You’ve got an excellent idea for a brand new business.
You’ve decided to prepare the business plan of your new venture. After a long and exhausting time in conducting research on market trends, creating prototypes and studying your competition and competitors, you’re prepared to transform this strategy into a viable business.
You even devised a an idea to raise money needed to get your business going.
However, before proceeding further, you’ll need to choose a name for your startup.
There’s a chance you’ve thought of an idea or two. However, how do you tell whether that name is a good fit?
The name you choose for your startup might appear to be a minor thing It’s really among the most crucial and overlooked aspects of your company. Names will be affixed to the image of your brand for a long time to follow. It’s important to secure this right at the start.
In the event that you do, you’ll be facing issues if you attempt for a name change later on down the line. This is a hassle you don’t wish to have to tackle.
This is why I’d like to share with you ways you can make this process easier. Here are the best 16 tips to consider when you’re choosing a name for your business.
Make use of this guide as a reference prior to you make your final decision on your name.
- Keep it brief
Names of the company should come off easily.
It’s not necessary to breathe in while saying their name loudly. Think about the major brands around the world.
Nike. Apple. Walmart.
I came across an fascinating study done by an UK brokerage firm. They found that the average length of a business name in their region was 22 characters.
Over half of these businesses were located within the 17-24 character limit.
Although they are certainly longer than brands like Apple or Nike however, they are still between the lower and upper end of the spectrum, as you see in the graph.
Your company shouldn’t sound like a paragraph. There are times when the use of two words could be suitable. I’m talking about names like Waffle House or even Quick Sprout. Ha! However, both names are still very short and are easy to pronounce.
In the end, keeping your name brief will make it easier for people to remember which can help you greatly in your marketing efforts.
- Make sure that it’s easy to spell
Get yourself into the heads of the people who are buying your products.
Let’s say that they’ve heard your brand name in some way. It could be on TV or radio, or even in conversations. Then, they look for it on the internet but are unable to find you due to the fact that they don’t know the spelling , it’s too complex.
Make sure that your names are spelled exactly the way they sound.
If they do see your strangely spelled brand name in a place, they might not be able to remember the correct spelling of it when they search for it later.
Do not do anything unusual such as making use of the numbers 8 or 9 to substitute”ate,” or the “ate” sound, or using”Z” instead of “Z” in a location in which you’re supposed to have at least an “S.”
- Don’t restrict your growth
In the present, your company might be focusing on a specific area such as a product or location, or a target market.
However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t name your business something very specific.
Let’s take an example. For instance, suppose you’re developing a fashion brand that sells men’s clothing. Name your business “Jeans For Men” isn’t a good idea.
When you decide to begin making shorts, shirts, hats or clothing for women? The new direction do not match with your brand name.
For instance, let’s say that you name your startup by where you’ll be opening your initial physical store. You could be thinking similar to “Tuxedo Shop in Seattle.” However, if you decide to open a new store located in Chicago and San Diego, you’ll be confronted with a dilemma.
You can name it something similar to a street, if you’d like to establish a connection to your neighborhood. Make sure that it’s easy to pronounce.
- Verify the domain name
If you’re thinking you’re ready for an initial name.
Then, utilize an online tool like Domain.com to determine whether the domain is in use:
I have seen businesses frequently make this error. A company decides to go with an address, but it turns out that someone already owns already registered the .com domain. So , instead of trying buy it, they opt to go with a different extension, like .net, .biz, or .org instead.
I wouldn’t suggest that. People have become used to thinking that .com domains and legitimate and well-established firms.
However, that doesn’t mean you need to create a domain that is different from that of the company in order to get an .com domain.
I would suggest this. When your domain’s name has been being used and you’re unable to buy it, think about coming up with a new name for your company.
- Be unique
Your company’s name must be distinctive. Your brand name must be memorable and distinguish yourself from others.
Try to stay clear of popular names. “John’s plumbing.”
What number of plumbers do you think are in possession of the same name? I’m willing bet there is more than one or two.
Your name should be distinct and without confusion or connection with other businesses.
- Speak it loudly
Your name might look nice on paper. What happens when you say it?
The names I have mentioned previously should be simple to spell, however they also need to be easy to pronounce.
Be sure that, when you speak it loudly you don’t confuse it to other phrases. It’s not a good idea to sound like something that may be inappropriate.
