Top Tips For Naming A Business - Dos and Don'ts
Updated on May 10, 2023 by Tim Donahue
Follow these helpful top tips for naming a business
Choosing the perfect name is really important when starting a new business. You want something easy to remember, easy to spell, and there are other factors.
In this post, we’ll share top tips for naming a business, covering the dos and don’ts to make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
10 Things to Do When Deciding on a Business Name
- Understand your target audience and brand identity
- Brainstorm a list of potential names
- Research your competition
- Check for domain and social media availability
- Consider SEO and online presence
- Think long-term
- Seek feedback from friends, family, and potential customers
- Test your name in different contexts
- Ensure the name is easy to pronounce and spell
- Verify the name’s legal availability and register it
1. Brainstorm Business Name Ideas
Summary
Brainstorming business name ideas is essential to finding the perfect name. Start by listing words related to your business, then combine and tweak them to create unique options.
- Begin by listing keywords related to your business, products, or services. For example, if you’re starting a bakery, you could list words like “bake,” “cake,” “bread,” and “pastry.”
- Think about your target audience and what words might resonate with them. Visit our blog post on identifying your target market for more information.
- Combine and tweak keywords to form potential business names. For example, “BakeHouse,” “PastryPlace,” or “BreadCorner.”
- Consider using alliteration or rhyming words to create a memorable name. For example, “Bakery Bites” or “Cakes & Crumbs.”
2. Check availability and legality when naming a business
Before you settle on a name, it’s essential to ensure it’s available and doesn’t infringe on any trademarks.
- Conduct a business name search to see if your desired name is already taken. Most countries have an online database where you can search for registered business names.
- Check for existing trademarks using national trademark databases, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- Search for available domain names using domain registrars. Our blog post on brainstorming good domain names offers more advice on this topic.
3. Keep It Simple and Memorable
A memorable business name is crucial for standing out from the competition. Here are some top tips for keeping your business name simple and easy to remember:
- Avoid using complex or hard-to-spell words that may cause confusion or difficulty for customers.
- Keep the name short, ideally with no more than three words. Shorter names are easier to remember and quicker to type.
- Make sure it’s easy to pronounce, so customers can easily share your business name through word-of-mouth.
4. Test Your Business Name
Before making a final decision, it’s essential to test your top tips for naming your business with potential customers.
- Conduct a survey to gather feedback on your top name choices. Use a platform like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms to create your survey.
- Ask for opinions from friends, family, and potential customers. Get diverse perspectives to ensure your business name appeals to a wide audience.
- Test your name in different contexts, such as in logos, social media profiles, and marketing materials. This can help you visualize how the name will look and sound in various situations.
5. Consider SEO and Online Presence
When choosing a business name, it’s essential to consider how it will impact your online presence and search engine optimization (SEO).
- Choose a unique name that doesn’t have much competition in search results. This will make it easier for your business to rank higher in search engines.
- Ensure your name is available as a domain, as mentioned in step 2. A strong online presence is crucial for modern businesses, so securing a relevant domain is key.
- Optimize your website and content for your business name. To learn more about SEO, check out our beginner’s guide on search engine optimization.
6. Think Long-Term When Naming A Business
One of the top tips for naming your business is to consider its long-term growth and potential expansion.
- Avoid using specific locations in your business name, as this may limit your expansion opportunities in the future.
- Don’t limit your business scope with a name that’s too narrow. For example, “Jane’s Wedding Cakes” could restrict your business to only wedding cakes, rather than a broader range of baked goods.
- Consider potential rebranding in the future. While it’s essential to choose a name you love, understand that your business may evolve over time, and your name may need to change accordingly.
Tip Tips: Consider these business naming factors
| Factor | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience and Brand Identity | Understanding your target audience and brand identity helps you create a name that resonates with your customers and aligns with your brand values. | High |
| Domain and Social Media Availability | Checking for domain and social media availability ensures you can create a consistent online presence across all platforms. | High |
| SEO and Online Presence | Considering SEO and online presence helps your business rank higher in search engines and become more visible to potential customers. | High |
| Long-Term Growth | Thinking long-term ensures your business name can accommodate future expansion and growth opportunities. | High |
| Feedback and Testing | Seeking feedback from others and testing your name in different contexts helps you refine your choice and select a name that appeals to a wide audience. | Medium |
| Pronunciation and Spelling | Ensuring your name is easy to pronounce and spell helps customers remember your business and find it online. | Medium |
| Legal Availability | Verifying legal availability and registering your name prevents potential legal issues and protects your brand identity. | High |
Here are some videos with even more information on how to name your business:
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect business name is a critical step in establishing a successful brand.
Follow these tips above, and above all, take your time. Sleep on it. 🙂
By following these top tips for naming a business, you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable and effective name that resonates with your target audience and sets your business up for success.
