image image image image image image

How to Come Up With A Successful Business Name

How Name Your Business sign in a conceptual image

How to Come Up With A Successful Business Name

Naming your business is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. But how do you come up with a successful and unique name? This blog post will discuss some tips to help you get started!

Types of Business Names to Choose From

When brainstorming your business name, you’ll need to determine which kind of business name you’re going after – acronyms and abbreviations, real names, a matter of fact, compounds, or made-up words.

a) Acronyms and Abbreviations Names

When it comes to naming a business, there are endless possibilities. However, not all names are created equal. Some business names can do more harm than good. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a name that will help your business succeed.

One option for naming a business is to use acronyms or abbreviations. This can be a great way to make your business name more memorable. It can also help you communicate what your business does concisely and straightforwardly. For example, if you’re starting a marketing agency, you could use the acronym “MASS” for your business name.

Another benefit of using acronyms or abbreviations is that they can help you create a unique brand identity. When choosing a name for your business, it’s essential to ensure no other company uses it. Using an acronym or abbreviation can help you create a truly unique name.

b) Real Names

The most common and straightforward approach to naming a business is to use the owner’s or founders’ name. This has the advantage of being personal and unique, but it can also be difficult to change or expand upon later. Additionally, it’s not the best for continuity.

If you’re set on using your name, make sure it’s easy to spell and pronounce and conveys your business type. For example, if your name is Mary Smith and you’re starting a law firm, “Mary Smith Law” is an outstanding name. But if you’re starting a bakery, “Mary’s Delicious Cakes” might be more appropriate.

Another option is to use descriptive names that describe what your business does or what it offers. This can be a great option if you have a unique product or service, but it’s crucial to ensure the name isn’t too long or confusing. You want potential customers to be able to remember your name and what you do, after all.

c) Matter of Fact

This is naming your business to address the business purpose, goods, or services in the name. A few examples of this are Barnes & Noble (bookseller), Best Buy (consumer electronics), and Ace Hardware (hardware supplies). This is a very straightforward and practical naming tactic that can be highly effective if done well. When choosing a name like this, you want to make sure it is short and easy to pronounce and remember. You also want to make sure the name accurately reflects what your business does.

Another option for coming up with a business name is choosing something more abstract and not directly related to what your business does. An example of this would be Apple (computer technology) or Nike (sportswear). These types of names can be more difficult to come up with but can also be more memorable and unique. When choosing a name like this, you want to make sure it is short, easy to pronounce, and has meaning or connection to what your business does.

d) Compounds

Merging two words can also increase your chances of coming up with a viable business name. A compound word is when two separate words are merged to create a new word.

For example, the words ‘laptop’ and ‘computer’ were once two separate words eventually merged to create the new word, ‘laptop.’ Merging two words can help you come up with a unique name for your business that is easy to remember.

e) Made Up Words

You could also make up imaginative words to come up with a perfect business name. If you have a great imagination, this option is probably best. It can be challenging to develop a name that’s never been used before, but it’s doable. This method is how some of the most popular brands were named, like Google and Skype.

When making words, make them pronounceable and spellable. You want people to pronounce your name without trouble. Also, make sure the name sounds good when said aloud. It should flow smoothly off the tongue and sound like a professional business name.

11 Tips on Coming Up With An Successful Business Name

good or bad name symbol
Image Credit: Shutterstock

1. Avoid hard-to-spell Names and Jargon

You want people to be able to find your business online and spell it correctly when they’re talking about it. If your name is hard to spell, you’ll lose out on many potential customers.

Don’t go for the industry jargon; your name should be something that everyone can understand. If you use too much industry jargon, people outside of your industry won’t know what you’re talking about.

Finally, you’ll also want to keep it short and sweet. The shorter your name is, the easier it will be for people to remember and type into a search engine. You don’t want something too long or complicated.

2. Conduct Thorough Research

When it comes to coming up with a business name, there are a lot of factors to consider. But before you start thinking about all of that, you need to do your research.

Coming up with a name is not something you should take lightly – after all, this is the name that will represent your brand and everything you stand for. So how do you go about conducting this research?

