Your startup’s name is the first impression that your consumers encounter. The name appears on your site, packages, invoices, and in any discussion about your business. A solid name creates interest, while a weak name makes consumers forget your business in seconds.
Fortunately, you don’t need any special genius skills for startup naming. All you need is a proper process. At Asense Branding, we’ve helped businesses find their voice since 2010 and know what works and what doesn't. Our simple guide is below.
In order to choose the name of a startup, you need to establish your brand’s goals and target audience first. Following that, compile a shortlist of catchy and simple names. Make sure that the trademark, domain, and social media handles are available. Finally, test your top choices on a subject group.
Your brand name forms the groundwork for your brand. It is the deciding factor for how easy it is to search for your business online, how it is recommended by word of mouth, and how professional it appears.
Here are top tips for naming a startup that can help you make your startup name very unique.
1. Know Your Brand Before You Name It
Instead of beginning with the name, start with “why.” Consider who your customers are, what your value proposition is, and how you want your name to make people feel. A strong brand strategy can serve as your filter for evaluating startup naming.
2. Keep It Short and Simple
Short names are easier to communicate, remember, type, and fit on your logo and other marketing materials. Try to use only one or two words between 6 and 12 letters. Think about names like Nike, Slack, or Zoom.
3. Make It Easy to Say and Spell
Conduct a “phone test” using your name. If you say it out loud to someone, can they spell it back to you correctly? If the person has to ask how to spell your name, it might be too complicated.
4. Be Unique, Not Confusing
Your name must also be something that people can easily remember and identify. Check if your shortlisted names do not already exist by Googling them. A unique name is also beneficial for your online SEO.
5. Pick a Name Style That Fits
There are 4 styles:
Descriptive names provide clarity. Invented names offer protection. Choose whatever startup name ideas your business needs.
6. Think About Future Growth
Do not limit yourself to your business name. For example, a name like "Rajkot Shoes" may seem limited in case you later expand your business by adding bags or offering services throughout India.
7. Check the Domain and Social Handles
Before becoming too fond of a name, double-check to see if the .com version is available. Additionally, verify your domain name availability for your company’s Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. Having the same name on every platform increases your credibility.
8. Check for Trademarks
Doing this can save you from serious legal issues. Search your country's trademark database to ensure that nobody else is using the same name or a similar name. Finally, consult a legal professional for confirmation.
9. Imagine It as a Logo and on Packaging
A name must look good, not just sound good. Picture it in a logo, on a product box, and on a visiting card. Strong names work well in packaging design and across print and collateral like brochures and business cards.
10. Test Before You Decide
Share your top three names with 10 to 15 people from your target audience. Ask what they think the business does, what feeling the name gives them, and which one they remember a day later. Their answers will often surprise you.
When you know about how to choose a startup name, you also should know about some of the mistakes that you should avoid for startup naming. These are:
If you want to see how a name turns into a full identity, take a look at how we built the look for A One, a bird food brand, or Blitzone Autotech.
Naming a startup is not about luck. It is about knowing your brand, keeping things simple, checking the facts, and testing with real people. Take your time, because this one choice will follow your business for years. Follow these tips for naming a startup that will help you create a better name.
If you feel stuck, you do not have to do it alone. At Asense Branding, our team of strategists, designers and content writers will help you to build a startup naming strategy and find a name that fits your vision and build a brand around it. Learn more about us or contact us today to start your naming journey.
What is the ideal length of a startup name?
Ideally, keeping your name at one to two words and under 12 characters makes it easy to remember and pronounce.
Is it advisable to include keywords in the name of my startup?
Having keywords helps customers understand your business, but don’t overuse them. A catchy name is often more durable than an ordinary one. You can also use some startup name ideas.
Can I change the name of my startup?
Yes, but this takes time and money, and you may lose some recognition. It is wiser to make the right choice in the beginning.
Is the domain name important for a startup?
Yes, matching domain names helps to build your business reputation and is easy to search on the Internet.
How can I get help with coming up with a name for my startup?
A branding agency can offer you the whole process of branding from research and naming to testing, and producing the brand identity and everything else.
