It can be difficult to come up with the perfect business name; one that encapsulates your brand and tone of voice. These tips can help you!
Your business name is the first thing people see, whether they’re getting a Google ad, visiting your website, seeing a company car on the road, or receiving a flyer in the mail.
That’s why it’s important that you spend some time coming up with a good name.
Pro tip: Your business name and marketing name can differ
Usually, you don’t have to use the name you register your business with in a marketing context. For example, if you run two companies under one business registration, you can market them independently with more suitable names.
However, your official business name will have to appear on all your business documents, such as invoices, receipts, and contracts.
What’s a good business name?
A good business name doesn’t have to be complicated, like a funny pun or the perfect collection of words—but it should say something about your brand.
Here are some tips:
- While you don’t need a pun, keep in mind that alliteration or a pun can make your name more memorable.
- You should use the vernacular of your target audience: If you run a tech company, your business name should fit within that industry.
- If you run a local business, you might want to include your name as part of the business name
- A business name where you rely on foot traffic, for example a shop or a hairdresser, should have a name that makes it clear what you’re offering
Remember that your brand should match with your brand identity.
The best case scenario is when your business name becomes a verb, like in the case of Google, Uber, or Photoshop.
Pro tip: Try not to change your business name later
Changing your business name later can be a big undertaking. You’ll have to update it on all your templates, business documents, your website, your Google Business account, and so on. Not to mention that you have to spend time and money on marketing and PR to announce the name change.
That’s why it’s a good idea to put thought into your business name from the start.
How to create a business name
1. Brainstorm and workshop a name
The best place to start is to figure out what kind of business you’re running. To do this, you can set up a business model and a business plan.
Once you have a business idea—as well as some idea of how you want your brand to appear—you should have a brainstorming session, either alone or with your team, to jot down as many suggestions as possible.
Don’t be critical, the aim of brainstorming is to throw all your ideas up in the air. The wheeding out part comes after.
2. Use a business name generator
If you’ve done the brainstorming, but you’re still stumped, then a business name generator might help you get closer to a good idea.
There are many business name generators online, such as the one on businessnamegenerator.com. You can either enter some keywords that are important to you, or describe your business.
I entered the description GEO marketing specialist and it suggested GeoInsights, MarketPulse, or LandScope.
You don’t have to unquestioningly adopt whatever the generator suggests, but it can help shift something in the way you’re looking at your business.
3. Ask for advice
The next step is to ask for advice from those around you. You can do this whether you have no idea what to call your business, or you have lined up some alternatives.
Your friends, family, or your network, might have the perfect idea for you. You can talk through your thinking so far, and explain your business model and see what they come up with.
4. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution
Finally, remember that sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution. The perfect business name can be a straightforward, no-frills name that shows exactly what your company can provide.
Let’s look at two scenarios:
In the first scenario, you’re selling equipment to local businesses. These businesses just want to receive the equipment they need. If you can do that easily and on-time, that’ll matter a lot more than your business name. In fact, having a name that says exactly what you do, makes it easier for these customers to remember you and to trust you.
Now, in another scenario, you’re selling dream vacation packages. In that case, you might want a more flowery business name that shows customers what their life could be like if they booked a holiday with you. You’re not just providing a service, you’re selling a vision, and your business name is part of that vision.
Hopefully these tips will help you come up with the perfect name for your business.
