Your brand name is just important as your branding itself. But, most people don’t seek out a professional brand designer on this step in the process.
I have named my business twice and helped many other entrepreneurs hone in on their perfect brand name!
P.S. Download the workbook + checklist at the bottom of this post!
These are the exact steps I take for the process!
Tune into the Breakthrough Brand Podcast (episode #50) to hear me talk about 8 mistakes you do not want to make when naming your business.
LISTEN NOW:
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Steps to Naming Your Business:
1.Write down the purpose for your business.
Ask yourself “what is my mission?” and “who do I want to serve?” This first step can be super challenging! Don’t aim for perfection here, just write down your general mission for your business.
2. Who is my ideal customer?
If you don’t know WHO you are targeting, how can you choose a business name that will appeal to them? When you know who you want to work with, you can choose a business name and branding that will attract them specifically. Click here to download a FREE ideal client workbook to guide you through this process!
As you consider names keep in mind the question: Would this name be attractive to my target customer?
3. List names of your favorite businesses.
The goal here is NOT to copy, but to look for inspiration. Figure out why you like these names? Take note of any patterns.
4. What words do I like?
Let your mind run free! Write down words that you identify with personally whether they relate to your business or not.
5. Brainstorm keywords that describe what your business does.
Write down words that describe what you do/sell, who you serve, and generally relate to your business. Examples: design, marketing, social media, creative, consulting, photography.
6. Detail those descriptions.
Take it a step further and brainstorm words or phrases that relate to the words in step 5. For example, I can take the word “design” and come up with words like hue, color, sketch, paint, type, color, brand, etc. Use a thesaurus to help if needed.
7. Combine words!
Circle your favorite words from steps 3 - 6 and combine them! Don’t worry about how silly they may sound, you never know what might stand out!
Add words like “and”, “the”, “of” and suffixes such as “ly”, “ie”, if needed!
8. Is the domain name available?
Check for domain name availability on a site like GoDaddy for the names you like. Don’t rule out the new domain name extensions. Since “.com” is nearly 30 years old, many of the best and most valuable domains have been registered. Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) are a great option too! You can get a domain that is specific to your business. Extension examples: .photography, .agency, .attorney, .shop, .design, .business.
9. Is there already a business by this name with a registered trademark?
Check the U.S. trademark and patent office website to see if your name is already in use. Since this doesn’t provide a full picture of who might be using the name, search your business name idea on Google, Facebook and other search engines to see what comes up.
10. Let it sit.
Say the name out loud, write it down, type it out, ask for opinions. What sounds great at first, may not in a couple of days, so give yourself a week or two before deciding.
Ask your friends, family, and fellow business owners what they think of the name. Take it a step further and ask people who would be your ideal client! Business owner Facebook groups are a great place to ask.
Want more? Get the free workbook + checklist!
Grab the business naming workbook + checklist below!
Includes a step-by-step 7-page guide plus a final checklist to make sure your brand name makes the cut!
Are you still looking for one more thing? Learn all about the 8 mistakes you want to avoid when naming your business here or listen to the Breakthrough Brand Podcast (episode 50).
September 28, 2017
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