Start by brainstorming a list of potential names. This can be anything from words that describe what your business does to puns or plays on words. Write down as many as possible – you can always narrow it down later.

Once you have a list of potential names, start Googling them. Check out social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram to see if the name is available and get a feel for how it would look like your Twitter handle. See what comes up when you type in the name and how easy it is to find information about the business.

If you have a list of names that you’re considering, run them by some trusted friends or family members to get their opinion.

Conducting thorough research is critical for coming up with a business name – so don’t skip this step! By taking the time to do your research now, you’ll be setting yourself (and your business) up for success down the road.

3. Make it Unique and Memorable

When you’re trying to come up with a name for your business, look for one that’s unique and memorable. There are a few different ways you can go about this. One way is to come up with a play on words. This can be something as simple as changing one letter in a common word or phrase or coming up with a completely new word that has the same meaning as what you do or sell.

Another way to make your business name unique is to use puns or jokes. Something that will make people remember your business and maybe even tell their friends about it: if you can make people laugh, they’re more likely to remember your business name and what you do.

You can also try using rhymes or alliteration. This is when you use the same sound at the beginning of multiple words in a row. It’s a great way to make your business name stand out and be more memorable.

Whatever approach you decide to take, make sure that your business name is something that people will remember and be able to tell their friends about. After all, word-of-mouth is still one of the best forms of marketing.

4. Consider the Company’s Future Expansion

One mistake you shouldn’t make is come up with a business name that will sabotage your business’s future expansion. For example, suppose you’re starting a local pet-grooming business and include the word “local” in your business name. It’ll limit your expansion when you eventually want to open up another branch in a different location.

The same goes for using geographic location in your business name; it’s best to avoid this unless your long-term expansion plans involve staying within the same general area.

Also, you may not want to get a domain name with your country’s domain extension when you’re a global business. For example, it would not be good to go for .au when you become an international business. Instead, go for a .com domain extension to give room for future expansion.

5. Conduct a Trademark Search

The first step is to ensure that your desired business name is available. If your proposed business name is already in use, you’ll need to come up with a different name. You can do this by searching the USPTO’s database of registered trademarks. Once you find an available name, you’ll need to file a trademark application with the USPTO.

Filing a trademark application can be complex, so hiring an experienced trademark attorney to help you with the process is essential.

After you’ve filed your application, the USPTO will review it to make sure it meets all the requirements. If everything is in order, they’ll issue a Notice of Publication, which means your trademark will be published in the Official Gazette.

Once your trademark is published, anyone who objects to it has 60 days to file an opposition with the USPTO. If no one opposes your trademark, or if you’re able to overcome any oppositions that are filed successfully, the USPTO will issue a Notice of Allowance. You’ll be one step closer to having a registered trademark.

After receiving a Notice of Allowance, you’ll need to file a Statement of Use or an Extension Request within six months. If you’re unable to do so, your application will be considered abandoned, and you’ll have to start the process all over again.

6. Get Feedback on Your Preferred Business Name

You’ve brainstormed a list of potential names for your business, but how do you know which one is the right fit? The best way to find out is to get feedback from people who will see or hear your business name.

Show friends, family, colleagues, and potential customers your list of names and see which ones they react most favorably to. You can also ask them how they would spell or pronounce the name aloud. This can help you narrow down your list even further.

Once you’ve gotten feedback from a few people, it’s time to make your final decision. Trust your gut and go with the name that feels right for you and your business. With a bit of luck, your new business name will be a success!

If you’re still struggling to come up with the perfect name for your business, there are a few other things you can try. You can look for inspiration in nature or books or even try using a word generator tool.

Whatever you do, make sure you put some thought into your business name and get feedback from people; friends, relatives, and potential customers. It’s one of the first things people will learn about your company, so you want to make sure it’s a good representation of who you are and what you do.

7. Use Online Name Generators

If you’re stuck on how to come up with a name for your business, online generators can help. All you need to do is enter some keywords related to your business, and the generator will come up with a list of potential names. You can then choose the one you think is the best fit for your business.

If you’re not happy with the results from the generator, you can also try looking up business names in other languages. This can give you some inspiration for a unique name that will stand out from the rest. With a little bit of creativity, you’ll be able to come up with a name that is perfect for your business.

