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There are a few things to consider when coming up with a name for your business. The name should be unique, memorable, and reflective of the company’s values and/or mission.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through 15 different methods for generating a great company name.
1. Brainstorm with a group of people who know the business well.
Get a group of people together (employees, friends, family, etc.) and brainstorm some potential names. It can be helpful to come up with a list of keywords related to the business beforehand to help get the creative juices flowing. Once you have a nice long list of possibilities, start narrowing it down by considering things like pronunciation, spelling, and how easily the name can be remembered and recalled.
2. Use a thesaurus or word generator tool.
If you’re having trouble coming up with anything on your own, try using a tool like Wordoid or Portmanteau to generate some new options. Simply enter in a few keywords related to your business and let the tool do its work. This can be a great way to jumpstart the brainstorming process.
3. Consider what makes your business unique.
What sets your business apart from others in your industry? Is it the product or service you offer, the target market you serve, or something else entirely? Identifying what makes your business unique can be a great starting point for coming up with a memorable name.
4. Use a play on words.
This can be a great way to make your name both unique and memorable. Think of ways you can incorporate puns, wordplay, or pop culture references into your company name. Just be careful not to overdo it – you don’t want your name to come across as too cheesy or corny.
5. Try combining two words or phrases.
One common naming technique is to take two words or phrases and combine them into one new word (think “Pinterest” or “Tumblr”). This can create some really interesting and unique results. You can also try using an acronym for this technique (e.g., “NASA” or “AIDS”).
6. Keep it short and sweet.
When it comes to company names, shorter is often better. Not only is it easier to remember, but it’s also less likely to be misspelled or mispronounced. If you can’t find a short name that you love, try abbreviating a longer one or using an acronym.
7. Make sure the domain name is available.
Before settling on a name, be sure to check that the corresponding domain name is available. This is especially important if you plan on doing any sort of online marketing for your business. You don’t want to spend months coming up with the perfect name only to find out that someone else has already claimed the matching URL.
8. Consider your target audience.
Who are you trying to reach with your business? What kind of image do you want to project? Keep your target audience in mind when brainstorming names – you want something that will appeal to them and make them want to learn more about your company.
9. Avoid using inside jokes or industry jargon.
While it might be tempting to use inside jokes or industry-specific terminology in your company name, resist the urge. Unless you’re absolutely confident that everyone who comes across your name will understand the reference, it’s best to avoid it altogether. The last thing you want is for potential customers to be confused or turned off by your name.
10. Don’t get too cute with the spelling.
While a little bit of creativity with spelling can be effective, you don’t want to go overboard. Avoid using made-up words or alternative spellings that will be difficult for people to remember or pronounce. Stick with something simple and easy to remember – it’ll make your life (and your customers’ lives) a lot easier in the long run.
Conclusion:
When it comes to naming a business, there are a lot of things to keep in mind. But by following these tips, you can be sure to choose a name that is both unique and memorable.
