Shop name vs website domain name

[MagnoliaStudioArt]

Hi all,

I have been on the fence with regards to the Pattern website. After reading thru your helpful posts I have decided to opt in to Pattern. I do have a question regarding shop name/domain name. When I started my business, Magnolia Studio Designs, that name was not available on Etsy - I had to go with Magnolia Studio Art (don't like it much, but it is what it is lol). When I purchase my domain name, I want to use Magnolia Studio Designs, just not sure if that would be confusing to customers and in search. I sell printable event stationery and on all of my items I have - Magnolia Studio Designs with the website magnoliastudioart.etsy.com.

What are your thoughts? Not sure which way to go and would like advice from seasoned Pattern users.

Thanks,
Debbie

[AtMemoryLane]

Well, I went thru the same thing when I first started w etsy.  The name I wanted was taken...so I ended up w AtMemoryLane.  Since then, I have been on other sites and have wanted to "brand" myself, so I kept the name.  When I started with pattern, I continued with the same name.

Personally, I think it is easier for your clients if you keep the same name...but since both of your names have "magnolia studio" in them, it may not be such a big deal.  I actually like the magnolia studio art better for two reasons:  [1]  magnolia studio art is shorter than magnolia studio designs and [2] if someone is looking for you and you have the name of magnolia studio designs...if that someone only puts in magnolia studio design they may not find you.  Remember that computers are stupid.

This is my two cents.

And welcome to the pattern world.

[funkydreamsmosaics]

My suggestion is pick the domain name that will suit you long term.

If you are dabbling on Pattern and you like Etsy and can't imagine leaving, then you might want your domain to match your Etsy shop.

If you are expanding on Pattern with the thoughts that you can expand further, or if you otherwise think you might leave Etsy at some point, then you might want to select your domain based on your long term goals and use your full company name.

Or perhaps use just "magnoliastudio".  Less typing means less chance of typos.  🙂

Another 2 cents for you.

[MagnoliaStudioArt]

My intent is to keep my Etsy shop but also branching out. I like the built in traffic opportunity with Etsy but I also want to have an email list and a blog connected to my shop. With Pattern, I can have everything I need for now, and be able to sync my listings.

Although I prefer "Magnolia Studio Designs", I think for business purposes it is best to stick with "Magnolia Studio Art".

Thank you both for your input!