How to name a business or brand

How to Name a Brand or Business: A Comprehensive Guide to Crafting the Perfect Identity

Naming a brand or business is one of the most crucial steps in building a successful venture. The name you choose will represent your company's identity, values, and vision. It's essential to create a name that resonates with your target audience and stands out in the market. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you craft the perfect name for your brand or business.

1. Define Your Brand's Core Values and Vision

Before you start brainstorming names, it's essential to have a clear understanding of your brand's core values and vision. Consider what your brand represents, its mission, and the unique selling proposition (USP) that sets you apart from competitors. This foundation will guide your naming process and help you create a name that reflects your brand's essence.

2. Know Your Target Audience

Understanding your target audience is critical when naming your brand or business. Consider their demographics, psychographics, preferences, and pain points. A name that resonates with your target audience will be more memorable and appealing, increasing the chances of brand loyalty and customer engagement.

3. Brainstorm Ideas

Now that you have a clear understanding of your brand's core values, vision, and target audience, it's time to brainstorm name ideas. Begin by generating a list of words, phrases, or concepts related to your brand. Be open to exploring different directions and don't limit yourself during this stage. You can use tools like mind maps, word association, or even online name generators to help spark ideas.

4. Shortlist Your Favorites

Once you have a list of potential names, narrow down your choices to a shortlist of favorites. Evaluate each name based on the following criteria:

• Relevance: Does the name accurately represent your brand's values, vision, and offering?
• Memorability: Is the name easy to remember, pronounce, and spell?
• Uniqueness: Does the name stand out from competitors and avoid being too generic or descriptive?
• Scalability: Can the name accommodate future growth and expansion into new markets or product lines?
• Emotional Appeal: Does the name evoke positive emotions and associations with your target audience?

5. Check Availability

Before settling on a name, it's crucial to ensure that it's available for use. Conduct a thorough search to determine whether any existing businesses or trademarks already use the name. Check domain name availability for your preferred website URL and social media handles to ensure consistency across online platforms.

6. Gather Feedback

Gather feedback on your shortlisted names from friends, family, colleagues, or even your target audience. This will provide valuable insights into how others perceive the name and help you identify any potential issues or areas for improvement.

7. Make a Decision and Commit

After considering feedback and conducting thorough research, it's time to make a decision. Choose the name that best aligns with your brand's values, vision, and target audience while standing out in the market. Once you've made your decision, commit to it and start building your brand identity around the chosen name.

8. Register Your Brand Name

Protect your brand and business by registering your chosen name as a trademark, securing the appropriate domain name, and creating social media profiles. Depending on your location, you may also need to register your business name with local authorities or regulatory bodies.

In conclusion, naming a brand or business is a critical step in establishing a strong foundation for success. By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to crafting a memorable and effective name that reflects your brand's essence and resonates with your target audience.

Naming a business or brand seems simple but this subject can be tricky and important

Do an online search !!

This is the easiest and quickest way to give you instant results on ditching a name or not. This is the year 2017 and almost every business and brand has some sort of web presence. From social media or a website. Regardless if they have a website or not. Check Google and Bing along with Yellow Pages or another citation site. They will list most if not all businesses found in the USA. Check Facebook, LinkedIn, and search hashtags on social media like Instagram and Twitter.

Example: You are sitting at home thinking of what to name your new clothing brand. You have been listening to music and what do you know? You get a bright idea. You think to yourself I'm going to name my brand "Rolex clothing". You search Google and only see a company selling watches. You think "Hey they aren't a clothing or t-shirt company".  

Bad idea. If you looked at the search results closely you would have noticed the ™ or the ®. Even if you don't see those marks you will have noticed that there is already a www.rolex.com. This will turn out very bad for you. A costly mistake when "Rolex" the watch manufacturer finds out you are selling clothing while infringing on their trademark. 

It is very important to do a thorough online search.

Check USPTO !!

Check the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This is the most important check you will need to do but not the only. You are searching to make sure that the name you are considering using is not already registered. If it is you will definitely lose any business or brand you created along with time and money. This can be very costly.

If you are considering naming your business "Joe's seafood shack", 9/10 when "Joe's crab shack" finds out you infringed on their trademark they will take you to court and win. Your business will be shut down and you will have time and money wasted.

Check website URLs !!

As stated before, this is 2017. One of the most important parts of a brand or business is your URL. If you are unfamiliar with the term it is basically your website name or domain name. This is actually the first step I take when creating a business. Domain names are like online property. Your domain name is a valuable part of your business because it is going to help customers locate you online. This will be important for your brand, especially if you are considering selling items or services online. 

Why would any smart business man or woman create a brand or company and not own the domain name of their brand or company?  Your right they wouldn't. The domain name is also a major part of brand identity and SEO. Basically being found on Google's, Bing's or Yahoo search engine results. 

Now that you have done your search it is time to start claiming your Brand or Company name 

Secure Social Media Names !!

So you have already done your checks from above and your website domain name is free just waiting for you to purchase it. Go back and double-check all social media platforms to make sure your name is available.

The first step I would take is to claim all social media platforms with my new company name. At this moment some of the top sites would be Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Linkin, Google+ and any more you can think of. 

Example: facebook.com/Yourcompanyname

Example: instagram.com/Yourcompanyname

Secure Your Domain Name !!

Go on websites like Godaddy or Hostgator to purchase your domain name. Godaddy even has something that you can park your domain name on their server with something such as a website coming soon.

Now you own that domain name for at least 1 year. The max they let you purchase a domain name for is 10 years but you will still be given the opportunity to renew every year regardless.

Claim your Business or Brand Name !!

Start using it right away. Getting it trademarked is important but you can wait a little while as long as you using it and it is showing up online. Get some proof that you are using it. Get some business cards printed. Get your website with your domain built. Get a following on those social media sites. Let everyone know about your brand. Use the ™ symbol behind your brand or company name. Never use the ® unless your company is registered with the USPTO.