Chapter 5: How to name your TpT store
(back to Build a TpT Store)
Your store name is going to be used everywhere in your business (email address, social media, copyright on your resources, etc.) Most importantly, it’s how people will find you on TpT.
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Ideas for your store name
1. Your name
Your first and last name will work really well!
You can also have another store name, then add your first and last name to the back of it.
2. Your last name
The formula usually goes ‘Title’ + ‘Last Name’ + ‘Something Else’. E.g. Miss Taylor’s Classroom, Mrs Lee’s Teaching Resources.
3. The grade level you are teaching
Something like First Grade Mayhem, or Kindergarten Pumpkins.
Just beware that this might be limiting if you plan on expanding your store to other grades in the future.
4. Your niche/subject/topic in your store name
That would be something like Coffee and Crafts, or Besties Math Games.
5. Your title + personality
Examples:
- The No-Nonsense Math Teacher
- The Dapper Librarian
- The Laid-Back Science Teacher
6. Your location
Are you in a small town? Mountains? City? Near a lake? River? Classroom number?
You can work those into your store name in a creative way!
7. A pun
I have no examples because I’m not so great with puns…
8. A name that reflects your convictions
Teaching Precious Kiddos.
9. A name that you simply love
Pass the Coffee? Fueled by Pumpkin Spice?
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Due Diligence
1. Make sure your chosen store name is still available on TpT
Available
Do a thorough search on google and TpT to be sure the name has not already been taken by someone else.
Not too similar
If there is a store called ‘Apples and Oranges, avoid calling your store ‘Oranges and Apples’, especially if that other store is already very established.
2. Check if the email address is available.
Having an email address just for your TpT store is a great idea (see next chapter).
As time goes by, you might find yourself checking your TpT email much more frequently than your personal email!
3. Make sure the store name is available on the social media platforms (that you plan to use).
You can start your social media accounts first even if you won’t be posting anything for awhile.
And you don’t have to get ALL the social media platforms out there, just the ones that you think will work for you. Pinterest (technically not social media) is one you definitely want to make sure is available.
4. Check if the domain name (web address) is available.
Domain name is a slight dilemma, because it does a cost little to ‘rent/reserve’ the web address.
If you plan to start blogging for your store right away (not necessary), you can just get your domain name right away.
If not, you have to weigh the cost of ‘reserving’ the domain name, versus the risk of someone else taking it while you are unaware.
5. Make sure your TpT store name does not infringe on any copyright or trademark.
That means you cannot use any movie/TV/cartoon characters or brands in your store name.
Even if you see another store name that clearly borrows from another brand, it doesn’t mean you should do it.
You run the risk of being sued, or you might be requested to change your name (i.e. updating and re-uploading all your resources with a new name, plus explaining to all your customers).
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The Brain Dump + Sleep On It Process
Here’s one way to come up with a name if you are still unsure.
1. Brain Dump the night before
- Last thing before bed, grab a pen and paper, or type on your phone.
- Set a timer for 10 minutes.
- Write any and every name that comes to mind. Write them down even if they sound stupid to you.
- After 10 minutes, set it aside and go to bed. You don’t have to make any decision yet.
2. Go to bed
- Turn off, shut down, and have a good night’s sleep.
3. Free write first thing in the morning
- First thing in the morning, set the timer for 10 minutes
- Write more names and have faith that some gold will fall out of you.
- Stop after 10 minutes.
4. Pick the best option(s) so far.
- Of the names you’ve written, circle your top 3 choices.
- If you already found a winner, make sure you do all the due diligence to confirm the name.
- If not, just pick the top 3 and go about your day.
5. Revisit at the end of day
- When the day has concluded, look at your top 3 choices again. Which one do you like to most?
- If you are still not sure, repeat steps 1 to 4 again, or run your options by friends and family to see their reactions (only go to the supportive ones, avoid those who tend to subtly put you down).
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Chapter 5 Actions Steps
- Decide on your store name!
- Go through all the due diligence.
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