5 Steps to Craft A Perfect Brand Name for your Small Businesses
Read Time: 12 Minutes
Introduction
THIS BLOG WILL HELP YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT BRAND NAME FOR YOUR BUSINESS
If you’re in the process of creating a brand for your business but aren’t quite sure what to call it, don’t worry – I’m here to help! I created this blog especially for those who need some help finding the perfect brand name. So if you already have a name in mind, great – and if you need a little extra assistance, this is the place to be!
What is a Brand?
Your brand is more than just a recognizable name and logo that makes you stand out in a competitive market—it’s what people think of you whenever they come into contact with your business. This includes the impressions you can control and those you can’t. Like us, companies may have names, products, logos, colors, fonts, voices, and reputations that shape who they are and how they’re perceived. Creating a solid brand identity involves creating a humanized brand that others can relate to. This involves staying consistent, and this should be done across your business. To get you started, you should think about creating brand guidelines to help you stay consistent.
Then What is a Brand Name & Why is it so Important?
Imagine your brand as a person—your brand name becomes their identity. For instance, MEC represents the products of MEC, Inc., assuring customers of quality and guaranteed results. Your brand name is the gateway to customer association, trust, and assurance.
What Brand Identity Route will your Business Take?
Before we delve further into this blog, it is crucial to understand the type of brand your company embodies. Drawing from my experience, there are two distinct approaches: the Beyoncé approach or the Apple approach.
- Persona BRAND= Beyoncé
- Corporate BRAND = Apple
Identifying which path resonates with your business will greatly assist in crafting a fitting brand name. These routes serve as valuable guides, narrowing down the options you should consider for maximum impact.
Beyoncé or Apple, which brand route will your brand take?
Beyoncé and Apple represent distinct branding approaches, each with its own merits. Beyoncé’s personal brand stands as a testament to her leadership and expertise, allowing her to connect with fans on a deeply human level. In contrast, corporate brands like Apple utilize iconic symbols to unify their identity and forge a relatable connection with the masses.
Considering Beyoncé and Apple as examples, small businesses can draw inspiration from these routes when selecting their brand name. The Beyoncé Route suits those aiming to establish themselves as influential leaders, necessitating brand name choices that hold personal meaning or industry relevance. On the other hand, the Apple Route is more suitable for companies seeking to create a brand name that encompasses the entire organization. This may involve incorporating industry-related terms or inventing a name with purposeful intent.
The 3 Simplified Brand Naming Conventions you can Utilize
When it comes to naming a new small business, there are several routes
to consider. To simplify the process for my clients, I present three
distinct approaches that align with their desired brand route. In the
following sections, I will outline each of these routes and illustrate
how they can impact the creation of your brand name, providing examples
for better understanding. Also, I show you how the brand identity can effect the way you craft your brand name.
#1 Inventing a Word
If you can’t think of the perfect word for your brand, try making up your own! Invented names are really cool because they’re so unique. Think of words like ‘Google’ or ‘Netflix’ which are based on a combination of existing words and have a meaning related to the brand’s story. It might be tricky to create a new word, but it’s worth it – a made up name like this makes it easy to trademark, secure a URL and social media handles, and you don’t have to worry about competitors with the same name!
Inventing a Word: Beyoncé Route Example
- Xyvora: A made-up word representing elegance and empowerment in the fashion industry.
- Zephex: An invented name symbolizing innovation and cutting-edge technology in the software sector.
Inventing a Word: Apple Route Example
- Pixara: A unique word evoking creativity and imagination for an animation studio.
- Solvenix: An invented name signifying problem-solving expertise and efficiency in consulting services.
#2 Significant Meaning Words
Significant Meaning Words: Beyoncé Route Example
- Harmony Studios: A brand name capturing the essence of balance and creative expression in the art industry.
- Serenova Consulting: A meaningful word blend embodying serenity and innovation for a business consulting firm.
Significant Meaning Words: Apple Route Example
- Vortex Tech: A brand name that combines strength and dynamism, representing a tech company’s futuristic vision.
- Zenith Solutions: A significant term reflecting the pinnacle of excellence and proficiency in IT services.
#3 Industry Words
Consider industry-specific keywords, jargon, and slang to describe your product or service. Utilize dictionaries, thesauruses, and synonyms for inspiration. Keep your audience in mind and avoid unfamiliar terms. Your brand name should be concise, direct, and easy to understand.
Incorporating specific industry terminology into your brand name improves searchability. When people search for a product or service, they often include their location. By reflecting both industry and location in your brand name, you increase the likelihood of ranking higher in search results. Aim for the top spot and maximize your visibility.
