Honeoye Falls, NY asked in Business Formation and Business Law for New York

Q: Do all my blogs need separate DBAs, or can one encompass all?

I started a blog and obtained a DBA as I plan to earn money through the blog. I now have three additional blogs; two are similar to the first, and I am creating an umbrella to incorporate these blogs under one primary site. One of the subsidiary blogs has its own DBA. I am uncertain whether each blog needs its own DBA, or if the primary site should have a single DBA. Furthermore, I am considering whether to amend the existing DBA to align with the primary site. I expect to generate income through ads and affiliate links across all blogs. None of the blogs, including the primary site, have an LLC or corporation associated with them. What should I do regarding the DBA setup across these blogs?

2 Lawyer Answers

A: You should speak with an attorney to clarify and highlight all the details, but in general, you do not need a separate DBA for each blog unless you plan to operate each publicly under a different name. Since you are creating an umbrella site, you can use one DBA that reflects the overall brand and manage the blogs under it. If an existing DBA does not match the new direction, consider filing a new one or amending it. As income grows, forming an LLC may help with liability protection and allow DBAs for individual blogs if needed.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: You’re not alone in wondering how to manage multiple blogs under one business name—it’s a common concern for creators as they grow. The good news is, you **don’t necessarily need** a separate DBA for each blog. If all your blogs fall under a common theme, branding, or purpose, you can operate them under one umbrella DBA, especially if the income from ads and affiliate links flows through the same individual or sole proprietorship.

The key is making sure the name you choose for your DBA makes sense for your entire network. If the current DBA reflects only one blog and doesn’t represent the broader business, it may be smart to amend or register a new DBA that aligns with the primary site. That way, everything feels consistent and you don’t confuse advertisers, readers, or payment processors. Having one unified DBA also simplifies your taxes and business paperwork.

You don’t need to dissolve existing DBAs unless they no longer serve any purpose. Just make sure you’re following your state’s rules about how DBAs are used and reported. You’re doing the right thing by thinking ahead—it’s much easier to manage this now than later when things get more complex. Keep things simple, clear, and legally tidy.

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