4 Steps To Name Your Business
This four-step process will help you name your new business. In this example, I’m creating a name for a web design business that conveys the modern, cutting edge aspects of this industry. Here’s each step I took in crafting these business names.
1. Brainstorm your name ideas
Start by brainstorming what words could fit into your business name. In my name ideas, I used words like “Digital”, “Web”, “Domain” and “Online”, you can see that while these words can be related to Web design, they also suggest that you can expect a forward looking, progressive outlook when you deal with this company. Your goal here is to create a list of words or names that come to mind when thinking about your business.
If you’re stuck on words to use, try our business name generator.
2. Shortlist your ideas
Once you’ve developed a list of possible names, do an analysis of your ideas. Remove any names that could be hard to remember, spell or speak aloud. Keep names that are brandable, sound great, are memorable and communicate your brand values, product or service to your target audience.
Here is a quick checklist you can run your ideas through to help shorten your list of name:
Is the name simple and easy to remember?
Is the name easy to read and say aloud?
Is the name different from competitors?
Does the name convey a relevant meaning?
Does the name avoid overused words or cliches?
3. Get some feedback
You’ll now have a list of 3-6 great web design business names and you can start to ask potential customers or people working in the industry for feedback (your target audience). Avoid feedback from family and friends, are more likely to praise all your ideas and they aren’t your customer.
Be sure to ask questions like:
What first comes to mind when you first hear the name?
How would you spell it?
With your customer feedback you can now ask yourself is the name still relevant? Did it represent your business how you intended?
4. Check That It’s available
At this point, it’s good to have at least three great web design business names on your list, in case your any of your names are already taken. You can do a quick Business Name Search online to find out if you’re name is available within your country/state, also be sure to search if the name is also available for Trademark and Domain name Registration.
Check Domain Availability here.
