So, you’ve got this great idea, and after all this time in quarantine you’ve been thinking about taking the next step in launching your very own business.
We’ve got you.
Whether you’ve been through the process before or are a first-timer, the development of a new business is time-consuming and at times a little overwhelming. Finding the perfect, memorable brand name is undoubtedly one of the most crucial steps when it comes to completing the first few tasks before moving forward. Don’t get discouraged, with the proper guidance and brand naming steps, you’ll be well on track to finding the perfect company name in no time.
First off, let’s establish what we’re looking for when it comes to The Perfect Brand Name:
A great brand name:
- differentiates you from your competition
- increases brand recognition
- attracts your target audience
- is memorable
- conveys your brand message
We’ve established what we’re looking for in a name. Now let’s get down to business and talk about the steps involved when it comes to finding the perfect brand name…
Step 1. Define Your Objectives and A Clear Purpose Statement
This is a fun brainstorming project that will equip you with a ton of benefits throughout your entire business start-up process – beginning with your naming project. Long story short, ask yourself a series of questions when it comes to your business purpose:
- What is my business vision?
- What is my business mission?
- What are my business values?
The beginning of this brainstorming project not only leads you to finding the perfect name, but it also leaves you with a draft mission statement and can even help you define your slogan.
Step 2. Define Your Ideal Customer
An important part of the naming process is to take some time to think about who you are naming for. You are feeling the excitement of a new project and finding the perfect brand name, but in reality, choosing a is for your customer. Add to your brainstorm project by asking yourself the following questions:
- Who will benefit most from my product/service?
- Who can pay for it?
- What demographics describe my target customer?
- What are their characteristics?
- What are their wants/desires?
Answering these questions will not only give you a clear vision of who you’re marketing to, but will also help you in the long run throughout your entire branding process – all the way down to creating specialized marketing campaigns.
Step 3. Market Research
You’ve defined your purpose and your target audience, now it’s time to dig in and do some market research. Find and talk to people who match the description of your target audience. Pick their brains. Ask them what fuels their purchase process. What stands out to them about businesses they like or dislike?
It’s a great idea during this step to also research your competition and inspiration. While you’re at it, why not research brands you don’t like so that you have a clear picture of what you want to avoid.
Step 4. Define Your Vibe
Your homework is nearly done! Just a few more things to think about and you’re ready to start the brand naming process. Add these thoughts to your naming brainstorm project:
- How do you want someone to feel when they hear your brand name?
- Are you looking for something that sounds professional and authoritative, quirky and warm, or something luxurious and couture?
- Distinguish your tone of voice and the vibe behind your company.
Once you’ve established your tone of voice and the emotion your brand will evoke, this will lead you into establishing your company story:
- Where did you get this idea from?
- Who are you?
- What do you believe in?
Last but not least, define your selling highlights.
- What sets you apart?
- Why should your customer choose your product or service above your competition?
Once again, this brainstorming project is setting you up for success later on as well. Everything from your website copy to social media management and content creation depends on the answers to all the questions listed in the steps above.
Step 5. The Brand Naming Process
You’re ready to begin the naming process! First and foremost, it’s important to remember that this is a process. It doesn’t always come easy and that’s okay. Take all the time needed to find the perfect brand name for your company.
Getting help is highly recommended at this stage. Getting a group of wordsmith friends together or hiring a team of professionals like the one here at Mijo! Brands gives you the opportunity to work with more than just your imagination. Ten minds are way better than one, wouldn’t you agree?
Once you’ve got a list of potential names down, narrow it down to a shortlist of around five names and begin to play with them. Research logo ideas and be sure to enlist the help of a professional to ensure your name translates internationally (you don’t want to have some obscene foreign word in your name accidentally). Verify that the URL that matches your name is available and that your name hasn’t already been trademarked.
Once you’ve gotten through this process, you’ll undoubtedly have at least a few name options to choose from. When it comes to deciding, ask your friends, your family, and even complete strangers! You want to make sure your name is memorable, powerful, and absolutely perfect for your business. Who’s better to ask than who you’re selling to?
Here at Mijo! Brands, a leading creative digital marketing agency with offices in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, we specialize in the brand naming process. We accompany our clients through close collaboration on the entire naming journey, from helping to define your objectives, purpose and target audience, digging deep into market research, defining your tone of voice and wordsmithing, while creating a shortlist of potential names.
Once we’ve narrowed it down, we can help ensure your perfect URL is available and assist in the trademarking process. Our team also includes expert logo and graphic designers, master website designers and skilled copywriters to propel your business idea to success.
We’d love to hear about your great idea. Get in touch with us today!
Sarah lives in her bubble of compassion and love for the planet. She studied Literature and Communications at Camosun College in Victoria B.C. and is presently working remotely as a writer in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. When she isn’t spending her time geeking out in the digital world, tending to her plants, or reading books on anything and everything, you can find her running barefoot on the beach with her pups, looking up delicious new vegetarian recipes to try, or trying (and failing) to reach whatever is on the top shelf.
