Before spending months building a website and content, you might want to think about your business name. Coming up with a catchy business name that is memorable is the initial step in starting a business. If done successfully, it could be the difference between going out of business or becoming successful.
Here are six tips to help you choose a good name for your new company.
1) Check if the URL is available
Sometimes, a good name for your business will already be taken. Before you invest time and money into a company name, make sure that it is available on the Internet by checking if a website with that URL exists. If it doesn’t, then create one. Domain Name Generators are a quick and easy way to come up with potential names for your website/company/business but their results should not be taken entirely seriously because sometimes they may generate less desirable options. However, if all else fails and you can’t think of any good company names, hiring a brand naming agency will help you come up with hundreds of options to choose from. Also, you get the benefit of your business name options being thoroughly researched, screened, and audience-tested before being presented to you.
Another way that can help you get fantastic business name ideas is to find words related to your business by using the Google Adwords Keyword Planner tool. This will show you which words are searched most often and how popular they are in different regions. You can also use other keyword research tools such as Ubersuggest or Wordstream, but Google’s Keyword Planner has all the basics covered well enough.
2) Avoid gimmicks and cute language
You know how it is. When you come up with a good idea, you can’t think of another name! But business owners need to consider more than the fact that they like the name. Keeping your company’s name simple and straightforward signifies a strong, reputable brand. If a company wants to be taken seriously at all levels of business, it cannot have a frivolous name.
When you create a great product or service for your niche market or industry sector, then people will appreciate your clever advertising methods through word-of-mouth referrals and online marketing campaigns. You should ultimately choose a business name that describes what you do or the type of product or service that you offer. You want people to know exactly what your company does without having to guess based on the name alone. Your new business name will help people understand exactly what you’re selling from just one word!
3) Be unique and creative
Your business name is your first impression and sets the tone for your brand. You can’t afford to take a gamble on a name that could potentially alienate or misdirect potential customers, which means it’s important to be unique and creative from the get-go. Think of how many businesses are named “Something Marketing” – there’s a reason those companies all have different variations on their names! However, you also have to take note that the best name may not be the most creative one. Sometimes, companies overthink things when trying to come up with a really cool creative name, but can end up hurting their own brand image by doing so. Coming up with the right business name requires market research and an understanding of what exactly makes your product or service unique and valuable.
4) Make sure there isn’t any confusion with other businesses’ names
There’s no excuse for going through this entire process only to discover at the end that your desired business name is already taken – spend some time researching whether or not your URL/brand/logo is available across various platforms online. Luckily this is pretty easy with today’s technology! Just do a quick Google search for “business name checker” and you’ll have countless resources at your disposal.
Also, keep an eye on trademarked names. The US Patent and Trademark Office is home to millions of trademarks that may overlap with what you’re currently working on – it’s best not to accidentally infringe upon another brand! Keep an eye on this database for anything that seems too similar to what you’re working on, and take steps to find a unique name. Word of warning: it can be difficult to research trademarks that are attached to other companies, so make sure the legalities are worked out before you settle on a final name.
5) Tailor your company image
One thing you’ll want to keep in mind as you go through this process is how people will perceive your company based on its name alone. Keep in mind if it matches with how you’d like to portray yourself at a glance, but also make sure it doesn’t pigeonhole your brand into negative space – look at the name and imagine what kind of vibe it creates without considering how it could be improved. This way, you’ll know if your business name is on point or not.
Cross-referencing with industry leaders is an excellent idea. No matter where you’re located, there’s bound to be at least one major business that has some resonance in your area – if so, check out what they named themselves! It’s definitely not a bad idea to closely scrutinize and mimic industry leaders as you choose your company name. For instance, Google named themselves after the number “googol,” which they thought was fitting because it’s a large number.
6) Get feedback from others
People you work with and those who know your industry well can provide feedback on your ideas. You should also consider what you want this name to convey to people and how it will be perceived by them. The name of the business is usually the first impression a customer gets of your company, so choose carefully.
There are many different factors to take into consideration when choosing a name for your company. You want to make sure that you have the best option possible, so don’t settle for good enough – take time and come up with something creative! A great product or service should have an equally great business name behind it.