Imagine if Google had stuck with its original name, "Backrub." Would it have become the global tech giant we know today? A great brand name has the power to shape a company’s identity and future success.
Picking the right one is about strategy. Let’s dive into how to come up with a brand name that sticks, whether manually or with the help of AI.
5 Easy Steps to Create a Brand Name
Coming up with the perfect brand name doesn’t have to be tricky. These 5 steps will help you create a standout name.
1. Set Your Brand Goals
Setting your brand goals is the first step to creating a strong name. It’s about knowing what makes your business special and how you want others to see it.
Just ask these simple questions to yourself:
-
What’s the big reason behind your business? (Your vision)
-
What exactly does your business do? (Your mission)
-
How do you go about achieving your goals? (Your core values)
-
What kind of vibe or personality do you want your brand to have? (Your identity)
-
What should your brand name convey? (Clarity or innovation?)
Once you have these answers, you’ll have a clearer picture of your brand’s purpose and identity. This will also set the stage for good brand reputation management.
2. Know Your Customers and Competitors
Your brand name needs to connect with your audience and fit within your industry. People often feel a sense of identity with the brands they choose, so understanding what resonates with them is key.
Look at customer feedback, reviews, and surveys to see how your brand is perceived. At the same time, analyze what your competitors are doing to decide if you want to follow industry trends or take a bold, unique approach.
Learn How to Increase Your Brand Awareness
Here are some things to consider:
-
What do your customers love about your brand? (Check reviews and surveys)
-
Does your audience prefer fun and casual or formal and serious?
-
What naming patterns are common in your industry?
-
Do you want to blend in or stand out from competitors?
Answering these questions will help you find a name that reflects your brand’s identity while connecting with your target audience.
3. List Potential Brand Names
Brainstorming is a great way to spark creativity and come up with unique brand name ideas. You can do it solo or with your team by letting ideas flow freely without judgment. Write down all the potential names during this process, you never know which one might stand out.
You just need to explore words, sounds, and visuals that connect with your brand’s personality. If you feel stuck then use helpful tools like the Dorik Free AI Business Name Generator that can give you a boost. Write down all the potential names during this process, you never know which one might stand out.
Here are some tips to guide your brainstorming:
-
Play with words and sounds that match your brand, like Kodak’s “K” sound that mimics a camera shutter
-
Try a portmanteau by combining two words, like Facebook or DoorDash
-
Use metaphors to make a strong connection, like Nike drawing inspiration from the goddess of victory
-
Experiment with the best AI name generators to explore creative possibilities
4. Check Name Availability
Before finalizing your brand name, you should check if it’s available so that it won’t cause any legal or branding issues. A quick search can save you from potential challenges.
Here’s what you can do:
-
Search for duplicates: Do a quick Google search to see if the name already exists or is similar enough to cause confusion or legal issues.
-
Check domain name availability: Check if your brand name is available as a website domain. You can search on platforms like Google Domains or Name.com. If the exact name isn’t available, you can try slight variations that still align with your brand.
Learn How to Choose a Domain Name
-
Verify social media handles: Look for your brand name on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to make sure it’s not already taken.
-
Look for trademarks: Search the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to confirm that your name isn’t already registered.
-
Check alternate meanings: Make sure your name doesn’t have negative translations or meanings in other languages, especially if you plan to go global.
5. Test Your Chosen Brand Names
You should get feedback on your chosen brand names before making a final decision. You can test it by sharing your options with trusted colleagues, team members, customers, or stakeholders.
Their opinion can help you spot issues, like a name that’s hard to pronounce or one that doesn’t resonate with your target audience. To avoid groupthink, try asking for opinions individually.
You can also get feedback from different people by running surveys or organizing focus groups with people from your target audience.
These steps will help you identify the name that best conveys your brand’s message and connects with your audience. Once you’ve tested your options, you can confidently move forward with your perfect brand name.
Good Read: Brand Marketing Strategy
How to Create a Brand Name With AI
Brainstorming brand name ideas can be exhausting sometimes, especially when your suggestions don’t land well with others. For example, “Bean There, Done That” might not be the best coffee shop name, no matter how clever it sounds.
So, now is the perfect time to let AI handle the task. Just try a few prompts and explore the helpful suggestions.
1. Tell the AI About Your Business
You just need to give your chosen AI tool detailed information about your business (I am using ChatGPT). Try to be specific about your plans, target audience, and branding style.
My prompt: “I’m looking for a brand name for my new SaaS platform. It helps small businesses easily manage projects and team collaborations. The branding tone should be modern and professional. It should connect with entrepreneurs and business owners aged 25-45 and work well on marketing materials and social media.”
If you include details like your audience, branding tone, and product focus, it will help AI to create the most relevant name options.
2. Explore Name Options
Once you’ve shared all the details with your AI tool, let it generate a list of creative names. Tools like ChatGPT can come up with unique ideas based on your input and match your branding style easily.
Ask the AI for different name ideas. So, let’s just see what I got:
3. Fine Tune Your Favorites
Once you have a list of options, it’s time to see what good options you got. Pick your favorite brand names and remove the ones that don’t feel right.
So, to get more options, just share your feedback with AI and ask it to tweak or generate some fresh ideas.
My prompt: “I liked 5, 15, and 2 from the suggestions but didn’t like 3, 7, and 14. Can you explore my favorites further and give me 10 more options based on them?”
You can continue this process until you find a name that feels just right for your brand.
Tips for a Good Brand Name
A good brand name brings together creativity and strategy. It should reflect your mission, vision, and values while being unique, easy to remember, and emotionally meaningful to your audience.
The best brand names stay relevant over time. Here are some simple tips to help you create a great name:
-
Make it timeless: Avoid trendy names tied to pop culture or fleeting moments. Focus on your brand’s core values and universal concepts like hope, happiness, or inspiration, which will remain relevant in the long run.
-
Create a Name That Sticks: Use rhymes, repetition, or short, catchy words to make your name easy to remember. Coca-Cola’s repeating sounds and AT&T’s short acronym are great examples of names that stick in people’s minds.
-
Keep It Easy to Say and Spell: A simple name is easier for people to remember and share. Make sure it’s easy to pronounce and spell, especially if you plan to expand globally.
-
Choose a Name That Connects Emotionally: Pick a name that sparks feelings or builds a strong connection with your audience. For example, Nike’s name, inspired by the Greek goddess of victory, stirs motivation and achievement.
-
Make It Last Forever: Avoid trendy or pop-culture-inspired names that might not age well. Instead, focus on universal values like happiness, hope, or inspiration to ensure your brand name stays relevant over time.
FAQs
What is a unique brand name?
A unique brand name is one that stands out, grabs attention, and is easy to remember. It helps make your business memorable and supports your marketing, brand awareness, and sales efforts.
What is a catchy name?
A catchy name is one that’s attractive and easy to remember. It grabs attention and sticks in people’s minds easily.
How long do brands last?
A strong brand can last forever if it stays relevant and adapts to changing times. It’s all about staying connected with your audience and evolving with their needs.
Your Name, Your Brand
Your brand name is the foundation of your business’s identity. Think of it as the first impression you make. Once you’ve nailed the perfect name, it’s time to create a website, a standout logo, and consistent typography.
