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Side Notes
The blog version of every private convo I’ve had with friends who've texted, “What about ____?” Is that a good name?”
Hello, my name is:
Katie with the good names
The “with the good names” is silent, but implied.
As a naming expert by trade, and a creative writer by nature, I know exactly how to turn what you’re called into what you’re known for.
For the past 8 years, I’ve worked as a copywriter and have built a reputation for words that are just as clever as they are effective. My work has generated $1M+ in email revenue for a single client, appeared on award-winning wellness products, and helped founders find their voice again.
And in the last 2 years since founding 26&thensome, I’ve named brands, bands, baby and beauty products – and that’s just my B-list!
*
K
![I is for If/Then
This one is for the people who want to name their thing *for* their people.�
It’s this simple:
If my people are into [insert weirdly specific thing],�then the name should feel like [insert unexpected vibe].
After that, decide on a tone word to describe your if/then.
Then make a list of single words that fit the tone. Repeat. So, round 2 would be 2 tone words, and 2 word combos. Go until 4 tone words and 4 word combos.
Here’s an example so you don’t overthink this:
If my people are into slow, minimal morning routines,�then the name should feel like choosing yourself before checking your email.
The tone here feels grounded.
So here are some of my one word wonders: still, whisper, always, hush, prelude.
Two tone words: grounded, lyrical.
Two word combos: me first, before them, soft boundaries, only always
See?](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/488217639_18032261684635771_8301651091444165714_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=rsAN6NpfndcQ7kNvwGsvweQ&_nc_oc=Adlo6ivAUEZ3t5I3oeWew0vRLmbkHBAaCE5wpXwluMkhTBzgaw6bimb0mc204KB0f7E&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=vbRZBBbcxpdY4eEdz5VRDw&oh=00_AfF3867ZXMNtOJlvt4y8m94ETnt_bDY6QbU-eY7WTCMNFA&oe=681081E9)
![R is for Roleplay
You have full permission to use AI for this one— I brought prompts!
TO BE CLEAR — We’re *not* using AI to come up with a name. We’re using it to get your brain unstuck by forcing you to explain, defend, or rethink your thing in ways you wouldn’t on your own. “Verbally” process to see what words, phrases, descriptions bubble up. You may land on a name afterward, or a tagline, or new copy!
I like to run through 3 scenarios: talking to your harshest critic, your yes-man best friend, and a parent who doesn’t quite understand how you make money on the Internet.
AI is definitely the easiest way to roleplay (especially if you’re trying to keep your thing a secret until it launches), but you could if you borrow a person IRL too.
Here are your prompts:
1. Harsh Critic:
AI Prompt: "Act as if you're my harshest critic, grilling me on [thing you’re naming]. Challenge every assumption. Tell me why it doesn’t stand out, why no one will care, and what makes it a dumb idea. Identify any weaknesses or negative associations. Be “relentless, but insightful. I need to see this from every angle.”
2. Yes-Man Best Friend:
AI Prompt: "Pretend you’re my best friend who thinks everything I do is GENIUS. Tell me why my [thing you’re naming] is the most exciting, brilliant, must-have idea ever. What makes it irresistible? What words come to mind when describing it? Make assumptions about its success and highlight its best features."
3. Perplexed Parent:
AI Prompt: “Act as my as my technologically-challenged parent who never quite understands what I do. Ask me basic, but confused questions about [the thing you're naming] to clarify its purpose and appeal. Force “me to explain it in the simplest way possible.](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/485120929_18030822563635771_1594399755830970539_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=nMM-8N0nee4Q7kNvwH98j3g&_nc_oc=Adl2sIqJyL9oZub-oWZq2PDp8k0wRuOTgnreGk6DAPMEsN4k5cE5tFrONykFlPGP_-w&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=vbRZBBbcxpdY4eEdz5VRDw&oh=00_AfFEFGZ9tffvW5f8lb6JGvhDmZgv-R5b2a5ujUqqM2_Oyw&oe=681083CE)
![T is for Time Travel
What would your brand be called in another decade? A throwback name can make anything feel nostalgic, timeless, or futuristic—depending on which era you borrow from.
The ‘50s trend was suffixes like “—omatic” and “—orama.”
The ‘60s was all very space agey and atomic.
Flash forward to the early 2000s when dropping vowels was the hot new thing, or adding “-ly.”
Then there was the era of [color][noun]…
How to time travel:
1. Cosplay as me! Go to a thrift store, antique store, yard sale or estate sale (like I do every single weekend) and notice the names of things. Old stuff = a naming time capsule
2. Study old ads and packaging — look for suffixes.
3. Google some forgotten words or slang. (Just look ‘em up on urban dictionary before you get attached because they might have new meaning since their original use…)](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/485128557_18030670289635771_3134685602885424824_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=vZjDhX2DGmkQ7kNvwHG10JI&_nc_oc=AdmrrHxIxLPbzlE1gdPOPzjPNNfkw7DhECfvK4ScuwZkYdrT2lXPWI089b5ysAaD7-w&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=vbRZBBbcxpdY4eEdz5VRDw&oh=00_AfGFBOyj0eIAvyX7ICEPprb5zPUMjDnA_EuGysPvQ-oUZg&oe=681098C5)
![Your newsletter needs a name for several reasons but here are a few:
☞ Because just asking people to “subscribe” to whatttt exactly??? is why your list isn’t growing.
☞ Your frenemies and distant relatives will be jealous to see [Your Newsletter Name Here] has a monthly readership of [obscenely high and cool number.]
☞ You could attract the attention of a PUBLISHER
☞ It's harder to quit when people know it by name (accountability is a blessing and a curse)
☞ You can put it on a mug (and write it off as business expense)
☞ It started its life as a newsletter, but might have a bright future in podcasting!
Comment "NAME" for my free How-To Guide!](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/483973869_18029971115635771_5714123445978720042_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=gszVE7zcnIwQ7kNvwGZLNJa&_nc_oc=AdkjFtzio7qyPgxwqsz8cxiXxwml1bT_wy5li2pxCUlsXgyU1hxiwmmIA0SlBnj0nqY&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=vbRZBBbcxpdY4eEdz5VRDw&oh=00_AfEGip87-9o4qXt021469BOJiWszZUeiNBUA06grimPTEA&oe=6810B486)
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