Okay all of my much more creative than me readers…
Here’s the deal…
Earlier in the year I participated in a “Blog Idol” for this real estate training I went to. The name of my blog “The Real Estate Jumble” wasn’t winning any awards with any of the judges. In fact they thought the name of it stunk so…I still can’t come up with a super cool name for my blog…so I am giving you all a challenge. And like all challenges…I offer rewards!
So in the comment section write down your ideas for a super cool name for my Salem Oregon real estate blog. Whoever comes up with a great name for my blog will get a $50 gift certificate to the restaurant of your choice.
So…I expect to see some comments people.
Are you wanting 1) professional 2) serious 3) name recognition 4) city specific 5) catchy or??? I did a google search when I chose my name to see what words came up the most and it was very city specific. I also have done google webmaster searches and again it’s very city specific on my blogs – some cities more popular in searches obviously than others. I read an article lately that said the name of the city you are promoting or working in should always be included in the title….I know all this doesn’t help with “the name” you are wanting as suggestions, however I’ll keep thinking….and if I can think of anything that isn’t outright boring – will let you know. Good Luck…I named mine after a series of children’s books…the ALL ABOUT series.
Betty the judges from Blog Idol thought the name of my blog wasn’t catchy enough. You know the NY real estate blog is “Curbed.” They just felt I needed a catchier name.
I like the name. When I google it, your site is on top. My only concern is if someone misspells it like “reel estate” or they think that it’s “real estate jungle” The name is interesting and is a good description for the fun and honest information that the reader will get when they go to the site.
Hmmm…I kind of like the Real Estate Jungle. Kind of appropriate for our current real estate market. My tag line could be “It’s a jungle out there!”
Well Melina, who the heck are the Blog Idols anyway – never heard of them. If you wanted to change it in some way, the only thing I would add is Salem somewhere…name recognition, city recognition and all that – otherwise I’d leave it – I think it’s great! And, you’re right – it is a jungle out there!! If you change now, Google would have to start all over with love link, google juice or whatever they call it.
Betty it’s funny because every so far has told me to leave it. The Blog Idols were David Gibbons from Zillow, Brad Carroll from Dakno, Lorelle on WP, and someone from Trulia whose name is escaping me right now…
It was a thing they did at the REBarCamp they held in Portland.
Hi Melina,
I agree with the blog Idol people. The name right now isn’t particularly memorable. I read you every week and I couldn’t remember your blog’s name until I looked it up. And when I did look it up, I thought the name –jumble– sent the wrong message (disorganization.) You are very organized and meticulous in your work approach, so the name does you a disservice. I also don’t think losing the current brand (real estate jumble) is that much of a loss. While it’s true that it appears early in the google results for “real estate jumble”, it doesn’t really appear in results that marginal customers would be searching for. If they knew to search for “real estate jumble” then they’re at a place where the name won’t make much difference in attracting marginal readers anyway.
I was always partial to the SF chronicle’s real estate column: Surreal Estate. Is there a way you can play with that? What about Estate Sale? Or what about illiteration … Salem Signposts? Smoke Signals? Willamette wisdom? I might shy away from Willamette in the name since out-of-towners might not think to search that term.
What about real estate titles? Escrow? Curb appeal? The house whisperer? Closing? Dealmakers?
Justin it’s funny you mention the house whisperer because I looked into that right after the Blog Idol, but 4 people already use it so domain use would be a problem.
The SF column name is what they want me to get. A real estate related name that is catchy…I’ve spent some time playing with words, but can’t come up with anything I like. Hence my contest. I do want to stay away from Willamette since relocating folks might not know that is the name of the valley.
I might have to play around with Estate Sale…those are words I haven’t messed around with yet.
Coming Home
Going Home
I’m putting Joe on this task – he loves to create jingles and slogans (why we didn’t do better on our company name I don’t know). Plus he loves to eat . . .
couple quick questions – first of all changing the name would not change your url would it…. you don’t want to start all that over – changing the name – just do a redirect – just my thought…
One of the things I like about you and your blog is yous speak the truth and not the fluff – so – maybe “Truth Be Told” Salem|Keizer Real Estate facts –
My creative mind is not functioning -so I will stop – but – remember change does not mean starting over….
No Thesa, my URL would stay the long crazy SEO thing that it is. This would be on my literature, business cards and such and would just be a redirect or a mask.
I like the idea of “No fluff real estate” aspect. Have to think about that.
Margaret, Tell Joe to create a name for me. I’d love to give $50 away because I’m tired of trying to think of something myself.
I’ve been thinking about this with Tamara and I like Thesa’s comment about using “truth”. I’m trying to think of something catchy to go with that, but only have “The Truth About Salem Real Estate”. Wish I could think of something catchier.
Salem Real Estate Rag
Salem’s Talk Of The Town
Salem Real Estate Report
Melina’s Salem Real Estate Report
Salem Real Estate Snaphot
Salem’s Real Estate Truth Be Told
Salem Real Estate Critique
The Greek origin of your name, Melina, means “honey” (of course you knew).
The obscured meaning of the word “bee” is a social gathering, activity or event, almost always associated with a spelling bee. Combining the two images …
The Salem Selling Bee
Dropping the “p” nuances the word visually but doesn’t confuse the consumer. It also allows for quite a few creative angles without referring to yourself as “honey” but still creating a positive brand and the image of a flying bee is generic enough not to infringe upon copyright.
Andrew
Andrew I knew if I posted this on Facebook you’d come up with something totally originally. Melina is actually my middle name and my first name is one of the Greek Muse’s…of tragedy…What were my parents thinking?
Andrew I knew if I posted this on Facebook you’d come up with something totally original. Melina is actually my middle name and my first name is one of the Greek Muse’s…of tragedy…What were my parents thinking?
Your first name is “Melpomene?” Holy Ouzo! Keep the website’s current name. You have other issues, kid 😉
Thanks Andrew…I’m headed off to my shrink right now…there is a reason why I use Melina…
Maureen I’ll write a post when it gets worked out.
I can’t wait to see what the blog’s name is.