What’s in a reputation? Greater than you would possibly suppose. The title of your on-line retailer is among the most vital selections small enterprise house owners make. It’s your first likelihood to make a long-lasting impression. A catchy enterprise title has to sound good, in fact, however it additionally must be memorable, evoke the correct feelings, and assist your corporation thought stand out out of your opponents.
No strain or something!
However give it some thought: when prospects are looking for the merchandise you promote, your retailer’s title will be the distinction between capturing their consideration or being ignored. So, it ought to replicate your model, resonate along with your viewers, and be simple to seek out on-line.
The enterprise naming course of is each a inventive and strategic train, and this text will stroll you thru the entire thing. So, let’s discuss now about easy methods to title your on-line retailer in a means that makes the correct impression.
Earlier than deciding on the proper title on your new on-line retailer, it’s worthwhile to forged a large internet. The objective right here is amount, not high quality. The extra inventive on-line retailer title concepts you generate firstly, the higher your possibilities of discovering one thing distinctive, memorable, and reflective of your model’s future id.
On this part, the bottom line is to suppose broadly and creatively with out imposing limitations on the kinds of names you generate. Later, you’ll sift by means of this assortment and refine it, however for now, let the concepts move. Right here’s a fast rundown of easy methods to make this occur, virtually talking:
Create a collaborative brainstorming house
Should you’re working with a group, making a shared house the place everybody can contribute concepts in actual time is a should. Utilizing instruments like Google Docs, P2, Microsoft OneNote, or a collaborative board like Trello or Miro could make it simple for everybody to jot down concepts on a whim.
Use mind-mapping instruments like XMind and even pen and paper should you’re going solo. These will help you seize ideas in a extra freeform means.
Even should you’re the one decision-maker, getting different individuals concerned may give you recent views. Typically, these indirectly concerned with the enterprise will provide you with concepts that spark additional creativity or make you concentrate on your retailer from a distinct angle.
Set clear targets for the brainstorming session
Earlier than diving into the brainstorming course of, give your group (or your self) a transparent set of targets. What sort of enterprise are you constructing? What’s the tone of your model? Who’s your audience? Would you like a reputation that feels playful, skilled, or daring?
Defining these parameters upfront will assist channel creativity in a productive route. With out clear targets, you threat producing concepts that really feel disjointed or that don’t align along with your model’s id.
A number of helpful prompts is perhaps:
- What phrases describe your core services or products?
- What feelings would you like your prospects to really feel after they work together along with your retailer?
- Are there any cultural or industry-specific phrases that might encourage inventive enterprise title concepts?
You’ll probably need a title that exudes luxurious, sophistication, and exclusivity should you’re beginning a high-end trend model. However your title would possibly want to speak sustainability, pure substances, and wellness should you’re launching an eco-friendly skincare line.
Use phrase affiliation for enterprise title concepts
Probably the greatest methods to dig deeper when brainstorming is thru phrase affiliation. Phrase affiliation helps spark new concepts by beginning with a single idea and increasing outward.
So, you’d begin by writing a core phrase associated to your corporation or {industry} on a bit of paper. Should you’re opening a baked items store, begin with “bread” or “bake.” Should you’re launching an ecommerce retailer that sells health gear, begin with “energy” or “motion.”
Ask every participant to put in writing down as many phrases associated to that core phrase as attainable. These would possibly embrace descriptive phrases, feelings, or summary ideas that the phrase brings to thoughts.
For the bakery instance, you would possibly write down “artisan,” “rise,” “golden,” or “knead.” And for a health store, phrases like “energy,” “peak,” “push,” and “endurance” would possibly work.
Use a enterprise title generator
Should you’re feeling caught or want a spark of inspiration, utilizing a free enterprise title generator is a fast technique to jumpstart your brainstorming course of. These instruments assist you to discover completely different phrase mixtures, discover distinctive choices, and make sure you’re not lacking any inventive potentialities.
One instrument you would possibly discover useful is the WordPress Enterprise Identify Generator. It permits you to enter key phrases associated to your {industry} or enterprise idea, after which generates a wide range of catchy enterprise title concepts that suit your standards. Enterprise title turbines usually produce outcomes which can be sudden, which might result in recent concepts you wouldn’t have considered in any other case.
