Practical Sales Training™ > How To Lose The Sale> Bad Filenames
Bad Filenames Are Bad Business
The invisible damage of careless naming — and how to fix it.
What is it?
Bad filenames are more than just sloppy admin.
They’re silent sales killers.
When you send a document titled Final_V2_USE_THIS_NOW.pdf or add a client to a mailing list labelled “Unresponsive Leads,” you’re not just being disorganised — you’re broadcasting it.
Bad filenames and lazy list names tell your client:
-
You didn’t prepare properly.
-
You’re not thinking about them.
-
You treat everyone the same.
-
You don’t take pride in your process.
And that’s a problem. Because clients notice.
Even if they don’t say a word — they’re silently judging your professionalism and deciding whether to trust you.
How does it work?
Every time you send, share, or store something with a careless name, you chip away at your credibility.
Here’s how bad filenames work against you:
-
Clients open a proposal called
Template Copy 2 - John edit maybe final.pdf— and instantly question how “custom” your service really is. -
You share a file from Google Drive titled
Random_Notes_From_Meeting— and the client wonders if you were even paying attention. -
You email a group tagged as “Dormant/Dead Leads” — and someone sees that tag in the footer or unsubscribe settings.
It’s not just untidy — it’s unprofessional.
It creates doubt. It signals chaos.
And it makes clients feel like a number, not a priority.
How can you use it?
You fix it by naming with care, consistency, and consideration.
1. Name it like they’ll see it — because they will.
Even internal names get exposed. Think shared links, file previews, mailing list footers, CRM merge fields… it all leaks out.
2. Make filenames client-friendly and brand-respectful.
Use formats like:
-
-
Proposal – [Client Name] – [Service] – [Date].pdf -
Welcome Pack – [Brand Name].pdf -
Active Clients – Engagement Campaign
-
These don’t just look better — they feel better.
3. Treat naming as part of the customer experience.
Because it is.
A well-named file says “I’m organised. I respect your time. I value your business.”
A badly named one says the opposite.
Final Thought
Bad filenames make a bad impression.
They don’t just make you look unprofessional — they make your client feel unimportant.
And nobody buys from someone who makes them feel insignificant.
The good news?
This is one of the easiest wins you can get.
Name things better, and your business will look better, feel better, and convert better — instantly.
Example
This person has taken the time to complain about an email list name on LinkedIn – why? Because it made him feel like just another number and not a respected, individual potential buyer.
See also
