How to come up with a great company name: Tips from the pros
- Written by NewsServices.com
Your company name is your first impression on customers and partners alike. It's one of the most important branding decisions you'll make, so it's worth taking the time to get it right.
Here are 12 tips from the pros on how to come up with a great company name.
1. Keep it simple
The best company names are short, sweet, and easy to remember. They're also easy to spell and pronounce, so people can find your business online and refer to it in conversation. Avoid made-up words, abbreviations, and anything that's too clever or hard to understand. Also you can try name generator for company tool.
2. Make it relevant
Your company name should be relevant to what you do or what you stand for. Consider using your industry or niche in your name to make it easier for people to understand what you do at a glance.
3. Avoid initials
Initials can be confusing and hard to remember, so it's best to avoid them if possible. If you must use initials in your name, make sure they're pronounced as a word (like "FBI") so people don't have to guess.
4. Consider your audience
Think about who your target audience is and what they might respond to. A company name that appeals to one group of people might turn off another, so it's important to get a feel for who you want to reach before settling on a name.
5. Brainstorm with others
Get input from as many people as possible when you're brainstorming names. Ask your friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers for their thoughts. The more perspectives you have, the better chance you'll have of coming up with a great name.
6. Do a search
Before settling on a name, do a quick online search to make sure it's not already in use. You don't want to choose a name that's too similar to another company or brand, as it could get confusing for customers (and get you into legal trouble).
7. Make sure the domain is available
Speaking of online searches, once you've settled on a name is sure to check that the corresponding domain name is available. It's getting harder and harder to find good .com domains, so you may need to be creative (or be prepared to pay a premium).
8. Consider your options
There are a few different types of names you can choose from:
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Descriptive: These names describe what your company does or what it offers, like "Fresh Flowers" or "Best Cleaners."
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Suggestive: These names suggest what your company does without being too specific, like "Taste of Heaven" for a bakery or "Green Earth" for an eco-friendly company.
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Abstract: These are made-up words that don't have any literal meaning, like "Google" or "Pinterest." Abstract names can be harder to remember and understand, but they can also be more unique and interesting.
9. Keep it flexible
Your company name should be flexible enough to allow for future growth. Avoid names that are too specific to your product or service, as you may want to expand into other areas down the line.
10. Make it easy to trademark
When choosing a name, keep in mind that it will need to be trademarked. Avoid anything that's too similar to another company's name or that could be confused with a common term or phrase. The process of trade marking a name can be long and expensive, so it's best to get it right the first time.
11. Consider your image
Your company name will help shape the image of your business, so choose wisely. A good rule of thumb is to avoid anything controversial or that could be seen as offensive.
12. Avoid trendy names
Trendy names might seem like a good idea at the time, but they can date your company and make it seem less professional. Stick with classic, timeless names that will stand the test of time.
Conclusion:
When you've finally settled on a name, make sure to check that the domain is available. It's getting harder and harder to find good .com domains, so you may need to be creative (or be prepared to pay a premium).
Most importantly, choose a name that you're happy with and that you can see yourself using for years to come. A little bit of creativity and thoughtfulness will go a long way in finding the perfect name for your business?