Use completely different naming methods and frameworks
Apart from normal phrase affiliation, there are a number of different naming methods that may work effectively on your model. Right here’s a fast have a look at different methods to strategy the naming course of.
Portmanteaus
Portmanteaus contain mixing two phrases or components of phrases to create a brand new title. It’s a useful methodology to make use of should you’re making an attempt to mix services or products descriptors with a novel twist. However take care — the ensuing title ought to nonetheless be easy to say and perceive.
A superb instance of a portmanteau is Netflix. This model title combines the phrase “Web” and “Flicks” (motion pictures) to create a reputation that tells you precisely what the corporate is about.
Alliteration
Alliterative names are these the place every phrase begins with the identical letter or sound. They usually make for catchy enterprise names and are easy to recollect. The tech retailer, Greatest Purchase, illustrates this effectively. This title tells you what the shop presents and has a rhythmic sound to it.
Metaphor or symbolism
You may select names which can be metaphorical or symbolize one thing associated to your product or model, too. This works effectively whenever you’re aiming for a extra summary or evocative model id. Nike does this. In any case, Nike is called for the Greek goddess of victory and symbolizes triumph.
Overseas phrases or phrases
Utilizing phrases from different languages may give your model a sophisticated enchantment. However do watch out and ensure the that means aligns along with your model’s message and doesn’t create any unintended confusion or offensive connotations in several cultures. The clothes firm Zara is called for the phrase blooming flowers and wonder in Arabic.
Incorporating a location or origin
For companies that emphasize locality or a way of place, utilizing the title of a metropolis, area, or landmark will help create a robust id. A enterprise like Alaska Airways has a reputation that ties it to its location, interesting on to that neighborhood and giving the model a way of authenticity.
Acronyms or initials
Acronyms or a set of initials might work on your on-line retailer’s title, too. As long as what you provide you with represents the enterprise’s core choices, it might work very well and end in a memorable title.
H&M stands for Hennes & Mauritz, and it’s develop into synonymous with quick, fashionable clothes.
Let the concepts move over time
Brainstorming doesn’t need to be a one-off occasion. Good on-line retailer title concepts usually want time to percolate, and the most effective title on your retailer would possibly come to you after a number of days — and even weeks — of reflection. Encourage group members to jot down title concepts as they arrive, then reconvene at a later date.
Keep away from early judgment
At this stage, attempt to not eradicate names prematurely. It’s widespread to second-guess your self or dismiss a reputation as a result of it doesn’t really feel good straight away. However brainstorming is about quantity. Many names that appear unusual or misplaced at first look might evolve into nice choices when thought-about in a distinct gentle or mixed with different concepts.
As a substitute of pondering, “Is that this the proper title?” ask your self, “Does this have potential?” You’ll have loads of time to refine and filter out names within the subsequent steps. For now, the objective is to collect as many concepts as attainable, regardless of how unconventional they might appear.
Now that you simply’ve generated an inventory of potential names and explored them by means of structured brainstorming, it’s time to chop down the listing. At this stage, it’s important to strategy the method with a extra important eye. Filtering out names that received’t serve your corporation effectively in the long term. This entails private choice, in fact, but in addition sensible, authorized, and branding issues.
Get rid of names primarily based on practicality
The primary go in narrowing down your listing ought to give attention to practicality. This implies contemplating how every title would operate in real-world situations.
Listed below are a number of inquiries to ask your self:
Can it’s spelled simply?
In case your prospects battle to spell your retailer’s title, it might result in confusion and missed alternatives. Keep away from names with ambiguous spellings or phrases which can be generally misspelled.
Can it’s pronounced?
It’s best to be capable to say the title naturally in dialog. If it’s too lengthy, awkward, or onerous to pronounce, miscommunication is extra probably. Think about introducing your retailer at a networking occasion or on a podcast. If it sounds clunky or compelled, transfer on.
Is it user-friendly on your viewers?
The title ought to make sense within the context of your merchandise or {industry}. Whilst you don’t have to spell out what your retailer sells within the title, it shouldn’t really feel off-brand or complicated, both. A superb title provides no less than a touch of your retailer’s id.
Filter out names which can be too much like opponents
One other vital filter is competitors. You don’t need your retailer’s title to be too shut to a different model’s, particularly if that model is established. To do that, you’ll want to perform a little research.
