How To Come Up With Brand Names | 5 Essential Steps + Top Tips

How to come up with brand names - Whether you're starting a new business or rebranding an existing one, the pressure to choose a name that encapsulates your brand's voice, attracts customers, and stands out in a crowded marketplace is real. In this post, we'll walk through some simple, actionable steps to help you come up with brand names and select a brand name that supports your business goals.

What Makes A Good Brand Name?

A good brand name does a lot more than just sound cool or catchy. It's like the front door to your business, welcoming customers and giving them a peek into what you're all about.

● Easy to Remember: A great brand name sticks in your mind. If people can remember it after hearing it just once, you're on the right track. Think about names like "Google" or "Nike." They're short, punchy, and hard to forget.

● Easy to Say and Spell: If people can't say or spell your brand name easily, they might have a hard time finding you online or telling their friends about you.

● Unique: Your brand name needs to stand out in the market and be unique to your identity, not just to avoid legal troubles.

● Future-proof: Choose a name that won't limit future growth or expansion possibilities.

● Connects with Your Audience: Know who you're talking to. A great brand name speaks directly to the hearts of your customers, reflecting their values and interests.

● Not Too Literal: While being descriptive can be helpful, being too on the nose can also be a bit boring. A little bit of creativity and abstract thinking can make your brand name more intriguing.

What To Avoid When Choosing A Brand Name?

● Negative Connotations: Double-check the meanings of your brand name in other languages and cultures. A name that sounds great in one language might have negative or offensive connotations in another.

● Trademark Infringements: Ensure your name isn't already trademarked to avoid legal issues.

● Flexibility: Choose a name that doesn't restrict future growth or diversification.

● Overly Generic Names: Names that are too generic, like "The Shoe Store," struggle to stand out in a crowded market.

● Forgetting the Domain and Social Media Check: Before finalizing your brand name, make sure the domain is available and that you can secure consistent social media handles across platforms.

How To Come Up With Brand Names

Follow these five simple steps to find a name that shines:

1/ Brainstorm Ideas - How To Come Up With Brand Names:

Start with a brainstorming session. Think about your brand's essence, what you offer, and how you want customers to feel. Write down words, phrases, and anything that comes to mind with techniques like brainwriting, mind mapping ideas, or reverse brainstorming. Don't filter your ideas yet; the goal is to get as many options on the table as possible.

2/ Narrow Down Your List:

Start narrowing your list down. Keep names that are memorable, easy to pronounce, and reflect your brand's identity. Cross out any names that are hard to spell, too similar to competitors, or have negative connotations.

3/ Check Availability - How To Come Up With Brand Names:

For the names you like, check if they're available. This means doing a trademark search, checking if the domain name is free, and seeing if social media handles are open. If a name is already taken, it's back to the drawing board.

4/ Get Feedback and Insights:

Leverage tools like the Live Word Cloud Generator by AhaSlides to share your leading brand name options with potential customers, friends, or family. Encourage them to provide candid feedback. Utilizing an interactive platform like this can highlight perspectives you may have overlooked, such as accidental connotations or tricky pronunciations, by visually aggregating their responses in real time.

5/ Make the Decision - How To Come Up With Brand Names:

With feedback in hand, make your choice. Remember, no name will be perfect for everyone, but it should feel right for your brand and resonate with your target audience. Once you decide, you can start building your brand identity around it.

Conclusion

How To Come Up With Brand Names - Choosing a brand name is a mix of creativity, research, and intuition. By following these tips and steps, you can come up with a name that not only fits your brand but also has the potential to become a household name.

Ref: Hubspot