How to Pick a Great Brand Name
So you're starting a new business! That's great. Now what? You might be thinking, "How do I promote my product? Whom should I target? Where can I get the money?"
All these questions are super important for your business strategy. But what about your business branding? A good brand name takes work to come up with.
Understanding the Importance of a Brand Name
But why should you care about picking a brand name so much? It is an indispensable part of marketing your products or services. It is the face of your business, the message that translates your company's values and unique qualities to the rest of the world.
All the best brand names have one thing in common: They are memorable and authentic. Unique brand names form images and desired messages in clients' heads. That's why all top brands invest heavily in branding name strategies—and you should, too!
Finding the Right Name for Your Brand
How can you create a brand name that lasts and catches your customers' attention? Focusing on your core business idea and story can help.
Sure, naming your brand is a creative process. However, don't overcomplicate it. Keep things simple with these top five tips on picking a brand name.
Gather Ideas and Brainstorm
Why don't you start a brainstorming session? Yes, invite your business partners, friends, or family members (for those who are solopreneurs), get some tea with cakes, and get ideas flowing. Take your time thinking here. At this stage, all you need is a lot of ideas for your entrepreneur branding. Even the oddest ideas now can serve as a great starting point for a unique name later. That's a pro tip here. Don't interrupt the brainstorming session. Let it flow naturally for, let's say, 30 or 60 minutes straight.
Clear, Descriptive, Easy-to-Remember
Use Clear, Descriptive, Easy-to-Remember Words. Focus on finding a brand name that spells well and is easy to remember. Don't use fancy, complicated words. You want something clear and descriptive. The words should reflect your actions with your products or services. Alternatively, they could convey the change or feelings you want your customers to experience using your services or products. Simplicity and clarity are the winners here.
Ensure Uniqueness
Alright, you've got a lot of exciting ideas. Now what? Please make sure they are unique. Perhaps someone has already taken that fancy name. You don't want to end up with a lawsuit, that's for sure. Check your local government business registry website to see if another company has that name. Plus, check the domain availability with the brand name that you have in mind. Is it available? Great! That's a promising sign. Go ahead and purchase it (after making the final decision) while it's still available.
Avoid Trendy Buzz Words
When choosing a brand name, don't chase fancy buzzwords. Consider it this way: Trends come, but your brand stays for years. Will this trend be relevant five or ten years from now? Probably not. And you want something evergreen for your brand name. So, stay away from trends and buzzwords.
Consider Logo, Slogans, and Taglines
Think of your brand consistency from the get-go. Your brand name is the starting point of your branding, and it'll most likely define the rest of the branding elements. However, think of your taglines, slogans, and logo from the beginning. It won't hurt you to do this. How Will this name look on the logo? What taglines and slogans can I add to it? All this will make your branding more consistent and well-thought-out.
And here you have it—five simple tips on creating a great brand name. Let's quickly recap them:
■ Start with a brainstorming session.
■ Use descriptive, clear, and easy-to-remember words.
■ Choose a brand name that truly stands out and is unique.
■ Avoid trends.
■ Consider other branding elements like logos, slogans, and taglines.
