A thought has been bothering me for more than a week now and I am asking myself the same question over and over again - Should I or should I not? When I started the blog in Jan 2011, it was not really thought through. I didn’t know any blogger, didn’t know how huge the food community could be. I didn’t know if I would even enjoy blogging. It was a decision made one afternoon after a long chat with my friend who thought it would be a good idea to share recipes with friends. Eventually, it reached to the world and the blog became a very important part of my life. I love every bit of it!
So, what am I confused about? The name - ‘Sunshine and Smile’. I decided it over a cup of coffee. It was that quick! I liked the name and I still like it but now I feel my blog needs a different name, a more specific meaningful name, something not so generic that can at times be confused with dentist or florist.
Changing blog name would mean changing domain. There are certain amounts of risk involved in it. I know! I spoke to my friends about it. Some feel very positive about it and few others said they would miss this name cause they liked it so much. They could relate it to me. I am so confused right now and even though I strongly feel the blog needs a new name, I am not sure.
Please help me with your thoughts. Should I or should I not? This blog would be absolutely nothing without you guys. Your input matters to me, a lot! If you have gone through any such change with your blog or website, please share your experience with me. It would be very helpful. You can also contact me here!
dixya
no wonder why I was getting little confused when I stopped by at your blog today. I will come to your space regardless of the name 🙂 you are too inspirational
Ingrid
Hi Kankana! I just started following your blog and made one your recipes: chana chola! I must say you did bring Sunshine & Smiles to me with this recipe b/c I live in Naples, FL and there aren't any Indian restaurants here! For this reason alone I love your current name, but I can understand your need to change it to something that reflects you better, I think your readers will follow you anywhere! I do have a question: I'm a novice cook and this was my first Indian dish. I felt the recipe needed a bit of sugar (I prefer mild over spicy) and ended up adding a tbs of brown sugar and a tbs of tomato paste and that hit the spot (maybe my raw tomato was not very sweet?). In any case, is there anything else I should have done to create that ying/yang and add a sweeter mellow flavor? BTW, I had my chana with an onion/herb foccacia that I got at Whole Foods...talk about delicious!!! Thank you in advance for any tips you can give me!
jehanne
I just came across your FB page on this, and thought since I am relatively new to your site ( where have I been all this time!!), just to add in my thoughts- I love Sunshine and Smile! It brings out such positive note whenever I type your blog name and I can tell you how positivity is needed especially on bad days! I relate S&S to your beautiful pictures, bright, colourful and full of flavour.
Having said that, have u thought of trademarking your blog name? bcoz in long run it might be helpful if you think it is too generic now, tho I am sure a lot of ppl have already associated the name with Kankana:-)
IshitaUnblogged
You should not. Once a baby is christened, the baby's character and personality transfuses itself into the name. I never confused your blogname to a dentist or a florist. Everytime I saw a picture of your food, it brought a lot of sunshine and smile into my life. This has shaped your blog. People who don't succeed change their names (don't get me wrong). Your blog has reached wherever it has reached with this name and it's beautiful - the logo, your fonts - just everything. Changing the name is not going to achieve more milestones. Saveur recognised your blog with this name. Your readers recognise your blog and appreciates the content with this name. Probably the tagline could be changed, not because of what it says but because it could incorporate what you want it to say.
My reply is probably too late... I didn't realise what your post was hinting at. I'm sad that you've decided to change it's name. This however is my personal opinion.
Nik@ABrownTable
It's crossed my mind to perhaps change the name of my blog. I love the name of your blog as it is but beyond the SEO issues and other complexities, if it really makes you happy you should change it. This is your creative space and you should do what you want to do! Either way, I know I will always visit it 🙂
sanghamitra
They say (what's in a name).'Apple' was named out of nothing...does it tell u it deals with electronics? if you like the present name stick with it..I bet the name will not stop its growth...You are the creator of this and have full rights to decide on its name:)..keep smiling!
Mallika
I went through the same emotions as you are right now a couple of years ago. My blog was relatively new and called Go Veg (my old photos have that copywrite watermark too!), which was deceptive, since my blog did not intend to persuade or influence people to live a vegetarian lifestyle. I took a wise decision to change it and really think Veg Bowl is far better than the former name. Although, there's never an element of satisfaction and a feeling that there could have been a better one! 🙂
Anyways, I know Kankana changing name is really a tough decision to take, especially since most of the us associate with you by that name. Sunshine and Smile is you and just you! But really, one of the things you should ponder is if you like the current name yourself or not, or if you can put up with the same name for the years to come? At later stage it would get really tough to change the name, in case you intend to do then. And if you plan to change now, then do it right away and cautiously with a name you'll love to be with forever. Considering the popularity you'll gain in the years to come and the number of readers you'll add to your blog, don't worry about the lingering issues associated with the change. Decide for the best. Opinions on one side are great, but then decisions taken personally, with wit and intuition will go a long long way. So if your heart says change, and you feel so strongly convicted about it, then I say go ahead. Worry not about your current readers, since we'll still follow you no matter whatever name you decide upon.
Pia
Decisions, decisions, Kankana 🙂 But you know, if you finally decide on a change, I'm sure your new name will be as much a reflection of your personality as this is, because it'll come from you. And then suddenly, it'll resonate with everyone here who know you and know your blog. Can't wait to see what you do 🙂
nipponnin
Your blog name is sooo you! I like it very much. So full of energy and positive feeling whenever I hear or see the title. But the decision is up to you and I wish you the best! I think you're awesome blogger!
I'm so jealous that Nami already met you in person, LOL.
Ritu
I think the name 'sunshine & smile' does resonate with a dental clinic or a kids spa, but it also reflects the imagery on your blog. If you're worried about it not pointing to 'food', maybe you can start another blog with a new name which suggests food. You could post only about Food in your new blog & let this one be for your photography & travels. Just follow your heart...the rest WILL follow! 🙂
Hope that helps!
Cheers!
Lizzy (Good Things)
Your blog name is quite lovely....
Eha
If it ain't broke don't fix it!!!! I oft open your new blog first BECAUSE of the happy name!!!
Archana
I love your blog name 'sunshine and smile'...it is unique; the first thought that comes to mind is 'fresh', 'bright' and 'happy'. At times, 'obvious' blog names are boring! I have always pondered over changing my blog's name since the first thing that comes up in search is the popular food tv show. It's a tough decision. Although, you need not worry about the traffic/visitors....we'll follow your gorgeous blog...whatever name who choose to keep! 🙂