Starting a new business, or rebranding a current business is such an exciting time!
But here's the tricky bit - how to come up with the right name for your brand. This step can literally make or break your biz.
So, some quick tips:
1. Keep it simple.
Your business name should be: easy to spell, easy to understand and easy to explain. Tricky spelling, and a name that take ages to explain to new clients isn't going to do you any favours.
2. Keep it broad.
Allow yourself and your business the room to grow by not boxing yourself in with something too specific.
"Imagine if Jeff Bezos had picked the name “OnlineBooks” instead of “Amazon.” So avoid names like “Wedding Dresses of San Francisco” or “LugNuts Unlimited.” You don’t want to limit your business to a particular product or a specific city." - Forbes
3. Google it!
Check if anyone else in your area or city is already using the same name, with the same .com that you'd like to use.
If they're on the other side of the world, and are a small business, you should still be ok to use the name, but you definitely don't want to be competing with another brand that's in the same area or industry with the same or a similar name,
At the same time, check that there aren't any other weird translations or interpretations of the name that might reflect badly on your business. It's a great time to check and see what businesses on social media are using similar/the same handles and hashtags as well.
You also want to make sure that the domain name that you'd like to associate with your business isn't already taken by another brand.
4. Get meaningful and personal.
Your business name should reflect YOU and YOUR BRAND - we love it when clients come to us with a personal story behind their business name! Maybe it was a nickname that your grandpa used when you were little, or something that epitomises the eco-friendly process that you use to create your product.
5. Get feedback.
Ask your friends, family and client base what they think. Say the name out loud a lot. See how it rolls off the tongue, make sure everyone can pronounce it easily.
If anyone surveyed has weird/negative associations with the name, or you have to spend a lot of time explaining it to them, then it might not be the right name for your brand.
As Forbes says, "Come up with 5 or 10 names and then run them by friends, family members, and trusted colleagues. Get feedback from your target audience as well. And make sure that the name doesn’t have any negative connotations (such as when GM named its new car model the “Nova” without realising that the name meant “doesn’t go” in Spanish)."
6. Take your time.
This step is one that isn't worth rushing. You want a name that you're still going to be happy with in 5 or 10 years.
Chopping and changing business names over the years is doable, but can weaken your brand, and confuse your clients, who might think your business has closed down when they can't find your business because the name has changed.
And chat to us - our design team may have ideas that can help get those creative juices flowing and inspire you!
We love email:
hello@robyndavie.com
#graphicdesign #digitaldesign #illustration #graphicdesigner #logo #branding #graphic #designer #creative #photoshop #artwork #digitalart #illustrator #artist #typography #graphics #photography #drawing #logodesign #marketing #webdesign #logodesigner #designinspiration #poster #brand #logos #designinspiration #logodesigner #graphicgang