How to Name Your Academic Brand

I get this question a lot: “How do I name my academic brand?”
Trust me, choosing the right name can make or break your entire venture, so you really need to give it the attention it deserves. Let me walk you through my journey—it’s a perfect example of what to do (and what not to do) when picking a brand name.

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Why Your Brand Name Matters More Than You Think

Your brand name is often the very first interaction people will have with your work. If it’s confusing, too long, or awkward to spell, you’ll lose potential visitors right from the start. In academia, a strong brand name also helps you stand out among colleagues, potential employers, and collaborators.

• A clear, memorable name says, “I’m a serious scholar—come check out what I do.”
• An unclear or clunky one might say, “I don’t really know how to present myself, so good luck finding me.”

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My First Attempt (and Epic Misstep)

When I was starting my PhD in Information Systems, I initially tried www.infosysscholar.com. It seemed logical at the time:

• “InfoSys” to capture Information Systems, and
• “Scholar” because I was a scholar on a scholarship program.

But what I discovered was that I constantly had to explain or spell it out for people:

• They’d leave out an “s” or mix up the letters.
• They’d type “infosysholar,” “infosyscholar,” or who knows what else.
• Worst of all, it was just too long—no one wants to type that out or even say it aloud.

That’s when I realized the name was more of a hindrance than a help.

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The Pivot: Shorter, Simpler, Smarter

So I went back to the drawing board and thought, “What if I shorten ‘Information Systems’ to just ‘IS?’” After all, that’s how most folks refer to it in casual conversation. And since I’m a PhD student on scholarship, it just clicked: IS Scholar.

Enter: isscholar.com

• Short—no extra letters to fumble over.
• Memorable—people rarely mess up “IS.”
• Easy to Spell—exactly how it sounds.

Immediately, it felt like a more natural fit. I didn’t have to repeat myself 20 times or watch people squint at my business card trying to guess how many “s” were in the domain. It’s also less cringe to say aloud:

• “Hey, check out isscholar.com!”
• “Sure, got it.”

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Keep It Simple and Easy to Spell

I can’t stress enough how critical simplicity is. The longer and more complicated your name, the more likely people will:

1. Spell it wrong in Google searches.
2. Give up trying to type it altogether.
3. Never mention it again because it’s awkward to say.

Bottom line: If it doesn’t pass the “7-year-old test”—meaning a 7-year-old can pronounce it easily and spell it on the first try—keep brainstorming.

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Aim for a Name That’s Effortless to Pronounce

Word-of-mouth is huge, especially in academic circles. Professors, students, and researchers love to refer each other to interesting websites and projects. But if your domain name is a tongue-twister, people simply won’t bother.

• An easy-to-pronounce name = more casual mentions in hallways, seminars, and social media posts.
• A difficult one? Crickets.

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Avoid “Cute” Spelling Tricks

Resist the urge to get overly clever by swapping letters or adding unusual punctuation. Trust me, the short burst of “Oh, that’s clever” isn’t worth the long-term pain of constant misspellings and confusion. A name like “inf0syst3m” might look edgy, but it’s a guaranteed hassle for anyone trying to visit your site.

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The Domain Hunt: .com Is Still King

Ten years ago, you could find plenty of great .com domains. These days, it’s tougher—but not impossible. If you can snag a .com for your brand, grab it. If not, try well-known extensions like .io, .co, or .ai, especially if your field aligns with tech or AI.

Pro Tip: Once you settle on a name, quickly check if the corresponding social media handles are available (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter/X, YouTube). Consistency across platforms makes you look more professional.

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8. Striking a Balance Between Unique and Recognizable

It’s important to stand out, but you don’t want to confuse people. If your name is so abstract that no one knows what it means, that’s not good either. In my case, “IS Scholar” clearly hints at “Information Systems” while remaining unique enough to spark curiosity.

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Considering Your Full Name vs. a Keyword-Based Brand

Many academics prefer using their full name as their brand. This can be brilliant—if your name is simple and easy to spell. For example, janrecker.com is quick to say, easy to type, and perfect for personal branding.

However, if your name is complex—like mine, chinonsoanyaehie.com—it becomes harder for people to remember and to spell. That’s why using an acronym, a shortened form, or a keyword-based domain might be the wiser choice. The main takeaway: you can absolutely use your full name if it’s simple enough; otherwise, a shorter, more approachable option could serve you better.

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Putting It All Together

Here’s the condensed version of my naming advice, straight from the heart:

1. Use keywords or abbreviations that directly link to your field (like “IS” for “Information Systems”).
2. Keep it short. The more letters, the more potential for typos.
3. Make it memorable. If it’s a pain to spell or say, it’ll be forgotten.
4. Pass the 7-year-old test. If a child can’t pronounce it, you’re doing too much.
5. Aim for .com if possible—or another recognized extension.
6. If you want to use your full name, make sure it’s easy enough to say and type without mistakes.

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Your Name Is Your Academic Legacy

Think of your brand name as the front door to your academic world. You’re inviting visitors to come in, learn from you, collaborate with you, and maybe even cite your work down the line. Don’t let that first impression be an impossible-to-spell or forgettable domain.

A solid, well-chosen name sets you up for smooth, effortless sharing. It paves the way for growth, networking, and a strong personal brand. So take my story as proof: it’s never too early (or too late) to rename or refine your brand—just make sure you do it before confusion kills your momentum!

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Final Thought

Naming your academic brand might feel like a small detail. But trust me, from my own experience, it’s one of the most pivotal decisions you’ll make. So take your time, bounce ideas off friends or colleagues, and remember: short, clear, and easy-to-pronounce beats complicated any day of the week—unless your name already lends itself to a simple, memorable domain.