Selecting the perfect business name is an exciting yet crucial decision. It’s often the first impression your brand makes on potential clients, so getting it right is essential. In this detailed guide, we’ll guide you through the steps and considerations to help you successfully name your creative business.

Should You Use Your Real Name for Your Business Name?

Reflect on whether you want to incorporate your own name into the business name. Think about your business’s long-term vision and your involvement within it:

• Using your name: If your goal is to be more of a personal brand and if you love the idea of being the face of your brand, then using your name can be a great solution. Using your name for your business name can help establish trust and create a strong personal connection with your audience.
• Using a name other than your own: If you anticipate your business growing beyond your personal involvement or wish to keep more of a distance and not be the face of your business, selecting a name other than your own can help alleviate any issues down the line when hiring a team. It can give your business a sense of a more established presence.

Establish Your Brand Identity

An essential part of creating your business name is to analyze your brand identity. Think about the following:

• Your Businesses Core Values

• Your Unique Selling Proposition (Not familiar with USP’s? Here’s an article to check out!)

• Your Dream Clients and Target Audience

Consider what your business represents and what message you want to convey through your name. Your business name should capture the essence of your business and connect with your ideal clients.

Keep It Straightforward and Unforgettable

A simple and memorable name is vital for creating a long-lasting impression. Here are some top tips for crafting a memorable name:

• Simple and Concise: Opt for a name that is simple to remember and spell. Short, uncomplicated names often have a greater impact and are easier for people to remember.

• Easy to Say: Steer clear of complicated words or unusual spellings that aren’t clear to people. People are more likely to share your business name through word of mouth when it’s easy to pronounce.

• Be Original: Avoid using terms and phrases that are common and overused in your industry. A more uncommon business name will help give you a leg up in a competitive market.

Tips for Coming Up With Ideas for Your Business Name

Below are some tips for helping to come up with ideas for your business name:

• Inspiration and Research: Research brands whose names you connect with both in your industry and outside it. Researching names can help spark ideas that you can iterate on. It goes without saying, that copying is not the goal here, rather brainstorming inspiration to help generate ideas of your own.

• Word Mapping: Utilizing word mapping or mind maps is a great way to get your creativity and ideas flowing. Include words and concepts related to your business, target audience, and values to use as a jumping-off point for new connections and insights.

• Word Combinations and Association: Expand on different word combinations and phrases related to your industry and business. Write down whatever comes to mind and circle what you’re drawn to.

Think About Including Personal Significance

Including personal stories or unique symbols can help your brand stand out from the crowd.

Personal stories, places, family history, special people, or memories can all be used as significant name ideas. Our client, Jacinda Weddings and Events (below), decided on the name Jacinda, which is an iteration of her family name, Jacinto, and means Hyacinth flower. Jacinda exudes the elegant, elevated, and romantic touch she infuses into crafting each of her weddings.

Other significant details that can be used to craft a compelling name could be special colors, symbols, or themes, all of which can help forge a deeper emotional bond with your audience.

Check to See if Your Business Name is Available

After you have a handful of name options, check to make sure it’s available across the different platforms below.

• Domain: Check with your domain provider to make sure your business name domain is available. (Our domain recommendation is GoDaddy!) If it is taken already, consider using one of the slightly different options your domain provide will suggest such as yourdomain.co instead of yourdomain.com
• Social Media: Check to see if your business name is available on social media and snag the handles as soon as possible.
• Trademark Search: Perform a trademark check to verify that your name isn’t already registered. This step will help you steer clear of potential legal problems in the future.

Crafting a name for your creative business is a vital component of building your brand identity. By applying these strategies, you can develop a name that genuinely reflects your business and appeals to your target audience. A well-chosen name will establish the foundation for your brand and help you stand out of the crowd.

If you’re ready to begin designing your brand but need support with naming your creative business, contact us! We’d be thrilled to help you choose a name that you love and makes a significant impact.