15 Tips for Naming Your Startup Business

Are you all set to launch your startup but currently trying to find the ultimate business name?

Choosing a memorable name for your business is crucial to directly impact your future success and profitability. That’s why we have written down the following fifteen tips and ideas for naming your startup business, whether it’s real estate, products, or software tools.

1. Keep it simple

The best business names are those that are short and simple, making those easy for your customers to recall. Customers are more likely to forget your company’s name if it is obscure or requires further information. No matter how long your company name is, it needs to be simple and easy to remember regardless of its length.

2. Easy to Remember

Businesses and brands with names that can’t be pronounced are challenging to remember. Ideally, your customers need to be able to pronounce and recall your company’s name, thereby encouraging their friends and relatives to do the same on social media or by word of mouth.

3. Complicated name

The correct audience can find a funny brand very enticing. Avoid using an arcane metaphor in your name that only a small percentage of your audience can remember immediately. You may miss out on a referral sale because your company’s name is difficult to pronounce.

4. Study your competitor’s name

You don’t want to sound like your competitor. Make sure your name is distinct from your competitor, which can provide customers with a sense of uniqueness from your brand. Researching your competitor’s business name can give you an idea of what names you need to avoid. For instance, make a poll of those in your audience who search for “Condos for Sale in Oakville” and check which website name comes up first.

5. Consult names from your circle

The best names are more likely to be found when brainstorming with other people rather than trying to come up with them all on your own. If it’s hard for you to find a name, brainstorming with others might help you get your creative juices flowing and, ultimately, lead to a better name. It will be easier to build on your idea if other people know about your goals, brand, and mission.

6. The domain name is available

After finalizing 5–10 names, check if these names have domain availability. You can also look at Launch.co for alternative domains.

7. Study your audience

It is essential to keep your target audience in mind when brainstorming names. Don’t get sucked into the trap of attempting to appeal to everyone with your name, but rather base your decision on your target audience’s interests. For instance, if your targeted audience searches for “bungalows for sale in Mississauga,” you can keep a business name that specializes in bungalows or properties available in a particular state.

8. Test your name with your audience.

Make sure that even if you have a target demographic in mind, your name still needs to resonate with them. Conduct an online poll with your target demographic to help you determine the one that resonates with them the most.

9. Memorable but distinct

A business name should be memorable and convey your brand identity in a way that sets you apart from the competition. When a company’s name is too generic, search engine results will show other businesses with the same name.

10. Use a name generator

An online name generator such as www.businessnamemaker.com can help you brainstorm new business name concepts. You will see a list of possible business names based on keywords such as those searching for “condos for Sale in Oakville” representing your real estate brand. It’s the best way to get ideas out of the box.

11. Readability
    If your name is memorable and unique, it must also be easy to pronounce. To avoid any misunderstandings, make sure there is just one possible pronunciation. Checking for alliteration is one way to develop a catchy, easy-to-remember name.
12. Double-check Spellings

Make sure you don’t make silly spelling mistakes in your business name. Your customers might land on your competitors’ page if you mistakenly write the spelling wrong.

13. Abbreviation

The abbreviation of your name is something to keep in mind. Your customers may use abbreviations of your company’s name. Before deciding on a name for your company, be sure that its acronym is legal.

14. Combine using two words

Combining two words strategically can have a lasting impact on your brand identity, e.g., Hellokitty, Microsoft, YouTube, and Facebook. The best way to describe your company is to develop two words that sum up your brand category or goal. If your business is in real estate and those searching for “bungalows for sale in Mississauga & condos for sale in Oakville”, you can use keywords like “bungalows” and “condos” in your business name.

15. Play with numbers

Huge brands like 888.com, WD40, and Forever21 are all examples of playing around with unique numbers. To make it stand out, keep it brief and to the point. You can create a new, unique business name by simply adding a number at the beginning or end of the primary name.