Your brand’s or shop’s name creates the first impression about your business. A well-chosen name can generate curiosity and set a business apart from its competitors. But finding the right name isn’t that easy. It should be selected thoughtfully. The name must reflect the brand’s identity and resonate with the audience. It should be catchy but easy to remember at the same time. This article explores some of the key factors to consider when naming a shop.
What Makes for a Good Shop Name?
Here is a look at the essential elements that make a business name meaningful yet catchy:
- Emotional Connect: Your shop name should be such that it establishes an emotional connection with the customers. At the same time, it should reflect the essence of the brand. For example, “Cozy Nest Interiors” is a good name for a home decor business as it conveys warmth and comfort of your home. However, this doesn’t mean overloading the name with adjectives.
- Pleasant: A shop name should sound good and must also be easy to recall. Some names flow naturally while others create a rhythmic effect. It is a good idea to use the name a few times in a conversation to know how it sounds. Another way to know whether it is a good choice is by seeing if people pronounce it effortlessly.
- Relevance to the Industry: The name should be relevant to the industry. For instance, a tech company may use names such as CodeTech or Tech Solutions. On the other hand, a bakery might opt for names such as Sweet Delight or Tasty Treats. This helps potential customers immediately associate the brand with the industry.
- Memorable: An interesting ad can grab the audiences’ attention but a complicated shop name can ruin the efforts. If your customers cannot remember your brand name or product name, no matter how many ads you plan, they will all go in vain. The name shouldn’t be too long or complex. A little abstract and rhythmic yet meaningful shop name can create the right impression.
How to Create a Good Business Name?
It is important to choose the right shop name when starting a business. Here’s how you can find the perfect name for your shop.
Originality
Being original with the shop name can be a bit difficult. However, it is essential while naming your business. Many apps sound similar and get lost in the shuffle.
As a new business entity, you need to ensure that customers notice your store name rather than just looking at your name and forgetting that you even exist. While choosing a unique name, don’t forget to explore relevant keywords and add them to the brand’s name.
Futuristic Approach
Your business name must not limit your growth or sabotage your future expansion plans. For instance, you sell female apparel, but eventually, you may also add apparel for males. So, having a name like She Wears may limit your audience.
Pen Down All the Ideas
What do you wish to accomplish with your business? What do you want your customers to feel? Are there any adjectives that come to your mind when you think of your business? What is it that makes you different from others? Gather all these ideas on paper.
Offering
If you offer a service, you can also consider having the service name in the name of your business. This will help the customers know what you offer.
User-Centric Approach
Now that you have a few names shortlisted choose a name that’s easy to spell so that it is not misspelt when searched online. The name should be such that your customers and prospects can easily find you online.
Second Opinion
Ask your family and friends to give their opinions on your business name. If you tell them a name and they look confused or ask you to explain it, you need to rethink your name.
Language Translation
The last thing you want is your shop name being translated poorly in another language. Research online to ensure that you are not keeping your business name after something crude.
Availability of the Name
Once you have zeroed in on a business name you are fully satisfied with, now is the time to do some digging. For SEO purposes, you need your business’ name in the website URL. So, check its availability.
There are various tools that you can use to check the availability of the domain name. Type your ideas and check if the names are available.
- Never Give Up: If the domain is unavailable, you may look for alternatives. You can add a word as a suffix or prefix to tweak the name a bit. Again, if you offer a service, you can add the service offering in the name.
- Social Media Handles: After checking the domain name, check social media handles. If the exact name is unavailable, you can consider adding a word or underscore to the name. Also, keep a tab on the handles that come in the searches to see who is using the same name.
Conclusion
Finding the right shop name is a daunting yet crucial task. Through the name, your customers will know you, recognise you, and talk about you.
You must feel confident about putting it out into the world. A careful consideration of the aforementioned points can help you find a suitable name.
