Crucial Elements for a Brand Name
Any company name application containing a name that is the ‘same as’ or ‘too similar’ to an existing name will be rejected. A good brand name should be unique, distinctive, extendable, easy to pronounce, identified, and memorized.
Brainstorming Techniques
- Use a Metaphor. For example, if you’re a make-up artist, think of beauty synonyms like pretty, stunning, and gorgeous. Start with a circle containing "my business name." Draw lines off the main circle with each new idea. A web of ideas will form.
- A cool name that doesn’t express your positioning is an albatross. Ideate names within the company or with an outside agency.
- How do you know when to call your business your name versus a descriptive name?
Legal Aspects
If you close your company, you can no longer conduct business under that name. Your company’s assets will be sold and debts paid. The company will be dissolved. Registering a company name trademark is straightforward. Many businesses can file online in 90 minutes without a lawyer. The simplest way is on www.uspto.gov. Unless protected under law, an owner has no authority to sell a business name for profit.
Generating a Strong Business Name
How do I come up with a name for my company? Use this practical guide to come up with a business name, with brainstorming tips, mistakes to avoid, and legal steps. Creating a business name has pressure. Use lists of industries, sports, scientific names, and more to spark ideas.
- Take a symbol or element of your work and create a name. For example, Pixar combines pixel and a founder’s name. Check name availability and trademark it to prevent others from using your brand. Simplicity is best, such as how Shopify alludes to shopping without directly referencing e-commerce.
Protecting Your Brand
Research popular names. Uniqueness and easy pronunciation matter, but avoid excessive commonality in search results. Incorporate your name and ensure no other business uses it.
Check if your business name is available. Search state records, federal trademarks, and the web. Consider using acronyms and mash-ups, drawing inspiration from books.
Lego, meaning “play well” in Danish, and WD-40, which took 40 tries to get the formula right, show you do not need generators for creative names. Indiana Bones and the Temple of Groom" is an example that illustrates both humor and character.
Final Insights
Stir an emotion and sensation. Keep it short so it sticks. Extend into a naming system if possible – an app called Carrot has a spin-off named Parsnip. Good luck, and may inspiration strike you!