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How to Develop Effective Startup Names
Creating a startup company can be a very exciting process. But without proper startup name ideas, your organization will have a much more difficult time getting off the ground. Developing and sorting through various startup names is a very important component of the entire startup process.
Finding a good name for your company can help you stand out from the competition and give your brand an immediate advantage. Taking the time to brainstorm, do your research, and focus on the details will certainly pay off in the long-run.
Brainstorm startup name ideas that will resonate with your target market
The most important thing to know about how to name your startup is that the name isn’t for you—it is for your future clients. Companies that are within the same industry but have different target markets will ultimately have a very different list of potential startup names to choose from.
For example, suppose your company provides personal supplements. If the company is primarily targeting older demographics, you will likely want to think of names that will promote late in life health. A name such as Life Extension is clear, concise, and catered to your target audience. However, if the company is targeting a younger market, use a name that is a little bit more fun. A name such as Olly sends a message that your product is kid friendly. Check out these brand name idea examples for inspiration.
Think of a name that is memorable
In order to win over as many clients as you possibly can, you are going to want to have a name that is easy to remember. When brainstorming potential startup names, you should generate a list of names that will be easy to recall when the customer is trying to think of your company in the future.
One of the common mistakes that new businesses make is that, in an effort to gain credit for what they have created, the founders insist on using their own names to name the company. Though this can occasionally be an alright idea, it is important to keep in mind that names—especially uncommon names or multiple names—can be much more difficult to remember.
Your name is the foundation of your brand’s overall image
The name of your company is essential to forming a positive first impression in the minds of your potential clients. When trying to generate startup name ideas, you should begin by asking yourself, what is the first thing I want people to think about when they think about my company?
A good way to begin brainstorming startup names is to begin thinking of words you want to be associated with your business. By making a list of adjectives, emotions, and principles that you believe represent the business you are trying to create, you will be immediately moving in the right direction.
A lot of businesses assume they will be able to find the ideal name with just a few minutes of brainstorming. But in the end, picking a business name is never that easy. Learn how to name your startup, and invest in this process – you will ultimately find that it is time well spent. By thinking about your target market, a few simple principles, and your ideal brand image, the perfect name for your startup organization is certainly within reach.
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Grant Polachek is the Director of Marketing at Squadhelp.com, helping entrepreneurs and marketers name their businesses (quickly and easily), create strong brands, and grow faster through a disruptive crowdsourcing process that connects them with the most creative people across the globe. His book on How to name a business is available to Startup Buffer readers for free.