How to Choose a Name for Your Proofreading Business

You’ve got the skills, you’ve done the training, and now you’re ready to launch your freelance proofreading business. But what do you name it? And how can you stand out from the crowd? We’ve got a few tips on how to choose a name for your proofreading business.

What Are Your Initial Ideas?

You might already have some ideas for a business name. The first step, then, is to write these ideas down, and any others that pop into your head in the process. Even if something seems too silly, jot it down anyway. Who knows what it might inspire!

Here are some examples we’ve come up with (some serious, others less so):

• Murder, You Wrote – Crime Fiction Editing
• Business Proofreading Services
• Get Your Words’ Worth
• Magic Spells | Fantasy Fiction Proofreading
• The Proofreading Professor
• Jane Smith | Proofreader & Copyeditor
• West Virginia Editing

If you’re still struggling for initial ideas, a random name generator might help. But don’t worry if you only have a few ideas at this point. You can add to your list as you work your way through the following tips.

Who Are Your Target Clients?

As a freelance proofreader, you’ll likely have a specific type of client you want to work with and certain services you plan to offer.

You can choose a business name that targets that client type and what they’ll be looking for in you as a proofreader. This could involve using genre-savvy references to catch the eye of fiction writers, or specialized terminology that business or academic clients will recognize.

It’s also important to consider what references your target clients might miss. If you offer proofreading services to clients who speak English as a second language, for example, they may not pick up on wordplay in your brand name and pass you over as a result.

What Are Your Key Values?

You can use your business name to communicate your key values when it comes to proofreading.

If you’re unsure what your values are, try answering the following questions:

• Why do you enjoy proofreading?
• Why do you consider it valuable?
• What is it about your approach to proofreading that sets you apart?

Once you’ve identified your values, think about how you might condense each one into a word or two. That could make up part (or all) of your business name.

You don’t need to fit absolutely all of your values into your name, of course. But if there’s something at the core of what you do as a proofreader, referencing it can set you apart and help you find the clients you most want to work with.

Is the Name Distinctive and Memorable?

With so many proofreading businesses out there, you want your brand name to make an impression.

There are several language devices you can use to achieve this:

Don’t go so far with these devices that your business becomes unrecognizable as a proofreading service, though. As with proofreading itself, clarity is always key.

Will You Branch Out in the Future?

It can be hard to predict how your career will change. One thing to consider is whether the business name you choose can be easily adjusted if you find your target clients or services shifting.

For example, it might be hard to adapt “Top Marks Academic Proofreading” if you eventually branch out to editing business documents. But “Mark Johnson: Academic Proofreader” can more easily become “Mark Johnson: Academic & Business Proofreader.”

The important thing here is to leave room for your business to grow, but not at the risk of over-generalizing.

Making the Final Decision

With our tips in mind, go back to your list (which may now have quite a few more ideas!). You should now be able to narrow it down to a few options that hit the right criteria for your business.

The final decision, though, can be a balancing act between searchability and memorability. A really distinctive and memorable name may be missing those essential SEO keywords that potential clients will be searching for. But a name that clearly states the services you offer could be lost among similar businesses.

Use the above tips as a broad guide for generating ideas; you don’t have to implement them all at once! Sometimes it’s better to have something that sticks in people’s minds than something very wordy that highlights every single one of your services, values, and specialisms.

Ultimately, the name you choose depends on what’s best for you and your business goals, and what you most want to communicate about your services.

Becoming A Proofreader

Are you looking to start a new proofreading career? Look no further! Our Becoming A Proofreader course teaches you everything you need to know. Plus you can try it for free.

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How to Create a Proofreading Portfolio for Your Website Dealing with Difficult Proofreading Situations 5 Tips on How to Find Work as a Proofreader