TO STUMBLE UPON THIS POST! Funny how the world works. I’m also laughing that my post url is also “/rebrand”. I guess I’ll be sticking around. 🙂
The world does work in funny ways, doesn’t it? 😉
Best of luck with your post, Anousone!
I think there’s a lot of people that have the same feelings about their website name. You’ve explained it so clearly! I love the switch and can definitely understand how TNC was becoming more of a brand then a real person. Having relatable content is very important to building a community, and going by your name is so much more relatable! (Love your blog design too!!)
Thanks for the nice words, Lindsey! I’m so glad that you connect better with the rebranded site. Best of luck to you and please keep me posted on your progress. 🙂
I really inspired from your story. As you ware a English teacher, why don’t you write an article on way of writing English. Thanks Melyssa.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post, Abdullah! 🙂
There’s No Other Way, Only because you are an incomparable storyteller..
Till yesterday I felt like a loser or a person who always tries to question the rules set by the world. This is my 2nd job that I am gonna quit next week. I always wanted to be a blogger but never knew how to do it or deep down my heart I had that scary feeling what if I fail. But after going through your blog, I somewhat felt connected to you. I feel there are women like me who feel confused and scared at times to follow their hearts. But once this fear is overpowered, everything can be achieved…Honestly I feel so confident after reading your blog. I thank you for being there for all of us…Wish you great success Melyssa
Wow, thank you for such an incredibly thoughtful comment, Nivedita. I know exactly what it feels like to not be happy with my job so I feel your pain. However, sometimes the lows become our greatest lessons. Best of luck with your online business journey and please keep me posted on all of your progress. 🙂
Not sure if you know or doesn’t know this, but your Disqus community is still named The Nectar Collective, have you considered changing it or isn’t it possible?
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c7b14e3f8dae46716fa0c0ee2b9ea221509899a5218e5853510aadabff66fa1c.png
Thanks for the heads up, Marius! I’m aware and just wanted to hold onto a little piece of my past. 🙂
That’s fine. Just wanted to make sure it was intentional. Thing can sometimes slip through our fingers (or in this case our eyes). 🙂
Yes! I decided to go for it just this Monday! I was tired of wondering whether I should or wait or you know, just finding excuses. I’m just about to launch my book and I thought “I need to come out of the closet now and own who I am!” . At first i thought it was just a technicality, but.. as you say, the content may be the same, but it comes from a different place, a definitely more empowered place! Yayyy!
“But that was the unconfident, fearful girl from three years ago talking — the one who existed when I started my site and who still makes seldom appearances in the midst of Big Decisions. She was trying to keep me hidden.” No truer words about myself could have been written. I hid behind my original blog logo as a profile pic when I first started blogging and using social media. I went with a weird blog name at first to DrakeInnovations.co as I gained confidence only to realize I was losing traffic to the dot com version. In the midst of all the research I was doing to think of a new name, this post tipped the scales in my decision https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ece8945ab02d325a9b31a41302687cd1779ce8eb467a567ea0dc296ec5dd12ad.png
I’m so glad this post was helpful for you, Drake. I hope you find that it fits you well and that you proudly take ownership of your new domain name. Good luck! 🙂
Thank you!
Great post…very nice.. I am sharing this post…
That is too kind of you, thank you! Have a great weekend! 🙂
Ah, I’ve been dying to use my real name for my business! I’m a copywriter for small businesses and want my brand to be associated with my author by line. The problem is, @erikafitzgerald is suspended and/or taken on pretty much every social media platform—and the help centers just tell me to find another user name. I really want to be consistent with my brand, too. My name domain is also taken (but doesn’t appear active), so I had to settle for a “close enough” version. Do you have any advice for obtaining user names and domains?
Hi Erika! I completely understand your frustration! I wonder if you could brand yourself slightly differently, like @copybyerika? Or have you tried to see if erika + your middle name could be an option for the domain or the handles? I agree with you in that branding consistency is key, and it’s always best to have the same handle across platforms so that you’re easier to find!
Great post. I think people connect to websites or businesses by individuals better if the website is the name of the author. It’s authentic and personal. I changed mine awhile back and should have done it from the start.
I agree with you, DD! 🙂 I’m glad I made the switch, and happy to hear it worked out for you as well!
Amazing post… I am sharing this post…
Thank you Melyssa! Currently I have created a web site with my personal nombre danielacrucez.com also, I have my other “business blog” esperinola.com and I work hard every day to generate money but it not easy!
It is definitely not easy at first, Daniela, but it’s so very possible 🙂 Keep me posted on your progress!
Such an inspiration…
Thank you so much, Jonathan! 🙂
Congrats on the name change! I have a site (goingwithhappy.com) and I have wondered if it was the right thing to do, not having it be my name (Shannon Doe). This definitely gives me some stuff to think about, and while I’m not gonna change it anytime soon it’s definitely going to be something I consider down the line.
Thank you Shannon! Think about your long-term gameplan and if you’d rather be known by your site name rather than you, as the brand. I hope that helps! 🙂
Melissa, your post struck me in so many ways. I am glad that you have embraced your worth. 🙂 I am trying to do that, as I begin college admissions consulting for homeschoolers. Most educational consultants are locally based and do well with their name only. However, I have the potential to do more online, because it is such a niche market. And one that I know well. Advice? For now, my very new and very unfinished website edumatters.net (yes, the domain name will be changed!) is much more about the homeschoolers and their parents. My market has so far been gifted, passionate, quirky kids. My strength is the ability to connect with families in a very personal and encouraging way. If I brand it with my name, I should have my photos highlighted on the site, yes? I also need to consider the strong possibility that I may get non-homeschoolers as well. So confused and feeling alone in this learning curve. I cannot move forward until this basic naming issue is put to rest.
Hi Lisa, your niche sounds powerful and I can totally see you creating a professional, successful brand around it. I love the name of your .net, but I also think it could be powerful to use your name as well. Follow your heart, and absolutely use pictures of yourself, it allows potential parents/clients to connect with you that much faster 🙂
The name has been decided. Fearless Homeschoolers. More than any word, that sums it up. The parents AND the kids are fearless in choosing their unique path. And whenever I see that word, it is a reminder that I, too, should remain fearless in my pursuits.
I love this so much, Lisa! Thank you for sharing the name 🙂
Hi Melyssa, I’d like to change my domain name and was just wondering if you handled the domain name change yourself or hired a web developer to do it for you? I have around 600 blog posts (with 98% of my traffic coming from Pinterest – thanks for all your Pinterest resources / advice on your blog / webinars btw) – I’m worried all of the links from external sources leading to my blog will be lost in the domain name change and I’d rather not have to manually redirect every single post URL. Any advice? TIA 🙂
Exciting! I am looking to do the same, and it was encouraging to read your article. It will be a ton of work, but it jut feels more authentic!
Very exciting, Jerod! Good luck with your re-brand 🙂
Many thanks! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your story and reasoning behind changing your brand name, Melyssa!
I originally created my portfolio and all social media accounts under my name, but a few months ago decided to purchase a domain for my blog (not my name). However, lately I have been having second thoughts and have thought about switching my blog over to my name. I feel like having the blog brand ties me down to one niche, whereas as a person I have a couple interests that I enjoy writing about. Your insight gave me more to consider!
I’m happy to hear that, Lindsey! If you do decide to re-brand under your name, you can forward your current domain to your new name brand domain 🙂
I’ve come up with a brand name that is unique, not taken, and I’m in love with. But the .com for it has been registered and parked.Your content is soo good. I like much your content. If you want to read some quality health blog please visit this site for Yoga Blog .