When you start your company, one of the most important aspects is your brand name. A brand name is the keywords (or words) that consumer hold onto, remember to type into Google and continue to speak aloud to build buzz around your business.
Let’s look at how to create a brand name that people remember and trust:
Think about your identity first
Before brainstorming a list of potential brand names, get a clear idea of what you want to convey to consumers about your company identity. Make written notes about the kind of person your brand would be considered to be, which type of friends it would appeal to, whether it is serious or comical.
Easy to pronounce
When a brand name cannot be spoken, it isn’t. People don’t want to sound wrong or dumb or feel confused, so they’ll avoid pronouncing your name at all. When this happens, you miss out on countless instances of brand recognition and awareness.
Keep it simple
Do not make such an artistic fuss around your brand name that consumers have to wonder whether it is considered a logo or a name. Choose a brand closer to A than Z. Avoid hyphens and homonyms (words that sound like other words).
Avoid acronyms
Acronyms are mostly meaningless and might be asking too much of consumers in requiring them to remember not only your name, but for what each letter of the name stands.
Make it easy to spell
Do not convey your cleverness with strange spellings. Make your name easy to type into a search bar once consumers get home.
Check availability
Before falling in love with a brand name, make sure it is available for a business name and in a URL address.
Stay trend-forward
Remember that trends fade, so if you’re opting for the trendy route, conduct thorough research to understand consumer market interest and pick a name that is ahead of its time.
The shorter the better
Two syllables are enough in a brand name; anything longer begins to clutter consumers memory and imagination.
Consider versatility
Most likely, you have a goal to grow as a business, so choose a name that allows for diversification of products and services.
Brainstorm thoroughly
Before settling on a name, brainstorm! The best ideas come from powerful sessions of bringing minds together to imagine and collaborate.
Connect with your audience
What are the types of names your audience is drawn to, used to or open to? Narrow in on consumer interests so you can meet them halfway.
Be mindful of international implications
Always double check the meaning of your brand name in other languages, especially if you have plans to evolve internationally and globally.
Sample your name
Test your name out with a sample market, and see how they respond. You might think the name you’ve designed is ingenious, but it must resonate with your target audience. Testing before going to market with a name is a critical step.
Outlive your personal name
Choose a name beyond your personal name, one that can stand the test of time and be passed on for generations to come.
Remember, a brand name sticks with people for a long time, if not forever. Consumers remember when brands fly and when they fail based on two things: product and name. To learn more about how to make a brand name that suits your company and ensure the highest potential for business success, reach out to our incredible team at Rosy Strategies.
