Can You Really Make $300/Week By Naming Things Online?
Yes—you absolutely can. Professional namers are in high demand by startups, solopreneurs, ecommerce businesses, and app developers who struggle to name their brand or product. Whether it’s a catchy podcast title, a powerful brand name, or a sleek modern domain, names matter tremendously for business success. With the rise of remote work, freelancing platforms, and AI tools, there’s never been a better time to turn your naming talent into a profitable side hustle that generates consistent extra income.
TL;DR: How to Make $300/Week by Naming Things
- You don’t need a special degree: Just creativity, marketing sense, and smart research.
- Earning potential is real: $10–$200 per name depending on client and platform.
- Low investment side hustle: You can start for free with nothing but a notebook and internet access.
- Find gigs on platforms: Explore naming contests, freelance marketplaces, and cold email strategies.
- Boost your success: Use tools like domain checkers, AI idea generators, and naming frameworks.
- It’s scalable: Start part-time, build credibility, and expand into brand strategy or domain flipping for passive income.
Why Naming Things Is a Legit Side Hustle
Let’s call it what it is—naming things is the unsung hero of marketing. Without a good name, even the best ideas fade into the digital shadows. Think about your favorite companies, apps, or YouTubers. Their names stick with you. That’s the invisible magic of a great namer working behind the scenes.
As someone who’s launched multiple online businesses, I’ve paid others for naming help when creativity ran dry. On the flip side, I’ve made real money brainstorming names for others. It’s a skill powered by perception, creativity, audience psychology, and clever wordplay that can generate substantial extra income.
Here’s what makes this such an attractive side hustle for anyone looking to make money from home:
- It taps into creative energy—perfect if writing or ideation comes naturally to you.
- Most naming gigs are short-form projects—ideal if you only have a few hours per week.
- Opportunities are diversifying rapidly—thanks to ecommerce growth, the creator economy, and startup culture.
Where to Find Paid Naming Opportunities
Here’s where this side hustle really gets exciting. There isn’t one path to success—there are many ways to generate extra income through naming.
| Source | Type of Work | Average Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Naming Contests (e.g., Squadhelp, Namestation) | Submit multiple name ideas for active contests | $50–$300 per selected name |
| Freelance Marketplaces (e.g., Fiverr, Upwork) | Project-based naming for startups, apps | $30–$150 per gig |
| Direct Outreach | Pitching name packages to creators/startups | $100+$ per client |
| Domain Flipping | Create valuable names as domains and resell | $100–$1000+/domain |
Pro Tip: Combine naming + domain flipping for long-term passive income. Buy domain versions of your best name ideas, then list them on marketplace platforms while still submitting them to contests or offering to clients directly.
How to Get Good at Naming Things (Even as a Beginner)
Every profitable side hustle has a skill curve. The good news? This one’s more about pattern recognition than professional credentials. Here’s how every beginner can improve quickly and start earning extra income:
- Study successful brand names: Why does Google work? Why is “Slack” memorable? Deconstruct what makes names sticky and relevant to target audiences.
- Follow proven naming frameworks: Acronym-based, phonetic blends, emotional triggers—learn the common formulas that convert.
- Use AI name idea tools: Allow technology to spark your creativity. Combine AI-generated ideas with your unique creative twist.
- Keep a daily swipe file: Anytime a name catches your attention—write it down. Successful patterns emerge fast.
- Understand the client’s WHY: Ask what mood, style, or future vision they associate with their brand. Designing names to match specific outcomes wins more gigs.
Cost Guide: What You Need to Start as a Professional Namer
| Item | Description | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance Profile Setup | Creating profiles on naming marketplaces | $0 |
| Naming Tools or AI Generators | (Optional) subscription-based name tools | $0–$29/month |
| Domain Registration for Flipping | Buying.com version of your best names | $10–$20/domain |
| Portfolio Website (Optional) | Showcase past names, testimonials | $0–$100/year |
This is genuinely one of the rare side hustle ideas with low investment requirements that still offers meaningful earning potential and the possibility of passive income through domain flipping.
How to Increase Your Earnings and Get Repeat Clients
Turning this from occasional gigs into a reliable $300/week (or more) side hustle requires smart positioning. Here’s what works in practice for maximizing your extra income:
- Bundle your services: Offer 3–5 name ideas + domain availability check + tagline options in one comprehensive package.
- Build a Quick Portfolio: Create a Google Doc featuring 10 fictional businesses and your name creations. Instant credibility booster.
- Follow Up With Every Past Client: Ask if they need help with new products, services, or sub-brands. Repeat business is the key to consistent income.
- Create a simple website to showcase your naming style, successful ideas, and contact information.
- Always ask for testimonials to use on future bids or freelance platform profiles.
This is where most beginners stop—but if you push just a little further, you’ll stand out quickly. Once clients know you understand their voice and brand vision, they’ll return for more projects, creating a steady stream of extra income.
Is This Really Passive Income?
If you’re solely doing custom naming work for clients—no, that’s active income. You trade time for money. But you can design your naming side hustle to create genuine passive income streams:
- Domain flipping: Buy domains for strong unused names and list them passively on marketplaces.
- Brand name store: Create and sell ready-made name + domain + tagline bundles on digital storefronts.
- Affiliate partnerships: Recommend naming tools or AI platforms to clients for ongoing commission income.
That’s how I evolved my earnings from sporadic $50 contest wins to consistent cash flow that continues even while traveling or focusing on other projects.
Final Thoughts: Making Naming Your Signature Side Hustle
This side hustle doesn’t require coding skills, extremely long hours, or massive financial risk. Just a name-savvy mind and proven strategies for finding clients. You can absolutely make $300 a week doing this work—and in many cases, significantly more as you build your reputation. With just a few focused hours each week, you can become the creative mind behind countless brands your clients never forget. Once you land your first few wins and start building passive income through domain flipping, you’ll never look at blank business cards the same way again.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can anyone become a professional namer?
- Yes. While marketing knowledge helps, the core skills are creativity, empathy, and curiosity.
- How do I price my naming services?
- Start around $30-$100 per project. Over time, increase based on demand, complexity, and included services.
- Is naming oversaturated?
- No. While more people are joining, businesses are being created daily. Unique voices still stand out.
- Can I use AI to help me name ideas?
- Absolutely. AI is great for brainstorming. Refine and humanize the best ideas for clients.
- Do I need a website to get started?
- No, but having a portfolio helps establish credibility and win higher-paying clients.
- What makes a good name?
- It’s relevant, easy to remember, emotionally resonant, and creatively distinct.
- How fast can I begin earning?
- You can start in a few days by signing up for naming contests or pitching freelance gigs.