I’m not going to give you any examples here. Let you explore your own ideas.
- Request feedback
It’s not a hassle to name your business.
You can certainly think of some concepts and then be the one to decide. If you’re in partners or a group you can make it an open discussion.
Make notes of your ideas. Then narrow the list down to five or Ten names.
Reach out to your family and acquaintances. Check out their opinions. If one name is distinct from the rest because of that feedback then you must take a look at it more than other.
- Research social media profiles
It’s very similar to your domain search.
Your branding should be consistent across your marketing channels. Examine if specific Instagram handles have been being used.
Below is an illustration of a post from Thule. Let’s take a look at the facebook page to begin:
It is evident that this business utilizes @thule in all its locations.
It might sound easy It may sound easy, but you need to make sure that all this is in place before you decide to name your business.
If you have different social media accounts on different platforms will make your customers confused. It will hinder your efforts to create brand recognition for your brand new business.
If you have a name that is visible across all social media platforms , excluding for one, you can reach out to the person who owns it and look into purchasing the name from them, or think about making a fresh name.
- Use it to make your voice memorable
Your brand’s name must resonate with the consumers. It shouldn’t be forgotten.
Although you’re still at the beginning of your company, you must always be looking to the future and contemplating possible marketing campaigns.
What will the brand’s name work with your marketing campaign? It will be simple to think of the perfect slogan for your business that goes nicely with the brand’s name?
You cannot predict what will catch your attention to you or not. Fortunately, there’s not any tools to assist you to do this. However, you can decide from your own intuition and the feedback of other people.
- Find for the Secretary of State’s records
When you’ve decided on the name you want to use, you’ll have to create a business registration.
It’s likely that you’ll form an LLC or a corporation. In the US you should check the Secretary of State’s records to ensure the name doesn’t have any resemblance to a company that was registered previously.
If your names are identical, the state may refuse to register that name.
Locate a lawyer who can help you establish your company. They could assist you in this endeavor too.
- Do some research on trademarks
You don’t want anyone other than you get your name.
Search on USPTO.gov to see if you can trademark it.
This site will give you the necessary resources and information to know about trademarks currently in use and the process to apply for the trademark of your choice.
- Be pertinent
In the past, I discussed choosing a name that won’t limit your expansion.
However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t select something obscure or random.
Let’s say that your company is a start-up and is focused in Internet security. Don’t call your company “Bunny Ears, LLC.”
Do you think the situation is a bit excessive? Probably. But , you get the point.
- Keep your logo in mind
Your name will be a part of every marketing effort. Keep your logo’s style on your mind too.
Different colors can have an impact on selling. This is because visuals are processed quicker than words. The consumer will recall a name when they can remember the brand’s logo.
Consider McDonald’s. Its “M” golden arches are iconic.
How does your brand name translate to your logo ? will it be easily recognized? Think about this when you are deciding on the name.
- Use brainstorming tools for your benefit.
If you’re struggling to decide with a name, you could use technology to help.
Make use of a tool like Namechk to find domain names as well as handles for social media accounts. Try Namium in order to pick a name that is that is based on a specific theme.
One of my most favourite tools is Shopify. Shopify.
This name generator for businesses assists you in coming up with concepts while checking domains that are available simultaneously.
- Don’t drive yourself crazy
It is essential to choose a name. But don’t let it consume your life.
It shouldn’t be something that takes six months to complete. If you’re patient enough to determine the best way to proceed and you’ll be fine.
Is the name perfect? Perhaps it won’t. But what’s the problem?
Do not keep second-guessing yourself. Follow the advice If you:
- All the pieces are in place
- the domain is up and running
- Nobody has access to the social media handles
- The feedback is positive
- You are able to you can trademark it.
- You must be satisfied with the result.
Your name for your company is something that you hear, read or write about every day.
If you aren’t happy with the name, don’t choose the name. This is your baby. It’s not like you would name your baby something you’re not fond of isn’t it?
The same principle applies to this case. If you don’t you’ll be regretting it which could influence your conduct and how you manage your business going forward.
Conclusion
What’s the meaning behind the name? More than you thought.
The name you choose for your startup company will become your new name. Do not approach this project by accident.
If you’re having difficulty coming the perfect name, or have already thought of a name but uncertain about how to get it done follow this guide to assist you in making a name you’ve chosen.
It’s better to take your time to do the name now rather than trying to change your name in the future.