You can also use a thesaurus to help you find other words that have the same meaning as your business keywords. You can play around with the words until you find a combination that sounds good. Further, you can try using a combination of your business keywords and your name to come up with a unique name that will be easy for people to remember.

There are plenty of resources to help you come up with a perfect name for your business. With a little bit of effort, you’ll be able to find the perfect name in no time.

Once you’ve come up with a few potential names, check if the domain name is available. This will be the URL that people use to find your website, so you want to make sure that it’s also easy to remember and spell.

8. Make Your Business Name Descriptive

When you’re brainstorming names for your business, one of the best ways to come up with a great name is to make it descriptive. A descriptive name will give people an idea of what your business does without them having to guess or look it up.

For example, if you’re starting a home-cleaning business, you might want to consider names like “Maids to Order” or “The Cleaning Company.” These names make it clear that your business provides cleaning services.

If you’re selling handmade jewelry, on the other hand, you might want to go for something a little more creative. A name like “Beads and Baubles” or “The Jewelry Box” would be good options.

Think about what makes your business unique and use that to help you come up with a descriptive name. Your business name is an essential part of your brand, so take your time and choose wisely!

9. Use Abbreviations to Make it Unique

You want your business name to be unique, but you also want it to be memorable. One way to achieve both goals is to use abbreviations in your business name. This will make your name stand out from the competition and help people remember it more easily.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using abbreviations in your business name. First, make sure that the abbreviation is easy to pronounce and doesn’t spell anything that could be interpreted negatively.

Second, avoid using abbreviations already associated with other businesses or organizations. Finally, make sure the abbreviation makes sense about what your business does.

If you keep these things in mind, using an abbreviation in your business name can be a great way to make it unique and memorable. Give it a try and see how it goes! You’ll be surprised at how many people can easily remember and pronounce your business name.

10. Tell Your Story with Your Business Name

Is your business connected to a story? Whether it’s how you started your business or the mission behind why you do what you do – sharing this story can help make your business name more memorable and give it a personal connection to your customers.

Your story doesn’t have to be long, but it should be something that you’re passionate about sharing. If you’re not sure how to get started, try thinking about how your business started.

For example, if you started your business because you were passionate about a specific cause or problem that you saw in the world, this can be a great place to start when coming up with your business name.

Your story can also set you apart from other businesses in your industry. For example, if you’re an eco-friendly business, sharing your story about why you started your business and what drives you to be eco-friendly can help make your business name more unique.

No matter what story you choose to share, make sure that it’s something that you’re passionate about and that you feel connected to. This way, when people hear your business name, they’ll be able to connect it back to you and your story.

11. Make Sure You Love Your Business Name

You don’t want to brainstorm a business name that you don’t love or aren’t proud of because you’ll be stuck with it forever. It’s worth taking the time to brainstorm a great name that you love because it will be a huge part of your brand identity.

To ensure that you settle on a business name that you’ll love, consider the following:

  • The name should be easy to pronounce and spell
  • It should be short, sweet, and to the point
  • It should communicate what your business is all about
  • It should be unique and memorable
  • Most importantly, it should make you feel good

If you keep these things in mind, you’ll be sure to end up with a business name that you love. And once you have your perfect business name, be sure to register it as a trademark to protect it from being used by anyone else.

What Makes a Good Business Name?

A good business name is memorable but not too quirky. It’s relevant to your industry but not too generic. So, how do you find the perfect balance?

  • Keep it short and sweet. The easier it is for people to remember, the better.
  • Make sure it’s relevant to your industry. Something like “The Legal Eagles” would be appropriate if you’re a law firm. Something like “Pawsome Pets” would work well if you’re a pet store.
  • Avoid using acronyms. Unless your business name is already well-known, using acronyms can confuse potential customers.
  • Steer clear of puns. They may be clever, but they can also be challenging to understand and remember.
  • Check the domain availability. You want to make sure you can snag the perfect .com for your business.
  • Make sure the name is easy to spell. You don’t want potential customers struggling to find your website because they can’t spell your business name correctly.

Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect business name for your new venture!

Leave a Reply