How to come up with a business name

If you want your business to grow from an idea into a success, it’s important to take the time to come up with a strong business name – this could help take your company to the next level. 

In this guide, we’ve highlighted the dos and don’ts of naming a business to help you understand the different factors to consider in the process. 

The dos and don’ts on how to come up with a good business name

Knowing how to come up with a business name can be tricky. However, the difficulty is usually quickly forgotten when it comes to finally naming a business you can call your own.

To help you on your way, we’ve outlined the dos and don’ts when it comes to choosing company name ideas.

Make sure your business name ideas are original

Wondering how to come up with a unique business name? It’s important that you choose something original, rather than follow the predictable patterning of your competitors.

This isn’t always easy, but creative business name ideas are almost always worth the effort in the long run. There are a host of benefits to thinking up imaginative company name ideas. For instance:

You can have all the creative ideas for business names you like, but if there’s already a company with similar branding as you, you’ll find it more difficult to stand out against your competition.

To combat this, conduct some market research or simply give your proposed business names a quick Google search and analyse the results. If there are pages upon pages of companies branded similarly to your vision, it could be worth reconsidering your angle and taking time to come up with another string of good company names.

Confirm availability: How to check if a company name is taken

Once you’ve got a business name that you’re happy with, it’s time to see if it’s available. Here’s how to check:

1. Type your potential business names into Google. Hopefully, when browsing the search results, there’s little to no competition. If you’re noticing other companies with similar branding, it could be worth tweaking your business name ideas slightly.

2. If you’re confident that your brand name ideas are unique and original, check to see if the relevant website for your top choice is available through a domain name search site.

3. If a domain is available, congratulations! If not, try to find an address that closely resembles your branding. However, don’t be afraid to head back to the drawing board if you’re not convinced by the alternatives.

Choose a name that reflects the customer base you’re targeting

Just as your pool of business names should be original and reflective of your company, you should also consider how your target consumer base will respond to your branding. 

Conduct market research while choosing a business name, considering the habits and personas of your potential customers and clients, to come up with something they’ll love as much as you.

Don’t overcomplicate your company name ideas

When naming a business, it can be easy to fall into the trap of trying to be too clever. Instead, aim to come up with business names that support your brand image through simplicity. Not only will a more direct approach make recognising your brand easier, but customers will also find it easier to connect with your company.

Consider what you actually want your business to achieve

To begin with, sit down and consider what you want your company to represent. Start by answering the following:

• Do you want your company to evoke any particular feelings in your customers or clients?
• What key values do you want your company to be known for?

Does the length of name matter in the industry you’re hoping to break into? If so, concentrate on short and snappy business names.

Offer a realistic reflection of your brand

Just as it’s important not to overcomplicate your brand name ideas, you should also avoid overinflating the stature of your company. That isn’t to say you can’t be ambitious, but remain realistic. 

There are two key reasons you should bear this in mind when choosing a business name:

1. While aligning with major brands might seem like a bold move to show your commitment, it could actually distance you from your target audience, who are more drawn to your business for its personal, smaller-scale appeal.
2. In the beginning stages of your business, you're probably not equipped to compete with the industry giants, which makes it difficult to attract clients at that level.

No matter how quickly you anticipate growth, the important takeaway when naming a business is to choose brand name ideas that consumers can relate to at every level.

Futureproof your business name ideas

Scalability is a common ambition in startups, so it’s important to come up with brand name ideas that reflect this. 

Avoid tying your business name ideas to a particular trend, product, or area, or you might find it difficult to expand your range or offering later down the line. 

Futureproofing your company means finding a name that works no matter your size, location, or value.

Good company names make for memorable branding

Coming up with creative business name ideas is important, but it’s also crucial to consider what your branding would look like.

This doesn’t necessarily mean enlisting the help of a professional designer, but you should take a step back and visualise your name centre stage on your website.

Make sure you love your business name ideas

It should go without saying, but the most important factor in choosing a business name is picking one you love.

Because, after all, how can you fully invest your time, energy, and money into a brand you don’t fully support? You’ll know you’ve got a list of good company names when they sound amazing out loud!

Give your business a quick and easy acronym

If you’re struggling to think up business name ideas that are both succinct and descriptive, you could always consider an acronym. There are two ways you can approach naming a business in acronym form:

1.  Take a term that perfectly reflects your company’s offering, and look to find words that fit the letters.

2.  Take your brand name ideas in their current form, and abbreviate into a word or letter combination that rolls off the tongue.

There are plenty of companies worldwide that are known by their acronym – this could be due to their eye-catching, memorable nature.

Choosing the right business name is a crucial step in establishing your brand identity and setting the foundation for long-term success. It’s more than just a name – it’s an opportunity to communicate your values, mission, and unique selling points.

Once you’ve confirmed the availability of your first-choice name, you’re good to register the domain and begin your online presence!