Industry Words: Beyoncé Route Example
- Talon Fitness: A brand name using an industry-specific term for a fitness center, emphasizing strength and determination.
- Lumina Photography: A name that incorporates industry jargon to convey the artistry and capturing of light in photography.
Industry Words: Apple Route Example
- Quantum Software Solutions: An industry-related brand name evoking precision and advancement in the software development field.
- Vitality AutoMotors: A term aligning with the automotive industry, representing energy and reliability in vehicle manufacturing.
Factors to Consider when Creating a Brand Name
Before we dive in and start creating an awesome brand name for your business, why don’t we take a few minutes to go over the below points? This’ll help us to make sure you have a clear vision of your desired brand name.
- Relevance: The name should align with your industry, products, or services. It should give customers an idea of what your business is about.
- Distinctiveness: A unique and distinctive name helps your brand stand out and avoid confusion with competitors.
- Simplicity: The name should be easy to pronounce, spell, and remember. Avoid complex or overly long names that may create barriers for customer recall.
- Cultural Considerations: If you plan to expand your business internationally, consider cultural sensitivities and potential language barriers associated with the name.
- Domain Availability: Check the availability of a corresponding domain name for your brand to ensure consistency across online platforms.
- Be You as Everyone is Taken: Sit down and really think about the things that drive you – what gets you excited and motivated? What is your passion, your craft, and what do you absolutely dislike? As you’re reflecting, take note of what makes you and your business unique – that’s your strengths and special something that nobody else has!
The 5 Steps in Creating a Brand Name for your Small Business
Step 1: What type of Brand Identity Route relates to you?
Would you like to have an Apple-style brand that serves as an example for the others to follow, or are you aiming to be a leader in your field, like Beyonce?
Choosing the brand identity route will help you give an idea of the route you should take.
Step 2: Where will your Brand Sell to?
Step 3: Choose 1 of these 3 Brand Name Convention Styles
- Invent a word
- Use a word that has a Significant Meaning to you
- Find an Industry word that relates to your business
Step 4: Craft as Many Names as Possible
Set aside a focused timeframe of 30 to 45 minutes to kickstart the
brainstorming process for brand names based on your chosen brand identity route and the preferred brand name convention style.
- Utilize a dictionary for inspiration and word exploration.
- Conduct research on local and global competitors to gain insights and differentiate your brand.
- Leverage Google as a helpful resource throughout the process.
- The objective is to apply your knowledge and instincts to identify brand names that resonate with the brand route and naming convention style.
Step 4: Check Availability
If you can’t have the name you wanted because someone already took it, then why not consider adding a geographic extension or something else to your brand name? Living in a digital age, it’s important that your presence is the same across all platforms, so this could be a great way to get around the issue.
Final Tips for Creating your Brand Name
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If you’re launching your business, product, or service beyond your own geographical area, it’s worth considering names that can be understood in other places too. Not all names need to be universally accepted, but it’s definitely something to take into account.
Key Takeaways
- Your brand name is a crucial element of your overall brand identity and serves as the primary identifier for your business.
- A strong brand name is distinctive, memorable, and aligns with your industry, values, and target audience.
- Different naming conventions exist, such as using words with significant meaning, industry-specific terms, geographical references, or creating a unique word. Each approach has its pros and cons, and it’s important to consider your business goals and target audience when choosing a naming strategy.
- A well-crafted brand name creates a positive first impression, enhances brand recognition, and helps differentiate your business from competitors.
- Your brand name contributes to building trust, credibility, and emotional connection with your audience, fostering brand loyalty and advocacy.
- Effective communication and marketing effectiveness are facilitated by a strong brand name that simplifies messaging and enhances brand recall.
- Longevity and scalability should be considered when selecting a brand name to ensure it can accommodate future growth and expansion.
- Investing time and thought into selecting the right brand name is crucial as it can have a lasting impact on the success and reputation of your business.
Remember, your brand name is more than just a label; it’s an opportunity to create a powerful and meaningful connection with your target audience, establish a strong brand identity, and stand out in a competitive marketplace.
Summary
WORKS CITED/ RESOURCES
- Braveen Kumar (2022). How To Build Your Own Brand From Scratch in 7 Steps (2023). shopify.com
- BRIAN LISCHER (/). 7 Popular Types of Brand Names. ignytebrands.com/
- Kelley Keller (/). Brand Name, Product Name, Business Name – What’s the Difference? kelleykeller.com/
- Mark Hall (2023). Google American company. britannica.com/
- Megan Dzialo (2020). Brand Naming: How to Create A Perfect-Fit Name. namestormers.com/
- Wikipedia (/). Netflix. wikipedia.org/
- Wix (2021). How to Come Up With a Brand Name: The Ultimate Guide.wix.com/