Naming your startup business is one of the first things you'll do when you're getting started. There are many factors to consider, but we wanted to share some tips that will help you avoid common mistakes and get off on the right foot in choosing a name for your company or product.
Make sure it's easy to pronounce.
When you're naming your company, it's important to make sure that people can pronounce it easily. If someone has to pause and think about how to say it, they may not remember the name at all. It should be short enough that people don't feel like they have to take a breath in the middle of saying it. You want it to be easy for them to say, especially if you're going after a younger audience and you plan on having a long company lifespan since young people tend towards shortening words (and phrases).
A good way to check if your name is easy to pronounce is to say it out loud and listen for any awkward pauses or strange sounds. If you're unsure of how it sounds when spoken, ask a friend or family member.
Think about the future.
One of the most important things to consider is whether or not the name you choose will still be relevant in five, 10, or 20 years. Will it still make sense? Will it still be relevant? If you've got a product that's going to be around for a long time, don't go with something that's trendy or overused. Instead, pick a name that people can associate with your company for years to come. If you're looking for something timeless, consider choosing a word that has multiple meanings or origins. This way, the meaning won't change over time as trends come and go.
Make sure it conveys what you do.
It's also important that your business name conveys what you do. If you're a law firm, you don't want people to think you do home repairs. If your company sells real estate, make sure the name doesn't imply that you offer financial services instead. You can use free tools like Namelix to help you come up with name ideas that will be relevant to your business and industry.
Use a related domain name to help with branding.
Having a domain name that's closely related to your business name is a good way to build brand awareness. A domain name can help people find your website more easily and reinforces the connection between your business and its name. For example, if you have a law firm that specializes in intellectual property law, you could use IPLawFirm.com or PatentAttorney.com as part of your brand.
Ensure that you personally like the name.
Since you, as the business owner, will have to live with the name for a very long time, make sure you like it and are confident that your customers will like it as well.
It's important to keep in mind that you might not get the name of your dreams right away. Some people try to brainstorm for a few days before they settle on something that they think is good enough. If this is how you feel, don't worry! Just keep trying until you find something that works so that you are sure that you are starting out right.
Conclusion
When you’re just starting out, it can be tempting to take a shortcut with your business name. However, remember that the name you choose for your business will have an impact on its success for years to come. Make sure that your name is easy to say, understand and remember. Think about how people will feel when they hear it or see it in print—do they feel attracted and engaged? If so, then congratulations! You have struck gold with a great brand identity.
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