“When people use your brand name as a verb, that is remarkable.” – Meg Whitman
If you’re facing trouble naming your brand, you’re not the only one. It might come across as one of the most basic elements of your brand, but settling it might not really be a piece of cake. As they say, what’s in a name? Well, a lot. Your brand is essentially a story that unfolds at different customer touchpoints. It’s nothing but your brand name that holds different phases of this story together.
When it comes to creating a lasting first impression, how you name your brand is definitely going to matter, of course. But there’s a lot more to it than that.
Did you know? Almost 77% of consumers make purchases just based on a brand name. If one’s looking at an adhesive, they’d naturally ask for Fevicol. If one wants a photocopy, they never say photocopy. What they say is Xerox.
It’s so fascinating how Velcro, the inventor of hook-and-loop fasteners, had to request people not to use their brand name as a noun or a verb.
But how to choose a brand name that is so distinctive, authentic and memorable? Let’s understand.
Picking the Perfect Brand Name
When it comes to naming your brand, there’s no one standard method of doing it. The kind of name your business needs totally depends on what approach you want to take, followed by some ideal practices along the way. A strong name would stick in your customers’ minds so much so that they’d eventually recognise, resonate, memorise, and trust your brand right through it. 82% of investors base their decisions on name recognition! Choose a brand name that speaks volumes.
If you’re looking to name your new brand, here are some suggestions.
Find Your Motivation
Do you need a descriptive brand name that states what your company does or describes any other related experience? Or would you like your brand to be named after your founder? Do you know you could also make up your own words, just like Google?
There are many options to choose from. The best brand name depends on your needs and how you want to position your business. A descriptive name makes it easy to understand what you do, while a unique or unusual name can attract more attention.
Hunt for Ideas
What’s the best way to get good ideas? It’s getting loads of ideas and dropping off the bad ones. Gather all the key stakeholders of your business, sit down and brainstorm together.
Throw in anything that comes to your mind, any words or phrases that could eventually form your brand’s name. The idea is to come up with as many names as possible, jot them all down, and thoughtfully tick away the bad ones until you are left with the best ones.
Consider using original or invented words that still convey meaning. Many successful brands have created unique names, like Google, which are easy to remember and stand out while maintaining clarity. Or, like Kodak, a made-up word that can create a unique identity for your brand.
Make It Crystal Clear
Always use words that can be easily connected to who you are. Your brand name should, in one way or another, relate to your product or service, your mission and vision, and your customers’ expectations. It should be simple, easy to pronounce, and leave no room for confusion.
Say no to using any bizarre words only to gain attention. Complicated or vague names might make it harder for customers to remember or trust your brand. Be it sending mixed messages or sending a wrong message altogether, you don’t want either of the two. A clear, well-thought-out name will help customers understand what your brand is about at first glance.
Be Absolutely Unique
Before you go ahead and lock a name for your brand, take out some time and research whether other brands are already using the same. After all, you’d never want a trademark suit to be filed against you.
Even if you end up with an exact match, tweaking your name a little would really help. For example, if your business operates in a different industry or location, you can add those details to your name itself to avoid confusion.
It’s Not Just a Brand Name
A brand name is much more than it literally sounds to be. It extends all the way to your logos, taglines, slogans and the like. It must be consistent enough and must never look out of place when put alongside any of these.
For instance, Apple is such a non-tech name. However, when combined with their tagline Think different, it truly reflects what it stands for. Whenever we come across Apple: Think different as a brand identity, what we perceive is an innovative tech company that differentiates itself from other brands in every way, including its unconventional name.
Protecting Your Brand Name
Once you’ve arrived at the right brand name for your business, it becomes critical to protect it as much as possible. Make sure to get it registered as your company’s trademark. Once it becomes your intellectual property, your investment is safeguarded.
This means if another company, let’s say your competitor, chooses a name that infringes on yours, you could send a cease-and-desist letter, and they will have to go to court and/or change the name.
Your brand’s story, personality, messaging, everything stands on the foundation of your brand identity. Your brand name is what makes your brand identity stand out and impacts the way your customers think about your business. Therefore, choose it wisely and protect it vigilantly.
Scale Your eCommerce Business with Smart Shipping Solutions
After choosing a brand name and setting up your business, the next big step is ensuring your shipping runs smoothly. A reliable logistics partner like Shiprocket can help you streamline operations, cut costs, and keep your customers happy. Whether you’re shipping locally or expanding globally, having the right solutions in place can make all the difference in growing your eCommerce business.
With Shiprocket, shipping becomes simpler and more cost-effective. You get access to affordable domestic and international shipping, AI-powered tools to boost sales, and easy integrations with 220+ digital platforms. Whether you’re looking for automated nationwide shipping, warehousing, or fulfillment solutions, Shiprocket has you covered. Features like a courier recommendation engine, bulk order processing, and real-time tracking ensure that your deliveries are fast and reliable. If you’re serious about scaling your business, Shiprocket gives you the tools to make it happen.
Conclusion
A well-chosen brand name is more than just a label. It’s the first step toward building a strong, lasting identity. It should reflect what your business stands for and create a connection with your customers. The right name can set you apart in a crowded market and make a lasting impact. While creativity plays a big role, ensuring clarity, uniqueness, and legal protection is just as important. Take the time to explore different options, test their appeal, and make an informed decision. A powerful brand name isn’t just memorable – it’s a foundation for long-term success.
