When it comes to starting a new company, you’ve got to think about everything. You need to think about the plan and how that might work out over time. You need to think about your partners and where you can find them. And then there is what will become one of the most important parts of your business: your brand name.
A company’s brand name has three main jobs: It should be memorable so people don’t forget it; it needs to evoke something people like or want; and finally, ideally, it should also reflect who you are as a company in some way. But coming up with the perfect name isn’t easy, it can be a complex process or a matter of a sudden idea that will stick. In this article, we will discuss strategies to consider and things that a brand name should contain.
Make it pop!
A memorable name is important because it will stick in people’s heads. You want to be top-of-mind when someone is looking for what you offer, and the easiest way to do that is by having a catchy, easy-to-remember name. People often struggle to come up with the idea on their own, which is why hiring a naming consultant can be helpful. It should also be simple so it can fit easily on a business card or website.
Evoking something people like or want is key because you want them to have positive associations with your company. The more they feel towards your brand, the more likely they are to do business with you. This doesn’t mean that you have to be cutesy or gimmicky, but simply that the name should suggest some of the benefits of working with you.
Pick something descriptive
One of the most common ways companies names themselves is by using an adjective or some other descriptive word. It’s simple because it explains what you do, while also being easy to remember and intuitive for people to understand. This strategy works well for companies that offer a single product, as Blue Nile (which sells diamonds online) or Dancing Deer Baking Co. (which sells cupcakes).
If your company offers multiple products and services, it can be more difficult to come up with a descriptive name. You want one that still reflects what you do — but broad enough to cover all your bases. A couple of years ago, Habitat for Humanity created its first retail store in Salt Lake City under the name Neighborhood Market; before then, it was known simply as Habitat for Humanity.
Be true to yourself
One of the most important things for a new company is to stay true to its roots. This means that the name you choose should reflect who you are as a business. For example, if you’re environmentally conscious, then using an eco-friendly word in your brand name would be appropriate. Or if you have a playful and fun-loving culture, then something whimsical and light-hearted might work well for you.
A perfect brand name is hard to find, but these strategies can help you brainstorm some ideas that could be exactly what your company needs. After you’ve come up with what feels like the best possible name for you, it might be a good idea to have someone else look at it just to make sure there are no hidden meanings or bad connotations. This will also give you an outside perspective about whether the name really does fit everything your company is trying to accomplish.
Consider all the angles
When coming up with a possible brand name, it’s important to think about all the different ways it could be used. It might be catchy when it’s spoken, but how will it look when it’s written down? Will your name fit well in an email or a Facebook post? Is it easy to pronounce and understand if someone is hearing you say it for the first time?
The best brand names are versatile and can be used in a variety of different contexts. You also want to make sure that the domain name is available and that there are no other businesses using the same or a similar name. It might take some time, but doing your research upfront will save you headaches down the road.
A startup needs a good name
A great startup name is essential to success. People need to remember your name, and a good one will stick in their heads for a long time. A memorable brand also makes it much easier to grow your company because people will have an easier time finding you online or seeing you on the street.
It’s important to find a descriptive name that tells customers what you do so they understand immediately who you are and what your business is about. It should be unique enough that it doesn’t collide with any other brands but simple enough that people can tell it apart from competitors easily. Think hard about how catchy, original, and truly unique it is before making the final decision — because this will be part of your company identity forever.
Easy to speak, simple to write
Keep this slogan in mind when thinking about the perfect brand name for your startup. You want to find something that people will remember and that won’t be too long or difficult to type out in emails or on other company materials. It might take some time, but having the perfect name for your business is worth it when you see how much easier things can get. Try answering these questions that can help you brainstorm:
- What is the company’s mission?
- What are some of the products or services that you offer?
- How do you want people to feel when they think of your brand?
- Is there a specific word or phrase that you really like that could work as a name?
The more time and effort you put into finding the perfect brand name for your startup, the better off you’ll be in the long run. Not only will customers be able to easily identify your business, but it will also make marketing and PR efforts much easier down the road. So take your time, do your research, and brainstorm until you come up with something that truly represents who you are as a company.