Analysis opponents
First, seek for direct opponents — with bodily places or who’re different on-line shops — in your area of interest or {industry}. Ensure that your on-line retailer’s title is distinct sufficient to keep away from buyer confusion. And remember to verify for native opponents, too. Even should you’re working on-line, verify native companies to keep away from overlap with regional manufacturers.
Instruments like Namechk will help you seek for present enterprise names, social media handles, and logos throughout a number of platforms.
Keep away from trademark points
You don’t need to make investments money and time into branding your on-line retailer, solely to seek out out that the title is legally protected. Infringing on another person’s trademark might end in lawsuits. And no person needs that.
Fortunately, there are a number of locations you should utilize to verify for logos together with:
- USPTO.gov (United States): Affords a searchable trademark database
- WIPO: An answer for worldwide logos
- Madrid Protocol: Permits for worldwide trademark registration acknowledged by 120 nations
- EUIPO: Devoted to companies in Europe
- China Worldwide Mental Property Administration: The official authorities physique for trademark registration in China
- CGPDTM: Handles all trademark functions and protections in India
- ASEAN: Supplies mental property help throughout a large swath of Southeast Asia
- ARIPO: Handles trademark functions for a wide range of English-speaking nations in Africa
- OAPI: Controls trademark registration for 17 French-speaking nations in Africa
- INPI: The governmental company accountable for logos for Brazil
- SIC: Handles trademark protections in Colombia, which can be a member of the Madrid Protocol
- IMPI: In control of trademark registration and enforcement in Mexico
Conduct a radical search to make sure the title isn’t claimed by means of an present trademark.
Consider area availability
What you are promoting title and your area title must be an ideal match — or as shut as attainable. When you’ve narrowed down the listing primarily based on pronunciation and uniqueness, verify the area availability of comparable URLs.
If the .com area isn’t out there, or if it’s being utilized by a widely known model, it is perhaps finest to return to the drafting board.
You should utilize a service like WordPress.com to see if there’s .com area title availability on your retailer. You may also view choices for different customized area extensions as effectively like .store and .weblog.
With a shorter listing of potential names in hand, it’s time to guage them in opposition to a set of particular, significant standards.
Get rid of names that don’t go the professionalism take a look at
This subsequent filter is a psychological train designed that will help you consider the professionalism of every title. Think about saying the title of your on-line retailer to a journalist from a revered publication, like The New York Occasions. Would you are feeling assured in the way it sounds? Would the title come throughout as skilled, or wouldn’t it appear too casual or gimmicky? Might you pitch this title to an investor?
One other means to think about it’s this: Is that this a reputation that may develop with your corporation? Whereas playful names can work for sure manufacturers, ask your self if the title will nonetheless be related and credible in 5, ten, or 20 years.
Keep away from names with adverse or unintended associations
Typically, a reputation that appears nice in a single language or tradition can tackle adverse and even offensive connotations in one other. It’s vital to analysis your shortlist of names to make sure none of them carry undesirable associations.
To conduct this verify, seek for your on-line retailer title concepts on Google in several languages to see in the event that they translate to something inappropriate or undesirable. You may also ask a various group of individuals for his or her impressions of the title. This could possibly be buddies, group members, or potential prospects. They could discover associations you hadn’t thought-about.
Does it convey the correct that means?
A superb title evokes the correct emotion or affiliation along with your model. It doesn’t have to explain your corporation actually, however it ought to convey one thing significant — whether or not that’s a sense, a core worth, or an idea.
An evocative title creates an emotional connection. And names that evoke robust feelings or imagery usually tend to create a long-lasting impression on prospects.
A stable evocative title is Blue Apron. The title brings up photographs of cooking and home-style meals, which is becoming for a meal-kit supply service.
Will the title stand out in search engines like google?
Searchability performs a job within the title you choose, too. Your potential prospects will seek for merchandise on-line, so your retailer’s title must be easy to find in search outcomes. This implies selecting a reputation that’s distinctive sufficient to rank excessive and doesn’t get misplaced below extra widespread phrases or competing manufacturers.
This issues for web optimization and for standing out out of your competitors. And you’ll take a look at for it by looking for the title and see what comes up. You may also additional improve your web site’s web optimization through the use of an extension like Yoast WooCommerce web optimization when you’re up and working.
Are there many companies, merchandise, or ideas with comparable names? In that case, you would possibly want to decide on one thing extra distinctive. Verify social media platforms, too. Consistency throughout all platforms like Instagram and Fb issues for constructing a cohesive model presence.
