How to Create a Memorable Name for Your Startup
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By: Aries Payne
According to BigCommerce, it only takes consumers seven seconds to form an impression of a brand. So, to ensure your business stays top-of-mind, it needs a memorable name that accurately reflects your mission, services, and products.
So, how do you make one? Here are some tips for creating a business name that represents your startup best while standing out to potential clients and customers.
Define Your Brand
Your business name should accurately reflect your business, so it’s important to define your brand before brainstorming ideas. Start by developing a mission statement and value proposition. What problem does your business seek to solve? What would this mean for your customers or clients?
Perform Market Research
Your name should also resonate with your target audience. Market research will help define this audience and identify their needs, preferences, and behaviors.
During this step, you should also study your competitors and note the names they have chosen for their businesses. The name you choose should be unique to your business and not easily confused with the competitor’s.
Generate Name Ideas
There are various ways you can generate ideas for names, but here are a few popular naming conventions you can use:
- Descriptive – Accurately describe the services or products the business offers (i.e., American Airlines)
- Lexical – Leverages phonics, meaning, misspelling, and wording for a unique twist (i.e., Whataburger)
- Geographical – References the business’ location or service area (i.e., Texas Instruments)
Choose a Name that Has Meaning
Regardless of whether your name is descriptive or inventive, it should have some meaning for your business. Consider your startup’s origin story or mission. Evaluate the imagery or emotions that come to mind and whether a name reflecting this would resonate with your audience.
Ensure Your Name is Unique and Simple
Your business name should be distinguishable but also creative and intriguing so consumers will remember it. However, don’t make it so unique that it becomes difficult to spell or pronounce.
Avoid Names with Negative Connotations
The last thing you want is for people to shy away from your business before ever giving it a chance because its name is inappropriate or has a negative connotation. Thoroughly research the name’s history, cultural significance, and language and rule it out if it carries any negative associations that could potentially offend your market.
Use a Name That Will Grow with Your Business
As your startup grows, its name should grow with it. That said, avoid using a name that limits your business to a specific product or service in case you decide to diversify your offerings. If you plan on operating across multiple cities, leave out specific community names that would imply it only serves that area.
Check the Name’s Availability
Once you’ve narrowed down potential names, make sure they’re available across various platforms:
- Secretary of State – You may not be able to submit your business’ name to the Secretary of State if it’s the same as or too similar to a business already registered.
- Website Domain – Ideally, your business website domain should accurately reflect your business name, so use directories like GoDaddy to see if the appropriate domain is available for you to purchase.
- Social Media – To ensure your target market can find you online, you should also check the availability of your startup’s name as a username across platforms.
- Trademark – You may be able to secure a trademark for certain business names. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has a database that allows you to explore your options.
Choosing the right name for your startup is an important step of the entrepreneurial journey that can impact the business’ success. By following the above tips, you can create a memorable name that resonates with your target audience and helps you stand out.
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