How to Think of a Brand Name
Whenever you drive down most city streets, you’ll notice the masses of forgetful business names begging for your attention. If you are thinking about starting a new business, and realise the need to stand out, you’d most definitely need a catchy brand name to bring it all together. Today we look at tips on how to think of a brand name, be it small shops or large corporations.
Think deep
First things first, gather your colleagues or a piece of paper and get those creative juices flowing. Brainstorm by jotting down words and metaphors that resonates with your key selling points and what you sell. Let the ideas flow freely and write down anything and everything that comes to mind. Expand on it with synonyms and see how far you can go from the original ideas.
Avoid using literal connections like geographic locations in your name. You want a name that can expand beyond a specific location. Think big and aim for global recognition, even if it would one day make moving to another area easier.
Short and sweet
Break your ideas down to the basics. Stick to two to three words, unless if your name is an acronym, which, in any case, should be solely reserved for government organisations. Long, complicated names can be a mouthful and may not stick in people's minds. You also don't want to end up with a name that's already been reserved as a website or worse, trademarked. Check social media for the username and do a domain search for similar companies. You want the crowd to come to you alone. So do your research and make sure it’s one of a kind.
Why words matter
Buzz words? Skip 'em. We all know those overused buzz words that sound impressive but lack originality. Avoid falling into this trap. Instead, focus on creating a name that's authentic and true to your brand. Think about the tone of your brand. Is it playful and fun, or more serious and professional? Your name should reflect the personality of your brand and resonate with your target audience. Consider who you're trying to reach and choose a name that speaks their language. Consider using a little-known, or made-up word or phrase. Sometimes, creating a completely imaginative name can make your brand stand out. Just make sure it aligns with your brand persona and doesn't sound too bizarre. Relevance to your industry is crucial. You want your audience to immediately understand what you're all about just by hearing your name.
Now with feeling
Emotions play a big role in branding. Does the name evoke positive feelings? Does it make people curious or excited? A name that taps into the emotions of your audience can create a lasting impression. Imagine someone talking about your brand. How does it sound when spoken aloud? Say the name out loud to yourself. A good brand name should be easy to say. A name that sounds good when spoken will get stuck in your head like a song in a TikTok video. Make it effortless or even fun for them to say. Alliteration and rhyme is great f this.
Step back and look at it
As with all branding elements, the visual appeal of the words matters, too. Here we talk about how the name will look when typed out. You want a name that catches the eye without seeming cluttered. And lastly, don't forget to get feedback from others. Share the shortlisted names with friends, family, or trusted colleagues and comb through it with a pinch of salt and an open mind. Their fresh perspectives can provide valuable insights and help you make the right choice.
Remember, it's all about being clear, memorable, unique, and relevant.
Brand naming checklist
Below is a handy list of tips to keep in mind when selecting your brand name:
Descriptive and Memorable:
Use clear, descriptive, easy-to-remember words.
Make sure the name can be carried over to your logo & taglines.
Consider the emotional impact of the name.
Keep it simple and easy to spell.
Use a name that is relevant to your industry or niche.
Uniqueness:
Skip the buzz words.
Make sure it's unique.
Consider using a made-up word or phrase.
Check for domain availability.
Check for trademark availability.
Visual and Auditory Appeal:
Consider the tone of your brand.
Think about your target audience.
Consider how it will sound when spoken aloud.
Use a name that is easy to pronounce.
Consider how it will look in print and online.
Get feedback from others.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls:
Avoid using geographic locations in your name.
Consider the length of the name.
Check for domain availability.
Check for trademark availability.