Does the title match along with your model (or what you could have deliberate)?
What you are promoting title ought to align with the tone, character, and total imaginative and prescient of your model. What the title means by itself issues, however the way it suits into your broader model narrative and the way it will evolve as your corporation grows issues so much, too.
Your title ought to provide the flexibility to develop your corporation. A reputation that’s too linked to a particular product or development would possibly really feel outdated or limiting as you evolve. And it ought to replicate the story and values of your corporation. If it feels disconnected out of your core mission or character, it is perhaps too complicated.
By now, you’ve narrowed down your listing and evaluated the highest contenders primarily based on key standards. This remaining step is about validating your alternative and making certain it matches your model and enterprise targets.
Right here’s easy methods to make that remaining resolution.
Belief your instincts
Whereas information and suggestions are wildly vital, your instincts shouldn’t be ignored. A reputation that excites and evokes you is usually a very good signal it should resonate with others. In any case, you’ll be the one representing and rising this model for years to return. So, ask your self these inquiries to get a remaining “intestine” verify:
- Does the title energize you?
- Does it match your model imaginative and prescient?
- Will it age effectively?
Collect remaining suggestions
Earlier than locking in your alternative, contemplate getting extra suggestions from potential prospects or colleagues. A fast survey or A/B take a look at can validate that the title works effectively in your goal market.
- Ask potential prospects: Survey your audience with open-ended questions on your high title decisions. What feelings or associations do the names evoke? Do they discover it simple to recollect and spell? You should utilize a WooCommerce extension like Person Expertise Suggestions for WooCommerce to get this information out of your take a look at web site guests.
- Conduct A/B testing: Take into account working a small A/B take a look at between two title choices. Measure which one performs higher when it comes to click-through charges, engagement, or total curiosity.
- Use numerous suggestions sources: Don’t restrict your self to buddies or coworkers. Attain out to individuals in several demographics, particularly these inside your goal market. Their recent perspective can spotlight hidden strengths or potential issues.
Pay shut consideration to adverse suggestions, particularly if a number of individuals increase the identical concern. However don’t let a number of particular person preferences steer you too far — give attention to patterns that emerge.
Check the title in sensible contexts
Earlier than you finalize the title, be certain that it really works in all the sensible contexts the place it will likely be seen and used. You’ve found out if the area title is out there, in order that’s one key element down. However this extra verify ought to stop model id points in a while.
Check the title inside a emblem and branding. See the way it seems in several fonts, designs, and colours. Does it supply flexibility in branding, or does it really feel restrictive? You need a title that appears nice on every part out of your web site to packaging (if relevant).
Verify the title on all social platforms you intend to make use of, too. Does the title match character limits? Are the handles out there?
Finalize the choice and transfer ahead
When you’re assured that you simply’ve chosen the correct title, act rapidly to safe all related property. Domains and social media handles can get taken quick, so don’t delay.
- Register your domains: Get the .com model of your title if attainable, and a related various if wanted like .co, .retailer, .weblog, and so forth. Use one thing like WordPress.com to safe it.
- Safe social media handles: Declare your social media handles on all platforms the place you’d prefer to have a presence on your small enterprise, even should you’re not launching instantly.
- Get trademark safety: Relying on the scope of your corporation, it is perhaps value submitting for a trademark to guard your title from opponents. Seek the advice of a lawyer should you’re not sure, particularly should you plan to scale your model nationally or internationally.
So, you could have the instruments to provide you with memorable, efficient on-line retailer title concepts for your corporation. You perceive what makes a fantastic title, know why it issues, and have a transparent course of to observe — plus some key standards to remember as you refine your choices.
All there’s left to do is to get began! Collect your concepts, observe the steps, and select a reputation that may assist your on-line retailer stand out for years to return.
Once you’re able to begin your ecommerce enterprise, remember to construct on WooCommerce to retain full possession of your onerous work and most flexibility to develop from startup to enterprise.
Kathryn Marr is the co-founder and Chief Artistic Officer of Blue Ivory Artistic, the place she combines design experience with a deep understanding of ecommerce and WordPress. She helps manufacturers flip advanced concepts into clear, compelling content material that connects with their viewers — whether or not they’re simply beginning out or firmly positioned among the many world’s main firms.
