Naming your business or your brand could be more complicated than you think. You need to make it catchy, convey who you are and what you do, and stand the test of time. Amazon, Adidas, and McDonald’s are all catchy, and memorable. See how all these brand names are only 2-4 syllables each? This is because they are short, easy to spell, pronounce, and memorable.
So, how did they nail it? Don’t worry, we’ve got all your questions covered. What to do, what not to do, how long should it be, and does it need to be creative or technical? Let’s dive right in!
Whether you’re thinking of something short and punchy like Amazon or a name with a personal twist like Adidas, we are here to guide you through it all.
Ready to create a name that will stay in your consumers’ hearts? Let’s get started and have some fun along the way!
10 Foolproof Steps to Find Your Perfect Brand Name
Choosing your brand name is crucial when it comes to establishing your brand. A well-chosen name that has a ring to it can indeed make all the difference in how your brand is perceived.
So how exactly do you go through this process?
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Brainstorm Creative Ideas for Your Brand Name
Finding the perfect brand name requires creativity and a complete understanding of your business’s values and motives. Brainstorming is the first step in landing on the perfect name for your brand and you need to explore different ideas and concepts that align with your vision.
Do not be afraid to think out of the box here. Start thinking about the things that represent your brand. It might be its values, key themes, and its characteristics. Use word associations, puns, and even foreign languages to spark inspiration. The goal is to find a name that not only resonates with your audience but also stands out in the marketplace.
Here’s what you need to remember while you brainstorm a name:
- Keep your target audience in mind
- Make sure the name is memorable
- Ensure your brand’s name is easy to pronounce
- And finally, make sure it aligns with your brand’s characteristics
For example, take Nike. Initially, the company was founded as Blue Ribbon Sports. Long story short, the company was split up with its longtime partner, Onitsuka and was facing a rebrand. Finally, the company’s first full-time employee came up with Nike as a suggestion.
The transition to “Nike” occurred in 1971, just before the company introduced the famous Swoosh logo, designed by Carolyn Davidson.
Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike, and his team believed that the name would resonate with athletes and sports enthusiasts, symbolizing the triumph and competitive spirit they wanted their brand to represent
The name “Nike” is derived from Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. This choice reflects the brand’s ambition to embody success, athleticism, and excellence.
This name, combined with its innovative products and marketing strategies, helped Nike become the globally recognized and successful brand it is today.
Understand Your Brand’s Purpose and Values
Before you pick your brand’s name, make sure you have answered the ‘why’. Why does your brand exist? What drives it? What value are you adding to your customers? Answering the ‘whys’ adds depth to your brand’s name. It helps you choose a name that reflects your mission and connects with your audience on a deeper level.
Knowing your why can also help you create a name that tells a story, sparks curiosity, and ultimately becomes a symbol of your brand’s values and vision.
Keep Your Brand Name Short and Memorable
When you are choosing a brand name, remember that simplicity is the key. A short and sweet name can be easier to pronounce and remember for your audience rather than a complex name. Not only that, a complex or a longer name can also make it difficult for you to incorporate them in your logo and other promotional materials.
A shorter name can also increase your chances of facilitating word-of-mouth marketing. As you brainstorm for the perfect brand name, remember that a simple, easy-to-remember name increases your chances of creating a strong and lasting impression with your audience.
Do you notice how Uber is a short name? The name Uber is connected to providing an elevated experience. Initially, the brand was called Ubercab and the word Uber is derived from the German word “über,” meaning “over,” or “above”.
The choice of the name “Uber” reflects the company’s vision of offering a superior, more convenient transportation service compared to traditional taxis.
Check Availability of Your Domain Name
Online presence is key for any brand in this era. Therefore, you need to check if your brand’s domain name is available. This domain name will act as a gateway for your brand.
Therefore, before you finalize your brand’s name make sure the domain is available and doesn’t conflict with existing trademarks or businesses. Establishing a domain name can help you maintain a consistent online identity.
While choosing your domain name, you need to consider the audience and the market you are targeting and choose your domain extensions like .com, .in, .us, or .uk. The right domain name and extension will help your consumers trust your brand.
Craft a Compelling Story Behind Your Brand Name
You need to sell who you are to your audience! And for that, you need to weave a narrative for your brand and its name that resonates with them. Your brand name is more or less a title to a movie that your audience might or might not want to watch.
Your brand name should pique curiosity and invite people to explore further. Identify your brand’s core values, mission, and unique selling points and create a compelling story. What does your brand stand for? What do you hope to achieve? These elements form the foundation of your brand’s story.
You could also consider what led to the birth of your brand. Think about what inspired the brand’s name and share the backstory of the same. This will humanize your brand and help your audience connect with it better. For example, take Tom’s Shoes. Their “One for One” mission, where each purchase helps a person in need, has resonated deeply with consumers allowing the brand to connect with its audience.
Finally, consider how your brand story aligns with your overall marketing strategy. A well-crafted story can guide your content creation, advertising campaigns, and customer interactions. It should be consistent across all touchpoints, reinforcing the message behind your brand name and building recognition over time.
Ensure Your Brand Name Conveys What You Do
Finding the right name is just a part of the puzzle. When people come across your brand’s name, the first thing they want to know is ‘what do you do’.
Therefore, it is important to not just have a great name but also convey a sense of what your business offers or does for its audience. Your name should give a glimpse into the products or services you provide either through subtle hints or direct words.
If your business name doesn’t reflect your industry or specialty, consider using a tagline or descriptive text to fill in the gaps. Remember, a cool name can spark curiosity, but it’s the clarity of your message that keeps people interested.
Gather Feedback on Your Brand Name Ideas
FEEDBACK! FEEDBACK! Before you finalize your brand’s name, test the waters. Ask your friends and families’ opinions about this name for your brand. Be open to feedback.
For instance, take brands like Airbnb and Dropbox. Initially, these brands received mixed for their names being too niche and simplistic. However, both names ultimately succeeded due to their unique offerings and the memorable services they provide.
Find out what does and doesn’t resonate with your audience. This will help you understand if the name is easy to pronounce, memorable and if it actually connects with your brand.
Test Your Brand Name on Social Media Platforms
Social media can be a great place to test your brand’s name. Put your brand name to the test on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Post it as a poll, share a teaser, or ask your followers for their opinion. It’s like throwing a name into a big digital suggestion box.
And of course, like your domain, you need to make sure you have the right handle available for your brand’s name. If it’s taken, worry not, because you can always be creative with it. But make sure your handle is consistent across platforms.
Secure Your Brand Name on All Online Platforms
Finally, don’t let good ideas/names slip away. First things first, grab that domain name before someone else swoops right in and takes it away from you. Now check out your social media handles. Consistency is key, so make sure your brand name is available on all the major platforms.
Once you’ve locked down your domain and social handles, it’s time to make it official. Consider trademarking your name to protect it from copycats. So go ahead, lock it down, and get ready to make some waves!
Choosing a name for your business is more than just settling on a unique name. It is what makes your whole brand’s identity. At every step of the process, ensure your brand name aligns with your vision and connects with your customers.
Keep it short, memorable, and relevant to your business. With the right name, you’re not just launching a business; you’re setting the stage for a brand that people will remember and engage with for years to come.
So, take your time, get creative, and find the perfect name that captures your brand’s essence and fuels your success.
